Parade Ground Aircraft
A7 A10 B17 B24 B25 B26 B29 C45 C47 C118 C119 C121
C123 F15 F16 F82 P38 P47 P51 P63 SR71 T6 T28 T34
Other USAF Aircraft
Bombers
B1 B2 B45 B47 B50 B52 B58 F111 - - - -
Cargo, VIP, & Tanker
C5 C17 C21 C24 C46 C97 C130 C133 C140 C141 KC10 KC135
Experimental & Prototype
D558 F107 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X15 XB70 YC14 - -
Fighters
A1 F4 F5 F22 F84 F84F F86 F86D F100 F101 F102 F104
F105 F106 F117 P40 P80 - - - - - - -
Helicopters
CH3E CH21 CH54A H5A HH43 MH60 R4B R6A UH1P UH13 UH19 V22
Reconnaissance
E3 O1G OV2 OV10 RF4 RF101 U2 - - - - -
Trainers
T6A T33 T37 T38 T41 - - - - - - -

Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II

The A-10 is the first USAF aircraft designed specifically for close air support of ground forces. It is named for the famous P-47 Thunderbolt, a fighter often used in a close air support role during the latter part of WW II. The A-10 is designed for maneuverability at low speeds and low altitudes for accurate weapons delivery, and carries systems and armor to permit it to survive in this environment. It is intended for use against all ground targets, but specifically tanks and other armored vehicles. The Thunderbolt II's great endurance gives it a large combat radius and/or long loiter time in a battle area. Its short takeoff and landing capability permits operation from airstrips close to the front lines. Service at forward area bases with limited facilities is possible because of the A-10's simplicity of design. The first prototype Thunderbolt II made its initial flight on May 10, 1972. A-10A production commenced in 1975. Delivery of aircraft to USAF units began in 1976 and ended in 1984.

SPECIFICATIONS Span: 57 ft. 6 in. Length: 53 ft. 4 in. Height: 14 ft. 8 in. Weight: 47,000 lbs. Armament: One GAU-8/A 30mm Gatling Gun and 16,000 lbs. of mixed ordnance Engines: Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans of 9,000 lbs. thrust each Crew: One Cost: $2,400,000

PERFORMANCE Maximum speed: 450 mph. Cruising speed: 335 mph. Range: 800 miles Service Ceiling: 44,200 ft.

The Thunderbolt II escorts an OV-10 Bronco

 

 

 

Parade Ground Aircraft
A7 A10 B17 B24 B25 B26 B29 C45 C47 C118 C119 C121
C123 F15 F16 F82 P38 P47 P51 P63 SR71 T6 T28 T34
Other USAF Aircraft
Bombers
B1 B2 B45 B47 B50 B52 B58 F111 - - - -
Cargo, VIP, & Tanker
C5 C17 C21 C24 C46 C97 C130 C133 C140 C141 KC10 KC135
Experimental & Prototype
D558 F107 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X15 XB70 YC14 - -
Fighters
A1 F4 F5 F22 F84 F84F F86 F86D F100 F101 F102 F104
F105 F106 F117 P40 P80 - - - - - - -
Helicopters
CH3E CH21 CH54A H5A HH43 MH60 R4B R6A UH1P UH13 UH19 V22
Reconnaissance
E3 O1G OV2 OV10 RF4 RF101 U2 - - - - -
Trainers
T6A T33 T37 T38 T41 - - - - - - -