 |
 |
A-10 Thunderbolt II: The Warthog
|
The Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single seat, twin-egine, straight wing military airplane developed in the early 1970s.
The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, in October 1975. The upgraded A-10C reached initial operational capability in September 2007.
Specifically designed for close air support, the airplane's combination of large and varied ordnance load, long loiter time, accurate weapons delivery, austere field capability, and survivability has proven invaluable to the United States and its allies.
The airplane has participated in operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Provide Comfort, Desert Fox, Noble Anvil, Deny Flight, Deliberate Guard, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
A-10 Thunderbolt II Design Characteristics
The A-10 was designed around the GAU-8 Avenger, a heavy rotary cannon that forms the aircraft's primary armament.
|
The airframe incorporates over 1,200 pounds of armor and was designed with survivability as a priority, with protective measures in place which enable the A-10 to continue flying even after taking significant damage.
The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform.
The airplane can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions.
The wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. Using night vision goggles, A-10 pilots can conduct their missions during darkness.
A total of 716 A-10 aircraft have been built.
|
Technical Specifications: A-10 Thunderbolt II
Power Plant: Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans
Thrust: 9,065 pounds each engine
Wingspan: 57 feet, 6 inches
Length: 53 feet, 4 inches
Height: 14 feet, 8 inches
Weight: 29,000 pounds
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 51,000 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 11,000 pounds
Payload: 16,000 pounds
Speed: 450 nautical miles per hour (Mach 0.75)
Range: 2,580 miles
Ceiling: 45,000 feet
Armament: One 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun; up to 16,000 pounds of mixed ordnance on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylon stations, including 500 pound Mk-82 and 2,000 pounds Mk-84 series low/high drag bombs, incendiary cluster bombs, combined effects munitions, mine dispensing munitions, AGM-65 Maverick missiles and laser-guided/electro-optically guided bombs; infrared countermeasure flares; electronic countermeasure chaff; jammer pods; 2.75-inch rockets; illumination flares and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
Crew: One
Unit Cost: $18.8 million
Initial operating capability: A-10A, 1977; A-10C, 2007
Inventory: Active force, 187; Reserve, 49; ANG, 107
A-10 Thunderbolt II Photos by Airplanes Online
Fairchild-Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II ... the "Warthog" ... S/N 75-0298 inside a Pima Air & Space hangar |
 |
Front cannon on the Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II |
 |
Tail markings on the Fairchild-Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II ... Tail Code DM, Serial Number 75-298 |
 |
A-10 Thunderbolt "Warthog" 288 on display at Eglin AFB |
 |
A-10A Thunderbolt 681 on display at the Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio |
 |
A-10A Warthog S/N 73-0667 in "Flying Tigers" paint scheme on static display at the closed England AFB in Louisiana |
 |
A-10 Thunderbolt II in "Flying Tigers" paint scheme at the former England AFB in Alexandria, Louisiana |
 |
Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II plaque at the static aircraft display at England Air Park in Louisiana The 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing accepted its first A-10 in December of 1980. |
 |
A-10 Photos by Our Friends and Supporters
U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts on tour in France, with S/N 82-648 in the foreground (Photos by DELEHELLE Eric) |
A-10 Thunderbolt II on display at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska (photo by Michael Hoschouer) |
|
A-10A Thumderbolt II at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho (photo by Michael Hoschouer) |
 |