
A-10 Thunderbolt
Known as the Warthog, the A-10 Thunderbolt II provides close-air support of ground forces. Boeing is providing replacement wings.
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.
Boeing will manage the wing replacement program over 11 years.
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.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II provides support through its mix of weaponry, including a Gatling gun and up to 16,000 pounds of ordnance.
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.
The A-10 first flew in May 1972, and since then, the U.S. Military has fielded 713 aircraft, continuously updating them.
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 |