The name of the aircraft in today’s video is Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt. This is a two seater aircraft with a twin engine capacity and a straight wing deign aircraft developed and manufactured by Fairchild Republic. The aircraft is specially built for US Air Force and is actually an improvement of its remnant; the former Republic P-47 Thunderbolt which was particularly famous for its close air support.
Common name for A-10 Thunderbolts are ‘Warthog’ or simply ‘Hog’. The aim to develop this aircraft was to provide a close in support to the troops fighting on ground. It is also useful in providing close air support as well as for provision of quick action support against following military arsenals of the enemies.
- Helicopters
- Vehicles
- Ground troops.
The aircraft officially entered in USAF service back in 1976. Other than providing primary close air support to the ground troops it also has a secondary purpose and that is to provide Air Controller- Airborne support that allows it to direct other aircrafts to attack the ground targets. The A-10’s used in these secondary missions are designated by USAF as OA-10.
The primary armament for the A-10 is the 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger Rotary Canon; other than its machine guns.
A-10’s airframe was built with durability in mind. The cockpit and aircraft’s systems are covered with a titanium armor of about 1200 pounds weight. This allows the aircraft to absorb significant amount of damage during action and to continue fighting back.
The plane has a short take off and landing capabilities making it suitable for fast deploying form the nearby bases. The design is simplistic enough that it requires minimal maintenance.
Few of the main conflicts in which A-10 Thunderbirds participated as a part of USAF are as follows.
- Operation Desert Shield
- Operation Desert Storm
- American intervention operation against Kuwait
- Operation Urgent Fury in Uganda, Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq and even against ISIS
The below video is actually one of a kind battle simulation with real guns and rocket firing action of A-10 Thunderbolt. Enjoy the video down below.
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