FIRST - A-10 Thunderbolt II Designed Around A Gun
Posted by: 
psteelman1
N 35° 32.644 W 098° 40.233
14S E 529862 N 3933430
This waymark is a static display of an A-10 Thunderbolt II.
Waymark Code: WM142X6
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 04/03/2021
Views: 6
Affectionately called the “A-10 Warthog” for its aggressive look and often painted with teeth on the nose cone, the A-10 Thunderbolt II is the U.S. Air Force’s primary low-altitude close air support aircraft.
The A-10 is perhaps best known for its fearsome GAU-8 Avenger 30mm gatling gun mounted on the nose. The GAU-8 is designed to fire armor-piercing depleted uranium and high explosive incendiary rounds.
A lesser known fact about the A-10 is the it was the FIRST OF IT'S KIND in two areas.
- It was the first (and only) aircraft whose airframe was totally designed around a gun.
- It was also the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform. The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions. The wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. Using night vision goggles, A-10 pilots can conduct their missions during darkness.
FIRST - Classification Variable: Item or Event
Date of FIRST: 10/01/1975
More Information - Web URL: [Web Link]
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