The A-10 was the result of the U.S. Air Forces need of an aircraft to fit the close air support (CAS) role, one capable of a high degree of manuverability at low speeds and low altitudes plus be able to survive the small arms fire it would inevitably take while doing so. One of the requirements for this role was a massive cannon to take out heavily armored ground targets, so it was literally designed around the General Electric GAU-8/A "Avenger", a 30 mm hydraulically-driven seven-barrel Gatling-type rotary cannon, which is to this date, still the heaviest rotary cannon ever mounted on an aircraft.
Images clockwise from top left: 1.) Size comparison of the A-10's main armament with a Volkswagen Beetle. 2.) 30mm round. 3.) The A-10 earned it's reputation as a tank killer in the Gulf War, where it destroied more than 900 Iraqi tanks.
Flying at low altitudes at slow speeds, the A-10's job duties place it in danger from small arms fire and was designed with this in mind. To protect the pilot, the aircraft is equipped with a titanium armored cockpit which can protect the pilot from a direct hit from projectiles up to 37mm in diameter. Even the canopy is made of bulletproof glass with a windscreen able to withstand a 23mm projectile hit. With triple redundant flight control systems the A-10 is sure to make it back home even after a serious hit.
Major Kim Reed-Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for piloting her heavily damaged A-10 back to base in southern Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"We did our job with the guys there on the ground, and as we were on our way out is when I felt the jet get hit. It was pretty obvious — it was loud... I lost all hydraulics instantaneously, and the jet rolled left and pointed toward the ground, which was an uncomfortable feeling over Baghdad...there was no way I wanted to eject over Baghdad...". She tried several proceedures to regain control of her aircraft and finally, upon switching the plane to manual reversion mode, she was able to pull her aircraft's nose up. "The jet was performing exceptionally well. I had no doubt in my mind I was going to land that airplane."
April 7th 2003 - Major Kim Reed-Campbell
A closer look at the damage her aircraft sustained.
Having been designed specifically for the role of CAS, the A-10 is a perfect example of function over form, earning the unofficial nickname of "Warthog" due to it's less than sleek appearance. With it's proven tank killing abilities, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has been relied on time after time to get the job done efficiently ever since it's introduction in 1976. This amazing aircraft is scheduled to be replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Already, 5 A-10 squadrons are on the chopping block in 2012...and my heart breaks.
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