Fairchild Republic A-10 Warthog

The close air support aircraft built for survivability and battlefield endurance

Overview

Fairchild United States ICAO: A10 1972–1984 Active $18.8 million (1972)

The Fairchild Republic A-10 Warthog is a dedicated close air support aircraft developed for the United States Air Force. Designed around a powerful cannon and armored cockpit, it prioritizes durability and low-speed maneuverability. The aircraft has served extensively in modern conflicts.

Live Fleet Activity (A10)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric TF34-GE-100A
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 9,065 lbf · 40 kN
Avionics
AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny Laser Track Pod , HUD
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
53 ft 0 in  ·  16.16 m
Tail height
14 ft 6 in  ·  4.42 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 5 in  ·  1.35 m
Wing span
57 ft 2 in  ·  17.42 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
50,500 lb  ·  23,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
16,000 lb  ·  7,250 kg
Fuel capacity
1,920 gal · 7,300 L · 5,800 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
400 kt  ·  460 mph  ·  741 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
2,240 nm  ·  2,580 mi  ·  4,150 km
Fuel burn
1.40 nm/gal  ·  0.68 km/L
Ceiling
45,000 ft  ·  13,700 m
Rate of climb
600 ft/min  ·  3 m/s
Takeoff distance
3,100 ft  ·  950 m
Landing distance
2,000 ft  ·  610 m
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Fairchild Republic A-10 Warthog

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Operational Context

Fairchild Republic A-10 Warthog — close air support attack aircraft

The A-10 program began in the early 1970s to provide a specialized platform for close air support. The prototype first flew in 1972, and the aircraft entered service in 1977. Its design centered on the GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm cannon mounted along the fuselage centerline.

Powered by two General Electric TF34 turbofan engines producing approximately 9,000 pounds of thrust (40 kN) each, the A-10 cruises at around 300 knots (555 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 51,000 pounds (23,130 kg). The aircraft can carry a wide range of bombs, rockets, and missiles for ground attack missions.

The A-10 has demonstrated effectiveness in conflicts from the Gulf War onward. Its titanium armored cockpit and redundant systems enhance survivability. The Warthog remains a distinctive and valued close air support platform.

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