The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: A-10A/C Thunderbolt II

  • Published
  • U.S. Air Force Academy

Manufacturer: Fairchild Republic

Function: Close Air Support, Airborne Forward Air Control

Service Date: 1977

Speed: 517 mph

Crew: One

Production: 713 Inventory: 355

Commentary: The cockpit is protected with a titanium armor “bathtub”, capable of absorbing up to 23 mm rounds. A-10s were first used in combat during Desert Storm in 1991. The A-10 is projected to serve beyond 2028.