Fairchild-Republic A-10A 'Thunderbolt II' (Warthog)
Fairchild-Republic A-10A was designed as a close support aircraft for the USAF. It first flew in 1972. It is powered by two General Electric TF-34-GE-100 high-bypass-ratio turbofan engines. Armament includes a GE GAU-8/A 'Avenger' 30-mm seven-barrel cannon, and the capability to carry up to 8 tons of external weapons on eight underwing and three centerline pylons. The aircraft saw its first combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. A decision to replace the A-10A with a close-support version of the F-16 resulted in withdrawal of the aircraft for a time. This decision has since been reversed and the A-10A and AO-10A versions are rejoining the active force.
USAF S/N 76-540 is an A-10A, one of 713 A-10As built by Fairchild-Republic at Hagerstown, Maryland. It was delivered to the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina in 1978. In August, 1983 it was sent to the 706th Tac Fighter Squadron (AFRES), NAS New Orleans, Louisiana. During an Operation Desert Storm mission on January 31, 1991, the aircraft suffered major damage when struck by a surface-to-air missile. All hydraulic controls were lost, and the pilot, Major Jim Rose, managed to bring it home using backup systems. After repairs, it was flown to McClellan on August 22, 1991 to supply parts to other A-10s before being retired to the museum.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Power Plants: Two General Electric TF-34-GE-100 turbofans, rated at 9,065 lb. thrust.
Dimensions:
Span: 57 ft 6 in.
Length: 53 ft 4 in.
Height: 14 ft 8 in.
Weight: Empty - 20,246 lb.; Maximum Gross - 47,400 lbs.
Performance:
Speed: Maximum - 518 mph.
Range: 2,647 miles.
