10 Things We Just Learned About The A-10 Thunderbolt II
Story by Jason Garbutt • Yesterday 12:00 PM
The best armor-busting aircraft of all time just keeps getting better. Fairchild Republic's A-10 Thunderbolt might be 50 years old, but it's still king of the battlefield.
What makes this military machine so special? Actually, everything. From its airframe design to the potent weapons complement, the A-10 is peerless. In terms of attack aircraft, few can match the A-10's combination of firepower and durability. You wouldn't have to look too far to see where other aircraft manufacturers tried and failed. As far back as the 1950s, Russia's ill-conceived Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter focused on speed to the detriment of low-speed, low-level handling.
Will we ever see another aircraft as capable? We think not. Why else would the USAF be so eager to keep the Warthog flying? Recently updated and extended, the Thunderbolt is set to fly beyond its 60th anniversary.
Thunderbolt Strikes Twice
Two impressive war birds, one legendary name. The P-47 Thunderbolt first flew in 1941 as a fighter with considerable success. But, the plane came into its own when it switched to a ground attack role.
Fast-forward to 1972 and Fairchild Republic gave the USAF the most iconic plane ever. The Thunderbolt II, or the Warthog as it's also known, packs a punch big enough to worry any tank commander. Fifty years and several planned retirements later, the A-10 is still flying.
So Ugly It's Beautiful
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