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| Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II |
Militarymedia.net | Originally conceived as a counterinsurgency aircraft to aid the US war effort in Southeast Asia, the Fairchild A-10 emerged as a specialized close air support aircraft with the primary role of destroying enemy armor. It first flew in production form the A-10A on October 21, 1975 and entered United States Air Force (USAF) service in 1977. Formally known as the Thunderbolt II, it is commonly referred to as the Warthog. More than 700 of these close support aircraft were built. Some of them are still operating. The type has been flown exclusively by the US military. These close support aircraft were never exported to US allies.
The A-10 is built around the 30 mm Avenger GAU-8 cannon, the most powerful weapon ever flown. The A-10 is also required to carry a large number of ground attack arsenals and can withstand intense battlefield anti-aircraft fire.
Unstressed and radarless, the A-10A remains rigorously equipped in terms of avionics, but is a very tough and well-protected machine. The cockpit is protected from 23 mm cannon fire by titanium armor. The Warthog's nickname stuck mostly because of the awkward type appearance. However, the unconventional design is critical to its ability to survive in a deadly battlefield environment; a fuel-efficient turbofan with a low IR marking is mounted above the rear fuselage and the A-10 can remain airworthy with the engine, tail or other parts inoperative or fired.
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| Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II |
Much derided and destined for early retirement before the 1991 Gulf War, the A-10A's stellar performance and the Forward Air Control (FAC)-controlled variant of the OA-10A led to the type continuing to lead the way in the USAF. front line. Most of today's aircraft have received the LAST modification which adds autopilot and also greatly improves weapon accuracy.
Primarily armed with AGM-65 Maverick missiles in addition to the 30 mm cannon, the A-10 has been a key player in subsequent USAF actions, including combat in the former Yugoslavia. Although plans to supply used A-10As to Turkey were scrapped, the type will remain in USAF service for some time. Although the USAF is currently adopting the F-35A Lightning II stealth multi-role fighter, it will take on some of the A-10's roles.
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| Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II |
Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II Variant
The A-10A is a series production version of the A-10.
The A-10C is the latest version of the A-10A under the incremental Precision Engagement program. As of 2015 the US military operated 283 of these aircraft.
The OA-10A is a version of the A-10A, which is used for forward air control in the air.
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| Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II |
