A-10 Thunderbolt
Known as the Warthog, the A-10 Thunderbolt II provides close-air support of ground forces. Boeing is providing replacement wings.
A-10 Warthog
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog, is a twin-engine aircraft that provides close-air support of ground forces and employs a wide variety of conventional munitions including general purpose bombs. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.
Modernization and the Wing Replacement Program
Boeing is under contract to manage production of a maximum of 112 wing sets and spare kits. The U.S. Air Force has ordered 44 wing sets since the contract award. Under a previous contract, Boeing delivered 173 wing sets to the Air Force.
The upgraded wings are more durable, efficient, and easier to maintain.
Evolution of the A-10
Re-winging a Thunderbolt
Boeing will manage the wing replacement program over 11 years.
Sitting in a ‘Bathtub’
The single-seat cockpit is protected by all-round armor, with a titanium "bathtub" structure to protect the pilot that is up to 3.8cm thick.
Heavily Armed
The A-10 Thunderbolt II provides support through its mix of weaponry, including a Gatling gun and up to 16,000 pounds of ordnance.
Close-air Support
The A-10 can loiter near battle areas for extended periods, and operate with less than 1,000-feet ceilings, providing close-air support to warfighters on the ground.
Enduring Platform
The A-10 first flew in May 1972, and since then, the U.S. Military has fielded 713 aircraft, continuously updating them.
A-10 Technical Specifications
| Primary Function | Close air support |
| Contractor | Fairchild Republic Co. |
| Power Plant | Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans |
| Thrust | 9,065 pounds each engine |
| Wingspan | 57 ft, 6 in (17.42 m) |
| Length | 53 ft, 4 in (16.16 m) |
| Height | 14 ft, 8 in (4.42 m) |
| Weight | 29,000 lbs (13,154 kg) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 51,000 lbs (22,950 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 11,000 lbs (7,257 kg) |
| Payload | 16,000 lbs (7,257 kg) |
| Speed | 420 miles per hour (Mach 0.56) |
| Range | 800 miles (695 nautical miles) |
| Ceiling | 45,000 feet (13,636 meters) |
| Armament | One 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun; up to 16,000 lbs (7,200 kg) of mixed ordnance on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylon stations, including 500 lb (225 kg) Mk-82 and 2,000 lb (900 kg) 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-in (6.99 cm) rockets; illumination flares and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. |
| Crew | 1 |
Quick Facts About the A-10 Wing Replacement Program
- Boeing’s contract win was based upon its established supply base, experience with the A-10 structures, and in-depth knowledge of the U.S. Air Force's requirements.
- The contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type with a maximum ceiling value of $999 million.
- The contract runs through FY2030.
- Boeing will team with Korean Aerospace Industries and other key suppliers to deliver the first wing sets to Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah.