The A-10 Warthog a single-seat aircraft with straight wings has been in service for nearly 50 years. It's a ground attack and close-air support aircraft that has been used in many conflicts including the Middle East.
The A-10 can transport ordnance across many terrain types. The aircraft has a high-aspect, unswept-wing design, two nonafterburning turbofan engines, and a 7-barrel, 30 mm gun. A-10 features large ailerons to provide excellent low-altitude maneuverability.
A-10s can operate from forward air bases that are located near the front lines of battle. They can also fly to a variety of locations, including small infrastructure airfields. During combat, the A-10 may have to leave the airspace, which may cause it to become vulnerable to incoming missiles. This is why the A-10 is equipped a backup mechanical system.
During the Gulf War, the A-10 was used extensively for ground attacks. The A-10 was one of 144 aircraft that were sent to the region. They destroyed 967 enemy tanks, 10 ground vehicle and 281 military structures. A-10s also proved to be effective against enemy airborne or helicopter aircraft. The Pentagon stated that the aircraft could shoot down enemy fighters and artillery, but it was less effective against anti-aircraft weapons.
However, the Air Force has been trying to retire the A-10 for several years. It is unknown if the fleet can be retired entirely. Instead, it may undergo some upgrades. Some of the most recent changes include electronic countermeasures, an improved fire control system, and a new variable message format. These upgrades will increase the aircraft's capability to deliver smart bombs, and other equipment.
Although the A-10 may be getting old, it will still serve USAF duty for many years. It isn't a cutting edge platform. Due to its age, the Air Force has begun considering a plan that would see the aircraft being retired.
The A-10 was intended to be a powerful tank-buster. It was designed to eliminate Soviet armored trucks and was considered an excellent close air support aircraft. The aircraft was heavily armed, including a 30mm gun, a laser guided bomb and other heavy ordnance.
Although the aircraft was originally built by Fairchild Republic, it was later acquired by Grumman Corporation. Since that time, the A-10 has undergone significant upgrades. Today, the A-10 has one of history's most heavily armed aircraft.
A variety of auxiliary systems can be added to the A-10. These include an advanced targeting pod with a laser spot-tracker and an IR mark. It also has a CCDTV and a FLIR mid-wave. The upgrade includes a ground-collision warning and digital stores management systems.
Despite being over 50 years old, the A-10 was able to withstand many violent attacks. During the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait, for instance, the aircraft was responsible in large part for all aerial kills on enemy ground vehicles. The aircraft was also credited with shooting down nine enemy artillery pieces and two enemy helicopters.