The A-10 Warthog is one of the most iconic aircraft in modern history. Instantly recognizable by the sound of its autocannon, the A-10 brings relief for its allies and terror for its enemies. The Warthog is often referred to as a flying tank-killer, and for good reason.
With its devastating gun and a wide variety of munitions, the A-10 Warthog is well-equipped to deal with any ground threat, whether it be tracked or wheeled.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II prepares to take off from Al Asad Air Base, Iraq to provide close air support to ground troops in Iraq. The 438th Air Expeditionary Group A-10 jets perform 10 sorties daily–900 in this last four months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.)
Development of the A-10 Warthog
The A-10 Warthog was developed during the Cold War era, with its first flight taking place on May 10, 1972. Fairchild Republic designed the aircraft to address the need for a dedicated Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft capable of destroying enemy armored vehicles, tanks, and other ground targets. After vigorous tests, the A-10 was officially introduced into service in October 1977.
Developed under the A-X program, the development of the A-10 was heavily influenced by the lessons learned during the Vietnam War. In Vietnam, the USAF’s existing CAS aircraft, such as the propeller-driven Douglas A-1 Skyraider, were found to be inadequate against anti-aircraft guns. The A-10 was designed to enhance the performance and firepower of these older aircraft.
The A-10 was designed with durability and survivability in mind. Its airframe includes 1,200 pounds of titanium armor to protect the cockpit and critical systems, allowing it to absorb significant damage and continue flying. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short and unpaved runways enables it to be deployed close to the front lines, thereby enhancing its effectiveness in close air support (CAS) roles.
The Weapon on A-10 Warthog No One Can Match: A Cannon Like No Other
The A-10’s design emphasizes survivability and ease of maintenance. The aircraft’s simple design allows for repairs to be carried out with minimal facilities, making it ideal for deployment in austere environments.
The titanium armor protecting the cockpit and flight-control systems ensures that the A-10 can continue to operate even after sustaining significant damage.
The A-10 has become renowned for its iconic GAU-8/A Avenger rotary autocannon.
This 30mm cannon is capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute, making it one of the most powerful aircraft cannons ever flown on an aircraft.
A-10 Warthog. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The cannon’s ammunition drum typically carries 1,174 rounds of 30mm ammunition, but it can house up to 1,350 rounds.
The GAU-8/A is designed to penetrate heavy armor, including tank armor, with its depleted uranium rounds.
Why the A-10 is a Flying Tank-Buster
Tanks are no match for the A-10’s devastating weapons suite. Its GAU-8/A cannon can easily shred even the thickest of armor. The cannon’s high rate of fire and powerful ammunition allow it to penetrate and destroy armored vehicles with ease. The depleted uranium rounds used by the GAU-8/A are particularly effective against tank armor, as they can penetrate even the most resilient steel plating.
Recent tests have also shown that the A-10 can easily destroy tanks equipped with explosive reactive armor. For its high rate of fire, the cannon is also relatively accurate. The cannon is hydraulically powered, with an accuracy of 4,000 feet, and is so precise that 80 percent of its bullets will fall within a circle with a diameter of 40 feet.
The GAU-8/A isn’t the only thing tanks have to fear. The A-10 is also armed with the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missile, but other weapons include cluster bombs or Hydra 70 rocket pods.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off to provide close-air support to ground troops in Iraq April 25 from Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The 438th Air Expeditionary Group A-10s perform 10 sorties daily, with 900 sorties in this last four months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.)
The Warthog arsenal includes GPS- and laser-guided bombs, such as the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, Paveway series bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser, and AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon glide bombs.
A-10s also fly with an ALQ-131 Electronic countermeasures pod under one wing and two AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for self-defense. All these munitions ensure that the A-10 can fight and win against any ground target, no matter how thick its armor is.
A-10 Combat Service and Retirement
Throughout its service life, the A-10 has distinguished itself by its reliability and its devastating close air support. During Operation Desert Storm, the A-10 was credited with destroying over 900 tanks. Its slower speed compared to supersonic jets, while seen by some as a liability, allows pilots to line up precise shots, ensuring that the cannon’s rounds hit their targets accurately.
This precision is crucial in CAS missions, where the A-10 often operates with near-friendly ground forces. The aircraft also participated in conflicts in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and against the Islamic State in the Middle East.
Currently, the A-10 is being phased out of service. The 2025 budget request includes plans to retire 56 A-10s, marking the most significant number of retirements for the aircraft. Despite its advantages, the Air Force is not entirely confident that the Warthog is suitable for modern warfare.
Whether they are right is a topic for another day, but plans are still in effect to completely replace the A-10 with the F-35.
The A-10 Warthog has had a long and glorious service life, but now it is time for the aircraft to settle down and retire.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
