A-10A Thunderbolt II , 23rd TFW England AFB, 1990

General Background

A-10 was the first USAF aircraft designed specifically for “Close Air Support ” (CAS) . It can be described as the outcome of the experience gained in the Vietnam War and the threats of the Soviet Union armor forces during the Cold War era. The first A-10A “Thunderbolt II” was delivered October 1975 and deployment in March 1976.

A-10\'s pilot is protected by titanium armor around his seat and the canopy isa large bubble canopy which provides all-round vision. The aircraft is designed with dual engines and the self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam . Extra titanium is used to protect some flight control system parts of the aircraft. All these insure the plane and pilot\'s safety from enemy fires.

Though A-10 may be slow comparing to other aircraft s, it is extremely maneuverable and have proven itself as a deadly machine. Its main weapon, the GAU-8A gun, can fire 30mm shells made of uranium at a rate of 4,000 rounds a minute which is sufficient to destroy most armored targets.

The Aircraft

The 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing (now the 23rd Fighter Group) has a bright history starting in World War II led by Claire L. Chennault flying the P-40s nicknamed \"Flying Tigers\".

In 1980 the wing received its first Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II. During its service history, the A-10 was famed for its accurate weapons system. In the Tactical Air Commands worldwide Gunsmoke competition at Nellis AFB, Nevada 1981, A-10 \"Flying Tigers\" won 6 out of the 9 events, including top maintenance and munitions awards. In March 1984 the Flying Tigers received the last A-10 aircraft manufactured by Fairchild Republic.

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