The A-10 Thunderbolt, also known as the Warthog, is a single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft used by the United States Air Force. It was designed specifically for close air support of ground forces, with the capability to engage and destroy tanks, armored vehicles, and other ground targets with its powerful GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon. We built this A-10 Thunderbolt USAF 75th Anniversary Coin in its honor and its crews.
The A-10 was introduced in 1977 and has been used in multiple conflicts including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The aircraft is highly valued by ground troops for its survivability, low altitude performance, and ability to provide close air support. The A-10 has a distinctive design, with a large fuselage and short wings, and is known for its ruggedness and ability to withstand damage.
A-10 Warthog Units
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the “Warthog,” is operated by various units within the United States Air Force (USAF). Here are some of the current active-duty and reserve A-10 units within the USAF:
- 355th Fighter Wing
- 23rd Wing
- 47th Fighter Squadron
- 74th Fighter Squadron
- 75th Fighter Squadron
- 76th Fighter Squadron
- 77th Fighter Squadron
- 78th Fighter Squadron
- 79th Fighter Squadron
These units are based at various locations throughout the United States.
A-10 Thunderbolt Weapons
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly known as the Warthog, is equipped with a variety of weapons systems.
Here are some of the primary weapons carried by the A-10:
- GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm Gatling gun
- AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles
- AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
- Laser-guided bombs (GBU-12, GBU-24)
- Cluster bombs (CBUs)
- Rocket pods (Hydra 70)
- Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) GPS-guided bombs
The A-10’s weapons systems are designed for close air support of ground troops and ground attack missions. The GAU-8/A Avenger is the aircraft’s primary weapon and is capable of firing up to 4,200 rounds per minute.
History Of The A-10 Thunderbolt
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly referred to as the Warthog, is a military aircraft developed by Fairchild Republic for the United States Air Force (USAF). Here is a brief overview of its history:
- Development: The A-10 was developed in the 1970s as a dedicated close air support aircraft, capable of providing ground troops with low-altitude air cover. The first flight of the A-10 took place in 1972.
- Deployment: The A-10 entered active service with the USAF in 1977 and has since seen action in numerous conflicts including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
- Design: The A-10 was designed with survivability as a primary consideration, with its rugged airframe and redundant systems allowing it to sustain heavy damage and still return to base. The aircraft’s signature GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm Gatling gun is also a key feature, providing formidable firepower in ground attack missions.
- Modernization: In recent years, the A-10 has undergone modernization efforts to upgrade its avionics, weapons systems, and overall capabilities. The aircraft remains in service with the USAF, and is highly valued for its close air support capabilities.
Overall, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has proven to be a versatile and effective aircraft, serving the USAF for over four decades and playing a critical role in numerous military operations.
The A-10 Thunderbolt USAF 75th Anniversary Coin can be purchased here
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