What Is The A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog)?
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog). Spec guide, weapons load-out, speed stats, and combat deployment history.
United States
Origin
Close air support
Role
Mach 0.56
Top speed
13,716 m
Service ceiling
A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) Specifications
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known by its nickname ‘the Warthog’, is a twin-engine, single-seat close air support aircraft built with a focus on the 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger autocannon, designed to destroy armoured vehicles and ground targets.
Performance
Top speed
420 mph (675 km/h/Mach 0.56)
Service ceiling
45,000 feet (13,716 metres)
Combat radius
252 nautical miles (467 km/290 miles)
Rate of climb
6,000 feet per minute (30.5 metres per second)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
16.26 metres (53 feet 4 inches)
Wingspan
17.53 metres (57 feet 6 inches)
Empty weight
11,321 kg (24,959 lbs)
Engine
2 × General Electric TF34-GE-100A turbofans
Service
First flight
10 May 1972
Unit cost
~ $12.1 million
Operators
United States Air Force (USAF), Air Force Reserve Command, Air National Guard
What Weapons Does The A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) Carry?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II features 11 external hardpoints capable of carrying up to 7,260 kg (16,000 lbs) of ordnance alongside its primary internal Gatling autocannon. It deploys air-to-air missiles, precision-guided munitions, unguided bombs, rockets, and anti-tank missiles.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
GAU-8/A Avenger
Category
30 mm Rotary Autocannon
Loadout
1 internal cannon (1,150–1,174 rounds capacity)
Range
1,200 metres (effective combat)
AGM-65 Maverick
Category
Air-to-Surface Missile
Loadout
Up to 6 missiles
Range
12 to 28 km (6.5 to 15 nautical miles)
AIM-9 Sidewinder
Category
Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
1 to 35 km (0.6 to 22 miles)
GBU-12 Paveway II
Category
Precision-Guided Bomb (Laser)
Loadout
Up to 8 bombs
Range
14.8 km (9.2 miles)
GBU-38 JDAM
Category
Precision-Guided Bomb (GPS)
Loadout
Typically 2 to 4 bombs
Range
24 km (15 miles)
Hydra 70
Category
70 mm Unguided Rockets
Loadout
Up to 4 pods (19 rockets per pod)
Range
8 km (5 miles)
Mark 82
Category
General-Purpose Bomb
Loadout
Up to 18 bombs
Range
Gravity dropped
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog)?
Designed for sub-sonic, low-speed manoeuvrability rather than high-speed interception, it can reach a maximum speed of 420 mph (675 km/h or Mach 0.56) at sea level. While typical cruising speed is roughly 340 mph (560 km/h), allowing the pilot to loiter over battlefield environments for extended periods under low cloud cover and maintain visual tracking of mobile armoured targets. This design trades off high speed for slow flight control in order to execute essential precise strafing runs with its 30 mm GAU-8 cannon and minimising collateral damage during close air support missions.
How Was The A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) Developed?
Development of the A-10 began under the United States Air Force Attack Experimental (A-X) programme initiated in 1966, driven by combat experiences in the Vietnam War that highlighted the need for a dedicated, highly survivable close air support platform to replace aging propeller-driven aircraft. Fairchild Republic designed the YA-10A prototype specifically around the massive General Electric GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm Gatling cannon, incorporating heavy titanium armour plating – known as the titanium tub – to protect the pilot and key flight control hydraulics. Following a competitive flight evaluation against Northrop's YA-9A, the USAF selected Fairchild Republic's design in January 1973, leading to its official maiden flight on 10 May 1972 and operational entry into service in 1976.
Has The A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) Seen Combat?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has an extensive combat history, debuting in major combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where it flew over 8,000 sorties and destroyed thousands of Iraqi tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and artillery pieces. Following its success in the Persian Gulf, the A-10 saw active deployment over NATO operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo during the late 1990s. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the aircraft provided critical ground support during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and later engaged hostile positions in Syria and Iraq during operations against ISIS.
Who Operates The A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog)?
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the sole operator of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, managing the operational fleet across its Active Duty units, the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), and the Air National Guard (ANG). While foreign nations have evaluated the platform for potential purchase over the decades, export restrictions and specialised maintenance requirements resulted in zero international defence sales. The USAF maintains modernised A-10C variants featuring digital cockpit upgrades and precision-guided weapons systems across multiple air wings stationed in the continental United States and forward bases overseas.
A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) FAQs
Common questions about the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog), its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the A-10 Thunderbolt II as a civilian?
No, civilian flights in the A-10 Thunderbolt II do not exist, because the aircraft is operated exclusively by the US Air Force and has a single-seat cockpit with no passenger accommodation. Jetify offers flights in demilitarised ex-military jets instead, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot.
Can I take the controls of the A-10 Thunderbolt II?
No, you cannot take the controls of an actual A-10 Thunderbolt II, as it is a single-seat military aircraft without dual controls. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the A-10 Thunderbolt II cost?
You cannot buy a flight in the A-10 Thunderbolt II at any price, because civilians cannot fly it. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900. Professional A-10 flight simulators offer full cockpit immersion and GAU-8 gunnery runs for a small fraction of a jet flight, and high-performance aerobatic rides such as the Extra 330 cost less again.
Is there a weight or height limit to fly in the A-10 Thunderbolt II?
No passenger weight or height limits exist for the A-10 Thunderbolt II, because it is a single-seat military aircraft that civilians cannot fly. On the jets Jetify does fly, such as the L-39 Albatros, weight and height limits vary by aircraft and are set by the ejection seat, so check the limits for your chosen flight.
How much G-force does the A-10 Thunderbolt II pull?
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots sustain forces of up to +7.33G during evasive action and strafing runs. On a civilian jet experience, the G profile is tailored to your comfort: a gentle sightseeing profile pulls 1.5G to 2.5G, while a tactical or aerobatic profile reaches 4.0G to 5.0G or more. Your instructor teaches anti-G breathing techniques before take-off.
How far ahead should I book a jet flight instead of the A-10 Thunderbolt II?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II cannot be booked by civilians, but a real ex-military jet experience such as the L-39 Albatros should be booked 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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