Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog, was the first U.S. Air Force aircraft designed specifically for close air support of ground forces. Built around its 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling gun, the twin-turbofan jet is rugged and survivable, with titanium armor protecting the pilot and flight controls, redundant hydraulic and manual backup systems, and self-sealing fuel cells. The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in 1975, and the type was deployed in 1976.
Highly maneuverable at low speeds and altitudes, it can loiter near the battlefield and carry up to 16,000 pounds of mixed ordnance, including AGM-65 Maverick missiles. The A-10 proved decisive against armor during Operation Desert Storm and has served in conflicts across the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, remaining a frontline attack aircraft for decades.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Fairchild Republic
- Type
- Close air support attack aircraft
- Crew
- 1
- First Flight
- May 10, 1972
- Powerplant
- Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans, 9,065 lb thrust each
- Max Speed
- 420 mph (Mach 0.56)
- Range
- 800 mi (695 nmi)
- Service Ceiling
- 45,000 ft
- Length
- 53 ft 4 in (16.16 m)
- Wingspan
- 57 ft 6 in (17.42 m)
- Loaded Weight
- 51,000 lb max takeoff
- Armament
- One 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon; up to 16,000 lb of bombs, AGM-65 Maverick and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, rockets on 11 pylons