A cool way to get a haircut!

ATO: We have people recording on the end of the runway… give them the best show.

Pilot: Watch me.

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The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the “Warthog,” is a twin-turbofan, close air support aircraft that was designed for the United States Air Force (USAF) by Fairchild Republic in the 1970s. It is the only production-built fixed-wing aircraft that was designed specifically for close air support, and it is one of the most heavily armed aircraft in the world.

The A-10 Thunderbolt is equipped with a 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon, which is capable of firing up to 3,900 rounds per minute. The cannon is mounted in the aircraft’s nose, and it can fire a variety of different types of ammunition, including armor-piercing depleted uranium rounds.

In addition to the GAU-8 cannon, the A-10 Thunderbolt can also carry a variety of other weapons, including Maverick missiles, laser-guided bombs, and rockets. The aircraft has a maximum payload of 16,000 pounds, and it can carry up to 11 hardpoints for weapons.

The A-10 Thunderbolt is known for its excellent maneuverability at low altitudes and airspeeds. It is also highly survivable, with armor plating that protects the cockpit and vital aircraft systems. The A-10 Thunderbolt has been used in combat in a number of conflicts, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.

Here are some of the key features of the A-10 Thunderbolt II:

  • Single-engine, twin-turbofan aircraft
  • Specifically designed for close air support
  • Heavily armed, with a 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon and a variety of other weapons
  • Excellent maneuverability at low altitudes and airspeeds
  • Highly survivable, with armor plating that protects the cockpit and vital aircraft systems

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is a beloved aircraft by aviation professionals and enthusiasts alike. It is a powerful and versatile close air support aircraft that has played a vital role in protecting American ground troops for decades.

Here are some examples of how the A-10 Thunderbolt II has been used in combat:

  • During the Gulf War, A-10 Thunderbolts were used to destroy Iraqi tanks and other armored vehicles.
  • In the Iraq War, A-10 Thunderbolts were used to provide close air support to American and Iraqi ground forces.
  • In the War in Afghanistan, A-10 Thunderbolts have been used to provide close air support to American and Afghan ground forces in their fight against the Taliban.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is a vital part of the United States Air Force’s arsenal, and it is expected to continue to serve for many years to come.

Marko R.
Marko's passion for aviation takes flight both in the air and through the viewfinder. As a flyer and photographer, he brings a unique blend of aviation expertise and visual storytelling to explore the fascinating and often surprising aspects of flight and aviation in general.
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Barry Martin
Barry Martin
1 year ago

The A-10 is not a single-engine aircraft. It is a single-seat, twin engine.