The A-10 ThunderBolt is another extremely strong and rugged aircraft. It was first flown in the middle of 1972 after the Republic aviation became a part of Fairchild div. The Thunderbolt was a match to the competition hosted by the USAF. It ran against Northrup's YA-9, and the A-10 was found to be what they were looking for. The Thunderbolts new design and dual General Electric TF34-GE-100, made a slower aircraft, but this was what the USAF was looking for. Its slower speeds made it perfect for the anti-tank, and close-support role. It is also extremely resistant to ground fire. Notices by the USAF of the vulneralble aircraft were tended to by Fairchild. They Duplicated nessisary control systems, and sheilded the pilot chamber, engines and control surfaces. However, the most distinguishing factor of the A-10 Thunderbolt THE GAU-8/A SEVEN BARREL AUTO CANNON that occupies most of the forward fuelslarge. The A-10 carries 1,174 milk bottle size anti-tank rounds, thats bullets are made of depleted uranium, which increases the penetration factor by more than 300%!!! Talk about intimidation.
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Specifications
Description Data
Developer Fairchild Republic
Type Anti-armor CAS
Crew
Power Plant 2 TF34-GE-100 turbofan
Wingspan 57.5 ft (17.53 m)
Length 53.33 ft (16.25 m)
Inflight refueling Not Available
Weight 19,856 lb (9,006 m)
Radar
Performance
Action Data
Ceiling 34,700 ft (10,575 m)
Max Tow / Max Lift 9,065 lb of thrust
Payload 16,000 lb (7,250 kg)
Topspeed
at sea level433 mph (697 km/h)
at hight
Cruise 370 mph
Combat Radius 605 mi (974 km)
Armament / Ordanace
Type Size Max Placement
GAU-8A 7 barrel cannon 30mm 1,174 rds Low inside Forward nose section
Hellfire 11 Underwing under Fuselage techs
Dumb and Smart bombs 16,000 lb (7,250 kg)"""