The A-8 (and F-8) models that we have in the game have some of the best armor/durability of any of the 190 series. They're both, as a consequence, a bit overweight and gainly. There were other A-8 models in RL that didn't have nearly so much armor and aditional weight btw, the one we have was specificly designed as a heavy-armed, heavy-armored, high-altitude capable bomber interceptor. You can lighten up its armament but it still maintains some panalties that other and lighter fighter-interceptor A8s didn't have to deal with), there were litteraly dozens of A/F/G 8-series varients that made it into production.
If I'm going to be in a knife fight, I like the A-5 or D-9.
If I'm intercepting buffs I'll take the A-8 with cannons and 100%-75% internal fuel (I rarely need its DT) for up to 24/27k. Higher than that, it's time for the 152.
If I'm attacking a base or GV front then the A-8 is a great deacker while the shaped-charge rockets of the F-8 are extremely effective when used right and sparingly or even broadly in massive salvos (and you get 12 of them!). The rockets on the A8 are capable of being useful against ground targets, but are most effective against enemy buff formations (and you only get 2 of them).
The A-5 varient that we have is really a fighter interceptor for the most part. You can take the extra cannons but note that they are the older 20mms that have poorer ballistics and even poorer amounts of ammo to be worth taking most the time. If you do engage in attacking a bomber, you lack the increased armor protection on your forward exposed surfaces that the A8 has to protect itself from exposed defensive fire.
