List 25 Facts about the A-10 Thunderbolt 'Warthog'
1. The A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft primarily designed for close air support of ground forces.
2. It is commonly referred to as the "Warthog" due to its rugged appearance and its nose-mounted 30mm Gatling gun.
3. The A-10 was developed in the 1970s by Fairchild-Republic as a replacement for the A-1 Skyraider.
4. Its development started as a response to the U.S. Army's requirement for a dedicated close air support aircraft.
5. It entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1977 and has been actively used ever since.
6. The A-10 was specifically designed to be able to operate from short, unprepared airstrips, making it highly versatile in various combat scenarios.
7. It features a titanium "bathtub" cockpit design, providing great protection for the pilot against ground fire.
8. The A-10 can fly at low altitudes and speeds, allowing it to accurately engage targets with its weapons systems.
9. The aircraft is powered by two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofan engines, giving it a maximum speed of over 400 knots.
10. Its 30mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon, located in the nose, is capable of firing up to 4,200 rounds per minute.
11. The cannon is primarily used for strafing runs on enemy ground targets such as tanks and armored vehicles.
12. The A-10 has eleven hardpoints, which can be used to carry a wide range of ordnance including missiles, bombs, and rockets.
13. It has a high survivability rate due to its redundant systems, controlled by a backup control system that can take over in case of damage or failure.
14. In addition to its primary role as a close air support platform, the A-10 can also perform forward air control, search and rescue, and combat search and rescue missions.
15. The A-10 has been deployed in various conflicts, including the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War.
16. During the Gulf War, A-10s flew over 8,000 combat sorties and were highly effective in destroying enemy armor and providing close air support to ground troops.
17. The A-10 has been extremely popular among ground troops who appreciate its ability to provide accurate and responsive air support.
18. Despite being initially slated for retirement several times, the A-10 remains in service due to its unique capabilities and cost-effectiveness.
19. The aircraft has undergone several modernization programs to enhance its capabilities and keep it relevant in modern warfare.
20. The A-10C is the most advanced variant, featuring a upgraded avionics suite, precision-guided munitions capability, and improved survivability systems.
21. The A-10 has been exported to several U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Turkey.
22. In 2019, the USAF announced plans to keep the A-10 in service until at least 2030, ensuring its continued role in supporting ground forces.
23. The A-10 is known for its distinctive sound, produced by the high-speed firing of its 30mm cannon and the distinctive noise of its engines.
24. The aircraft's increased loiter time and ability to fly low and slow make it an ideal platform for close coordination with ground forces.
25. The A-10 Thunderbolt II remains one of the most recognizable and respected close air support aircraft in the world today.
Give me ten more NEW facts that you have not introduced
1. The A-10 Warthog was originally designed to withstand damage from anti-aircraft artillery, making it highly durable and capable of returning to base even after sustaining significant damage.
2. The A-10's wings are specially designed to enable the aircraft to maintain stable flight at low speeds, allowing for accurate weapon delivery and enhanced maneuverability.
3. It can carry up to 16,000 pounds of mixed ordnance, including AGM-65 Maverick missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and various guided bombs.
4. The A-10's cockpit features a heads-up display (HUD) to provide the pilot with critical information without diverting their attention from the battlefield.
5. It has a maximum range of around 800 nautical miles, giving it the capability to conduct operations across significant distances.
6. The A-10's engines are mounted high on the aircraft's rear fuselage to prevent foreign object damage during rough-field operations.
7. During the Cold War, the A-10 was also intended to provide a combat search and rescue capability for downed aircrew.
8. The A-10 played a significant role in the NATO intervention in the Kosovo conflict, where it conducted numerous close air support missions.
9. The A-10's ability to loiter over the battlefield for extended periods of time makes it an effective platform for providing airborne command and control capabilities.
10. The A-10 has a specialized targeting pod called the LITENING II, which enhances its ability to identify and engage targets accurately, including moving ground vehicles.