A-10 Thunderbolt II

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A-10 Thunderbolt II — The U.S. Air Force’s Legendary Warthog

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the “Warthog,” stands as one of the most iconic and battle-proven aircraft in U.S. Air Force history. Developed by Fairchild Republic during the Cold War, the A-10 was designed specifically for close air support (CAS) missions—protecting ground forces by destroying tanks, armored vehicles, and fortified positions.

Introduced in the 1970s, the A-10’s rugged airframe, massive GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm cannon, and exceptional survivability set it apart from any other aircraft in its class. Its titanium “bathtub” armor protects the pilot from ground fire, and its twin General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofan engines provide redundancy and reliability even under heavy damage.

With a combat range of over 250 miles, a top speed of 420 mph, and the ability to loiter over battle zones for extended periods, the Warthog remains unmatched in CAS operations. It can carry up to 16,000 pounds of ordnance, including AGM-65 Maverick missiles, rockets, and bombs.

Despite modernization debates, the A-10 continues to serve actively, thanks to upgrades in avionics, targeting pods, and digital cockpit systems. From the Gulf War to Operation Inherent Resolve, the A-10 has proven its effectiveness time and again.

A-10 Thunderbolt II Price in US

The A-10 Thunderbolt II originally cost around $18 million per unit, though modern upgrade programs raise that figure. Its low maintenance cost and high combat effectiveness make it one of the most cost-efficient platforms in the U.S. Air Force arsenal.