It’s tough, iconic, and practically indestructible. The A-10 Thunderbolt II, better known as the “Warthog,” has spent nearly five decades dominating the skies and protecting troops on the ground. With its rugged design, titanium-armored cockpit, and the infamous “BRRRT” of its GAU-8 Avenger cannon, the A-10 is a symbol of raw power and resilience.
But with plans to retire it by 2028, its time in service is nearing an end. Here are 11 incredible facts that prove why this legendary aircraft will never be forgotten.
1. Nicknamed “Warthog” for Its Rugged Look & Durability
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly called the “Warthog,” earned its nickname because of its tough, somewhat unattractive appearance that stands out among sleeker fighter jets. Introduced in the 1970s, the A-10 was designed to withstand heavy damage and keep flying, making it incredibly reliable in combat situations.
Its rugged design helps it endure rough landings, bad weather, and hostile environments, allowing it to keep performing in harsh conditions where other jets might not survive.
2. Built around a Massive Gau-8 Avenger 30MM Rotary Cannon
At the heart of the A-10 is the GAU-8 Avenger, a gigantic 30mm rotary cannon that takes up almost the entire length of the plane’s nose.
It is capable of firing an incredible 3,900 rounds per minute, (ref) although it usually fires in shorter bursts to conserve ammo and prevent overheating. Imagine the sound—a deep, thunderous roar that ground troops call the “BRRRT.”(ref)
This cannon is one of the most powerful guns ever put on a plane, and it’s specially designed to destroy tanks, armored vehicles, and other hardened targets. Each round is big and heavy, designed to punch through armor, making the A-10’s gun one of its most feared features.
3. Continues Flying with One Engine, Tail, Elevator & Half a Wing
The A-10 was built to stay in the air, even if it takes serious damage. It’s known for its ability to limp home with missing parts. It can fly with only one engine, one tail, one elevator (the small horizontal stabilizers), and even just half of a wing. (ref) This resilience makes the A-10 a unique and trusted plane by its pilots.
For example, in the Gulf War of 1991, Warthogs returned to base after taking heavy fire from enemy forces, with missing chunks of their structure but still able to land safely.
4. Cockpit Is Protected by Titanium Armor, Known as the “Bathtub”
The cockpit of the A-10 is encased in a thick layer of titanium armor, often called the “bathtub.” This armor can withstand direct hits from 23mm rounds, which is critical for pilot safety in hostile environments.
Weighing over 1,200 pounds, this protective shell surrounds the pilot from head to toe, giving them a much better chance of surviving if the plane takes enemy fire.
The “bathtub” has saved many pilots’ lives in combat, especially during missions where the Warthog flies low to the ground and is more exposed to enemy fire.
5. Designed for Close Air Support
The A-10 is unique because it’s designed for close air support, which means it’s built to fly low and slow. Most fighter jets are fast and high-flying, but the Warthog’s slower speed lets it hover over battlefields and pinpoint enemy targets.
Its wide wings allow it to maneuver well at low altitudes, and its powerful engines can handle slower speeds without stalling.
This capability was crucial in missions like Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where the A-10 flew close to support soldiers on the ground, targeting enemy tanks, buildings, and bunkers with impressive accuracy.
6. Carries Up to 16,000 Pounds of Weapons
The A-10 is like a flying armory! It can hold up to 16,000 pounds of various weapons, spread across 11 hardpoints (attachment spots on the wings and underbelly).(ref) It can be loaded with bombs, missiles, rockets, and even extra fuel tanks for extended missions.
This huge payload makes the A-10 versatile and capable of taking on everything from heavily armored tanks to enemy bunkers. During the Gulf War in the early 1990s, the A-10 carried a mix of weapons that helped it destroy over 900 Iraqi tanks, among many other ground targets.
7. Landing Gear Is Designed to Function Even if Hydraulics Fail
The A-10 was built with survivability in mind, so it has backup systems in place for critical components like landing gear. If its main hydraulic systems are damaged in combat, the Warthog can still lower its landing gear manually, using a mechanical backup system.
This feature is vital for rough combat zones where the plane may take hits but still needs to return safely. This is just one example of how the A-10’s design puts pilot safety first, allowing it to survive and land even after taking serious damage.
8. Has Been in Service Since the 1970s & Still Highly Valued
Introduced in 1977, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has been in service for nearly five decades. Despite its age, it’s still highly valued by the U.S. Air Force and ground troops. Its rugged design, powerful weaponry, and ability to provide close air support make it irreplaceable.
Over the years, the Warthog has seen action in major conflicts like the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and operations in Afghanistan, where its ability to protect ground forces has earned it a legendary status. Upgrades have kept it relevant, and although there’s been talk of retirement, its effectiveness keeps it flying.
9. Engines Are Mounted on Top to Reduce Heat Signature
The A-10’s twin engines are mounted high on the fuselage, close to the tail, which is unusual for a plane. This design reduces the plane’s heat signature, making it harder for ground-based infrared-guided missiles to lock onto it.
By hiding the heat from its engines, the Warthog is less vulnerable to heat-seeking missiles, giving it an added layer of protection while flying low over hostile territory.
This placement of the engines also helps with ease of maintenance and keeps debris out of the engines during rough landings, which is just another example of how the A-10 was built for survival.
10. Col. Ben Rudolphi’s Exceptional Milestone in the A-10 Warthog
Col. Ben Rudolphi, deputy commander of the U.S. Air Force’s 23rd Wing, recently reached an impressive milestone, surpassing 4,000 flight hours—over 3,300 of which were spent flying the iconic A-10 Thunderbolt II.
While most military pilots log around 3,500 to 4,000 hours over a 20-year career, Rudolphi’s record stands out. Beyond his time in the cockpit, he’s dedicated to mentoring younger pilots, helping them carry on the A-10’s legacy as the Air Force begins shifting toward newer aircraft. (ref)
11. It Became a Flying Tiger
Even as its days in service wind down, the Warthog is still making a statement. Recently, the 23rd Maintenance Squadron at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia gave the A-10 a fresh new look with its famous shark teeth nose art.
The nose art, inspired by the WWII Flying Tigers, takes a detailed, step-by-step process. It involves washing, sanding, masking, and adding several layers of paint.
Airman 1st Class Leonid Soubbotine of the 23rd Wing Public Affairs at Moody AFB explained in his article that “the distinctive appearance of the military aircraft is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a crucial aspect of our operational effectiveness – projecting power and intimidating adversaries.”
He added that “the unmistakable shark teeth markings on aircraft from the 23d Wing serves as a visual deterrent, striking fear into the hearts of our enemies and instilling confidence in our allies.”(ref) Indeed, the Warthog has proven its worth on the battlefield time and again, from its powerful gun to its ability to take damage and keep flying.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
