The Timeless A-10 Thunderbolt: A Decades-Long Backbone of Close Air Support Capability in the Air Force Fleet
Despite its age, the A-10 Warthog – affectionately known by military personnel – remains unlikely to leave service anytime soon. When talking about the future of the Air Force’s fighter fleet, General Charles “CQ” Brown described a desire for the Air Force to shift to what has been described as a “four-plus-one” system. This system would see the Air Force continue to operate a mix of the F-35, F-16, and F-15EX aircraft, along with the aircraft that will result from the Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance Program (NGAD), while the A-10 would operate as the “plus one” aircraft.
The A-10 has proven itself to be very capable in a ground support role since its introduction in the 1970s and has seen combat action in the Gulf War, Operation Allied Force in Kosovo, as well as in both Operation Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, among others.
The A-10’s effectiveness as a close air support platform is well understood by U.S. ground force personnel, who have often been the beneficiaries of strafing runs made by the A-10 using its iconic 30-millimeter Avenger gatling cannon.
That cannon and its distinctive sound is itself an impressive weapon. The Avenger is a hydraulically driven seven-barreled gatling-type cannon, capable of firing 3,900 bullets per minute while still demonstrating a high degree of accuracy.
Other A-10 specifications designed specifically with the Avenger in mind include slats incorporated into the wings that help prevent stalls during attack runs and which help divert the gun gas underneath the wings to avoid damage to the engine.
The A-10 Thunderbolt, with its unique capabilities and proven track record, remains an invaluable asset in the Air Force’s arsenal, ensuring that it continues to play a crucial role in close air support missions for years to come.
