Did you know that the Wright military flyer of 1909 was the first official military plane ever?
The technology of airborne warfare has come a long way since then. One of the most impressive military planes is known as the A10 Thunderbolt or Warthog. This was used regularly during Operation Desert Storm.
Are you wondering why it was so important? Keep reading to learn all about the A10 Warthog with this brief yet fascinating overview.
A10 Warthog Specifications
No guide to the A10 Warthog is complete without mentioning its two engines. These were supplied by General Electric, and each engine is capable of over 9,000 pounds of thrust.
What’s amazing is that the A10 Warthog can fly using one engine without any issues. That’s due to the higher-up location of the engines. That way, damage to one engine during combat won’t bring the entire plan down.
The technical name of the engine is TF34-GE-100. They boast turbo-fans and non-afterburning properties. This is why many people, including myself, admire the A10 Warthog performance.
Other specs include a wingspan of over 57 feet, a length of over 53 feet, and a top speed of 420 mph.
If you join the Air Force, you may even have the opportunity to fly one.
A10 Warthog Weapons
If you want to learn more about the A10 Warthog, then I’d recommend familiarizing yourself with its impressive weapons capabilities. For starters, you may be as amazed as me to learn that the A10 Warthog can carry as many as ten Maverick missiles. This type of missile is compatible with several different guidance systems.
The Raytheon Maverick AGM-65 missile also has a 57kh warhead that’s capable of high penetration. Its 45-kilometer range ensures that most targets are taken out with ease.
Aside from this missile, the Warthog can even carry air-to-air missiles known as Sidewinders. This short-range missile can reach a top speed of just over Mach 2.
In terms of ordnance, the Warthog can drop plenty of different explosives, including general-purpose bombs, cluster bombs, and much more. One of its most distinguishing features is the mounted 30mm cannon on the plane’s nose.
You may have noticed the imposing teeth that are often painted on the A10 Warthog. Let me tell you, this Warthog has a mean bite.
Now You Can Appreciate the A10 Warthog
Now that you’ve learned about the A10 Warthog, you can appreciate this fine piece of machinery. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family members what you learned about it.
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