Is the A-10 a fighter?
It is commonly referred to by the nicknames “Warthog” or “Hog”, although the A-10’s official name comes from the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a World War II fighter-bomber effective at attacking ground targets. The A-10 was designed around the 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon.
Does the A-10 have any air to air kills?
A-10s scored two Air-to-Air kills against helicopters in Desert Storm. While no A-10 pilot has managed to shoot down an enemy fighter in combat, the platform does have a few notches in its belt for downing enemy aircraft.
How many A 10 does the US have?
Over 367 A-10 aircraft are in service with the US Air Force, Air Combat Command, the US Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard. The aircraft variants currently in service in the US Air force are A-10 (143), and A-10C (70); Reserve A-10 (46) and OA-10 (6); ANG, A-10 (84) and OA-10 (18).
Do fighters still dogfight?
Unlike older planes immortalized in films, the F-35 doesn’t need to face its adversary to destroy it. While US Air Force pilots do train for classic, World War II-era dogfights, and while the F-35 holds its own and can maneuver just as well as fourth-generation planes, dogfights just aren’t that important anymore.
Is the A-10 Thunderbolt used in the Air Force?
1990’s — The A-10 Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greg L. Davis)
Where did the A-10 Thunderbolt II take part in the Gulf War?
The A-10 served in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), the American–led intervention against Iraq ‘s invasion of Kuwait, where the aircraft distinguished itself. The A-10 also participated in other conflicts such as in Grenada, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and against the Islamic State in the Middle East.
What is the maximum speed of an A-10 Thunderbolt II?
Performance Never exceed speed: 450 knots (518 mph, 833 km/h) at 5,000 ft (1,500 m) with 18 Mk 82 bombs Maximum speed: 381 knots (439 mph, 706 km/h) at sea level, clean Cruise speed: 300 knots (340 mph, 560 km/h) Stall speed: 120 knots (138 mph, 220 km/h) Combat radius:
Why was the Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II developed?
The N/AW was developed by Fairchild from the first Demonstration Testing and Evaluation (DT&E) A-10 for consideration by the USAF. It included a second seat for a weapons system officer responsible for electronic countermeasures (ECM), navigation and target acquisition.
