The A-10A is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces.
The Air Force A-10A Thunderbolt II will perform a flight demonstration at the 2010 Naval Base Ventura County Air Show.
The A-10A 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.
The primary mission of the A-10A is to provide day and night close air combat support for friendly land forces and to act as forward air controller to coordinate and direct friendly air forces in support of land forces.
The A-10A has a secondary mission of supporting search and rescue and Special Forces operations. It also possesses a limited capability to perform certain types of interdiction.
All of these missions may take place in a high or low threat environment.
The General Electric Aircraft Armament Subsystem A/A49E-6 (30 millimeter gun system) is located in the forward nose section of the fuselage. The gun system consists of the 30mm Gatling gun mechanism, double-ended linkless ammunition feed, storage assembly and hydraulic drive system.
The General Electric GAU-8/A 30mm seven barrel cannon, specifically designed for the A-10A, provides unmatched tank killing capability. The gun fires armor-piercing projectiles capable of penetrating heavy armor. It also fires a high explosive incendiary round, which is extremely effective against soft skinned targets like trucks. The cannon fires at a rate of 4,200 rounds per minute.
The A-10’s maneuverability, teamed with the gun’s accuracy, allows the pilot quick reaction with lethal effects.
Other weapons include the AGM-65 Maverick and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
The aircraft is capable of worldwide deployment and operation from austere bases with minimal support equipment. Their short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines.
In addition to its survivability, the A-10A has the ability to land on unimproved airfields and be flown and maintained near Army ground troops.
Highly effective and efficient in combat, the A-10 is capable of sustaining operations on unimproved airfields near ground troops — keys to success in conducting small operations against hostile forces.
The A-10A’s rapid refueling and re-arming capability allows it to operate from forward bases close to the front lines. It is also capable of refueling in the air.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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