What is the difference between a-10 Warthog and a-10 Thunderbolt?
Affectionately called the “A-10 Warthog” for its aggressive look and often painted with teeth on the nose cone, the A-10 Thunderbolt II is the U.S. Air Force’s primary low-altitude close air support aircraft. The A-10 is perhaps best known for its fearsome GAU-8 Avenger 30mm gatling gun mounted on the nose.
How much is an A-10 Thunderbolt II?
US$1.4 million
The RFP also specified a maximum speed of 460 mph (400 kn; 740 km/h), takeoff distance of 4,000 feet (1,200 m), external load of 16,000 pounds (7,300 kg), 285-mile (460 km) mission radius, and a unit cost of US$1.4 million ($9.3 million today).
Is the Warthog still in service?
The aircraft is built around its iconic GAU-8 Avenger cannon, which remains an accurate and highly potent weapon against many forms of heavy and light armor. According to Boeing, over 280 A-10 models remain in service with the USAF, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard.
Who is the best fighter pilot ever?
Erich „Bubi“ Hartmann Erich Hartmann is the most successful fighter pilot of all times – with 352 kills. A number that will never be surpassed. His nickname „Bubi“ means „little boy“ – and it’s easy to find out why he was called like that.
Which country has best Air Force?
The United States of America maintains the strongest Air Force in the world by an impressive margin. As of late 2021, the United States Air Force (USAF) is composed of 5217 active aircraft, making it the largest, the most technologically advanced, and the most powerful air fleet in the world.
Why is the A-10 Warthog being retired?
The service has long sought to retire the aging Warthog, which USAF officials argue would offer limited battlefield value in a pitched great-power conflict with Russia or China and is holding up funds that could go toward valuable next-generation platforms.
What is the A-10 Thunderbolt II?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II (also called the Warthog) is an attack aircraft made by Fairchild Republic. It first flew in 1972 and was introduced in 1977. It is designed to drop bombs, fire rockets, missiles, and its 30 mm Gatling Gun at enemies on the ground (like tanks ). It is named after the World War II P-47 Thunderbolt.
When did the Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II come out?
Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II. The A-10 Thunderbolt II (also called the Warthog) is an attack aircraft made by Fairchild Republic. It first flew in 1972 and was introduced in 1977.
What does Thunderbolt mean?
Thunderbolt is the brand name of a hardware interface for the connection of external peripherals to a computer. It has been developed by Intel, in collaboration with Apple. It was initially marketed under the name Light Peak, and first sold as part of an end-user product on 24 February 2011.
What is the purpose of the A-10?
The A-10 was designed for close air support (CAS) of friendly ground troops, attacking armored vehicles and tanks, and providing quick-action support against enemy ground forces. It entered service in 1976 and is the only production-built aircraft that has served in the USAF that was designed solely for CAS.