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Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single-seat, twin turbofan engine and straight wing aircraft with the primary role of close air combat. It was also known as Warthog or Hog.
So what makes A-10 Thunderbolt II do special?
Firstly, A-10 Thunderbolt II's airframe was designed for durability, with about 540 kg of titanium armour to protect the cockpit and aircraft systems, enabling it to absorb a significant amount of damage and still continue flying.
Secondly, it's short takeoff and landing capability permits operation from airstrips close to the front lines.
Thirdly, its simple design enables maintenance with minimal facilities. This is really helpful in war situation.
Fourthly, it's systems are continuously being upgraded so it's not getting retired any time soon as per latest information.
Fifthly, the aircraft has superior maneuverability at low speeds and altitude and also low speed of 300 knots or 560 km/h makes it a better platform for the ground-attack role on small, slow-moving targets.
Sixthly, wheels of the main landing gear partially protrude from their nacelles when retracted, making belly landing easier to control and less damaging.
Seventhly, it has double-redundant hydraulic flight systems, and a mechanical system as a back up if hydraulic systems are lost.
Eighthly, the aircraft is designed to be able to fly with one engine, half of the tail, one elevator, and half of a wing missing.
Ninethly, front windscreen and canopy are resistant to small arms fire.
Tenthly, A-10 can carry a considerable amount of munitions with the fuselage of the aircraft is built around the cannon.
So we can see Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is truly a war champion with no reason of retiring any time soon.
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