Is the A10 built around the gun?

The fuselage of the aircraft is built around the cannon. The GAU-8/A is mounted slightly to the port side; the barrel in the firing location is on the starboard side at the 9 o’clock position so it is aligned with the aircraft’s centerline.

Was the A10 Warthog effective?

The A-10 Thunderbolt II has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform. The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions.

Can an A-10 dogfight?

Can Warthogs dogfight? Conventional wisdom says slow attack jets like the A-10 can’t dogfight. The Thunderbolt II’s 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun can fire 3,900 rounds a minute and can defeat an array of ground targets to include tanks.

Can an A-10 do air to air combat?

A-10s scored two Air-to-Air kills against helicopters in Desert Storm. While no A-10 pilot has managed to shoot down an enemy fighter in combat, the platform does have a few notches in its belt for downing enemy aircraft.

How many rounds per minute can an A-10 Warthog fire?

The cannon can fire a range of ammunition, including armour-piercing incendiary rounds (API) weighing up to 0.75kg, or uranium-depleted 0.43kg API rounds. The magazine can hold 1,350 rounds of ammunition. The pilot can select a firing rate of 2,100 or 4,200 rounds a minute.

Why does the Air Force want to retire the A-10?

Simply put, the real reason the Air Force wants to retire the A-10 is not because it doesn’t see the A-10 as important, but because in order to upgrade its fleet to more modern aircraft, it needs the funds currently being used for the A-10.

How long has the A-10 been in service?

A-10 has been providing close air support to ground forces for over 30 years. Image source: Northrop Grumman. “Listen, I love the A-10. I think it’s a fantastic aircraft with a phenomenal combat record.

What are some interesting facts about the Air Force?

The Air Force’s colors are ultramarine blue and yellow – blue for the sky, and yellow for the sun and the excellence required of personnel. (via Grantham.edu) 10. Only 4 percent of all Air Force personnel are pilots. (via howstuffworks)

Can the F-35 really replace the A-10 and F-16?

However, the F-35 is intended to replace older planes like the A-10 and the F-16, and it can’t do that if Congress won’t let the Air Force retire older planes. More to the point, the Air Force won’t be able to field the F-35, or even place orders for more, without sufficient funds.