A-10 Thunderbolt II, also called "Warthog" and "Tank buster", is one-man, twin engine, combat aircraft designed to provide fire support for ground troops. One Warthog carries enough ammuniton to destroy 16 tanks. Seven barell 30 mm cannon is located in the nose of aircraft, and it is the most effective weapon ever installed in any aircraft. The entire cockpit is embeded in armored tub, and the fuel tank is protected against shooting from small weapons. Each hydraulic circuit for steering rudders is backed up simply by ropes. I saw photos where A-10 was landing only with half of tail wings, and with only one engine. So, I think it's one of the most reliable and the best aircrafts in arsenal of U.S. Air Force.
The first Thunderbolt landed at the base in Arizona in 1975. In September 1980 Iran was attacked by neighboring Iraq. Saddam Hussein built the fourth largest army in the world, with help of the Soviet Union, with more than 4000 tanks. In year 1991 A-10s were used in the war for the first time, in the Persian Gulf. Within 40 days of conflict, A-10s destroyed 987 tanks, 926 cannons, 1,355 armored vehicles, 10 aircraft on the ground, and shot down two helicopters.
Source of information:
- Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II - Wikipedia. Link to the source: en.wikipedia.org.
- Battle Stations - A-10 Thunderbolt II (television documentary). The History Channel, 2003.
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