The A-10 “Warthog” is a specialized CAS aircraft tasked with interdiction, Forward Air Controller-Airborne (FAC-A), CSAR, and Strike Control & Reconnaissance. It combines a heavy, diverse weapons load with low-level maneuverability, a large combat radius, and long loiter time. The A-10 is capable of carrying up to 16,000 lb of ordnance in addition to its 30 mm cannon which can destroy heavy armor while the pilot is protected by a titanium-armored cockpit.
The prototype YA-10A first flew on May 10, 1972, wining USAF’s A-X competition for a new attack aircraft. The A-10A development aircraft first flew Feb. 15, 1975, and A-10As were delivered between October 1975 and March 1984. USAF declared IOC in October 1977.
The fleet was modernized under the Precision Engagement Program, resulting in the A-10C which first flew at Eglin in 2005. The A-10C adds color cockpit MFDs, a Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS), Handson Throttle and Stick, digital stores management, improved fire-control, GPS-guided weapons, Litening/Sniper pods, advanced data links, and integrated sensors. The A-10C debuted in combat during Iraqi Freedom in 2007. With NVGs and targeting pods, the A-10C can operate under ceilings as low as 1,000 ft including at night.
The Operational Flight Program (OFP) continuously updates the A-10’s systems and software, and OFP Suite 11 is now planned for fielding in early FY23. The program will then shift to more frequent rolling software upgrades. USAF plans to cut the fleet to 218, upgrading remaining aircraft to continue through 2030 or beyond. Upgrades include replacing primary cockpit instruments with a high-resolution digital glass display, adding directional audio threat cueing, modernizing ARC-210 UHF/VHF comms, adding Ethernet, and integrating Small Diameter Bomb I. Re-winging is key to the aircraft’s longevity and extends airframe life to at least 10,000 hours.
A total of 173 aircraft received new wingsets prior to modifications recommencing in 2022, and all remaining aircraft will be re-winged through FY26. Congress lifted stipulations barring A-10 cuts for FY23, allowing divestiture of 21 aircraft from the Indiana ANG’s 121st Fighter Squadron which will revert to flying the F-16.
Contractors: Fairchild Republic (Lockheed Martin); Boeing (re-wing).
First Flight: Jan. 20, 2005 (A-10C).
Delivered: 2006-2012 (A-10C).
IOC: September 2007 (A-10C).
Production: 713
Inventory: 281
Operator: ACC, AFMC, PACAF, ANG, AFRC.
Aircraft Location: Barksdale AFB, La.; Boise Air Terminal, Idaho; DavisMonthan AFB, Ariz.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Fort Wayne Arpt., Ind.; Martin State Arpt., Md.; Moody AFB, Ga.; Nellis AFB, Nev.; Osan AB, South Korea; Selfridge ANGB, Mich.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Active Variant: •A-10C. Upgraded version of the A-10A ground attack aircraft.
Dimensions: Span 57.5 ft, length 53.3 ft, height 14.7 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 51,000 lb.
Power Plant: Two GE Aviation TF34-GE-100 turbofans, each 9,065 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed 518 mph, range 800 miles (further with air refueling).
Ceiling: 45,000 ft.
Armament: One internally mounted 30 mm, seven-barrel GAU-8/A cannon (1,174 rd of high-explosive incendiary (HEI) or HEI/armor-piercing incendiary); four AIM-9 Sidewinders, AGM-65 Mavericks, laser-guided rockets, most free-fall or guided air-to-surface weapons in USAF inventory, and ECM pods.
Accommodations: Pilot on ACES II zero/zero ejection seat.