Changes

[[Image:A-10_30mm.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A closeup of the business end of the 30-mm cannon.]]

[[Image:A-10_30mm.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A closeup of the business end of the 30-mm cannon.]]

The '''A-10 Thunderbolt''' resulted from a [[United States Air Force]] requirement for a rugged attack plane to provide close-in support of ground troops using advanced guided munitions. Carrying one of the most powerful guns ever placed on an aircraft, the 30-mm cannon fires "milk-bottle-size rounds" at rates of 2,100 or 4,200 shots per minute. The A-10, also known as the Warthog, is extremely rugged and designed to fly with one engine, an entire tail fin, or even part of a wing shot completely off the plane. The A-10 also provides further protection against ground fire by encasing the cockpit and the ammunition drum for the cannon within a [[titanium]] "tub." Though able to operate guided missiles and bombs using a laser-designator pod under the nose, the avionics installed aboard the A-10 have remained simple for greater dependability.  

The Fairchild-Republic '''A-10 Thunderbolt II''' (so named in honor of the WWII era Republic P-47 Thunderbolt) resulted from a [[United States Air Force]] requirement for a rugged attack plane to provide close-in support of ground troops using advanced guided munitions. Carrying one of the most powerful guns ever placed on an aircraft, the 30-mm cannon fires "milk-bottle-size rounds" at rates of 2,100 or 4,200 shots per minute. The A-10, also known as the Warthog, is extremely rugged and designed to fly with one engine, an entire tail fin, or even part of a wing shot completely off the plane. The A-10 also provides further protection against ground fire by encasing the cockpit and the ammunition drum for the cannon within a [[titanium]] "tub." Though able to operate guided missiles and bombs using a laser-designator pod under the nose, the avionics installed aboard the A-10 have remained simple for greater dependability.  

[[Image:a10.gif]]

[[Image:a10.gif]]

Over 700 examples of the A-10 were originally built for the US Air Force. Many have since been transferred to the [[Air National Guard]] and [[Air Force Reserves]] or retired from service. As the A-10 fleet has been retired, many have been offered for sale to several foreign nations.

Over 700 examples of the A-10 were originally built for the US Air Force. Many have since been transferred to the [[Air National Guard]] and [[Air Force Reserves]] or retired from service. As the A-10 fleet has been retired, many have been offered for sale to several foreign nations.

[[Category:Aircraft]]

[[Category:Aircraft]]