The A-10 Thunderbolt is affectionatly nicknamed "The Warthog"
due to it's ugly appearence. The A-10 is not like the F/A-18 Hornet or the F-16 Fighting
Falcon, because it's roles do not include fighter as well as attack aircraft. It is
nothing but an attack aircraft, however it is very good at what it does.
The A-10 Thunderbolt is built around it's large 7 barrel GAU/A Avenger 30mm Anti-tank gun.
The gun fires depleted uranium shells, giving it tremendous power. Depleted uranium is not
radioactive and probably the heaviest metal around, giving the rounds tremendous kinetic
energy. The A-10 can also be fitted with numerous kinds of air-to-ground ordanance,
including Hellfire missiles, rockets, cluster bombs, napomb and almost every kind of
air-to-ground ordanance you can think of.
Specs on the A-10 Thunderbolt
Manufacturer: Fairchild Republic Company
Type: Close Support Attack
Engines: Twin General Electric TF34-100 Turbofans
Max Speed: 423 MPH
Wingspan: 57 ft, 6 in
Length: 53 ft, 4 in
Height: 14ft, 8 in
Weight: [empty] 21,519 lb.; [max loaded] 50,000 lb.
Weapons Systems: One GE GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm gun; External ordnance max load 16,000lb
Crew: Pilot
First Flight: 1972
Service Entry: 1975
