The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog, is a US Air Force aircraft used for close air support missions, providing cover and assistance to ground troops. Despite its age, with some planes over 50 years old, the A-10 remains a vital component of the Air Force, with its unique features such as the titanium bathtub for pilot protection and the 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon.
However, the Air Force has considered retiring the A-10 in favor of the newer F-35 fighter jet, citing the F-35's stealth capabilities and newer technology. Critics of the F-35 argue that it is more expensive, with a price tag of $80 million per aircraft, and is not designed solely for close air support.
A-10 pilots undergo rigorous training, including simulations and flight training, to prepare them for the demands of close air support. The A-10 has been used in numerous conflicts, including recent operations against ISIS and the Taliban, and has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective platform.
Despite its successes, the A-10 faces retirement due to maintenance issues and the Air Force's desire to focus on more modern aircraft. However, with the F-35's own maintenance costs increasing by 15% between 2018 and 2020, the decision to retire the A-10 remains a topic of debate.
Newly certified A-10 pilots will begin their careers as fighter pilots in the US Air Force, carrying on the legacy of the Warthog's unique capabilities and its mission to protect the lives of ground troops.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The A-10 Thunderbolt 2 is commonly known as the Warthog.
2. The Air Force uses the A-10 for close air support missions that require the plane to fly low to provide cover and assist ground troops in battle.
3. The A-10 is designed to protect the pilot with a titanium bathtub.
4. The plane has a 30mm Gatling gun called the Avenger, built by General Electric.
5. The Avenger shoots at a maximum rate of 3,900 rounds per minute.
6. A-10 pilots train at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
7. Before flying the A-10, pilots train in the T-38 Talon during their initial flight training in Texas.
8. The T-38 is a different type of plane, described as a "sports car" compared to the A-10's "Cadillac" flight performance.
9. A-10 pilots undergo training in a virtual reality simulator lab.
10. The simulator training includes practicing aerial refueling and close air support missions.
11. After simulator training, pilots begin flying training missions in the A-10.
12. Captain Lindsay MADD Johnson has five years of experience flying the A-10 and is training to be a pilot on an A-10 demo team.
13. The A-10 debuted in combat in 1977, making it almost 50 years old.
14. The A-10 has been used in every conflict since Bosnia and Grenada.
15. Congress approved an Air Force proposal to retire 21 A-10s, reducing the total fleet to 260, with plans to decommission the remaining planes in the next five to six years.
16. The A-10 has maintenance issues due to its age, with some planes having between 13,000 to 15,000 flight hours.
17. The cost of maintaining the F-35 jumped 15% between 2018 and 2020.
18. Newly certified A-10 pilots will begin their careers as fighter pilots in the U.S. Air Force after completing the six-month training program at Davis-Monthan.
19. The A-10 was built before the current generation of pilots was alive, and many pilots have flown the same plane over the years.