#A 10a cockpit manual

Primary Function: A-10 - close air support, airborne forward air control, combat search and rescue In the Gulf War, A-10s had a mission capable rate of 95.7%, flew 8,100 sorties and launched 90% of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles. It was designed specifically for the close air support mission and had the ability to combine large military loads, long loiter and wide combat radius, which proved to be vital assets to the United States and its allies during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Noble Anvil. The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in October 1975. Some of their other equipment include electronic countermeasures, target penetration aids, self-protection systems and an array of air-to-surface weapons, including laser and GPS guided munitions, AGM-65 Maverick and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The Thunderbolt II's 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun can fire 3,900 rounds a minute and can defeat an array of ground targets to include tanks. The aircraft also have armament control panels, and infrared and electronic countermeasures to handle surface-to-air-threats, both missile and anti-aircraft artillery. Their weapons delivery systems include heads-up displays that indicate airspeed, altitude, dive angle, navigation information and weapons aiming references and a low altitude safety and targeting enhancement system (LASTE) which provides constantly computing impact point freefall ordnance delivery. Many of the aircraft's parts are interchangeable left and right, including the engines, main landing gear and vertical stabilizers.Īvionics equipment includes communications, inertial navigation and GPS, fire control and weapons delivery systems, target penetration aids and night vision goggles. The Thunderbolt II can be serviced and operated from bases with limited facilities near battle areas. This permits pilots to fly and land when hydraulic power is lost.

#A 10a cockpit manual

Manual systems back up their redundant hydraulic flight-control systems.

Their self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam. The aircraft can survive direct hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles up to 23mm. The redundant primary structural sections allow the aircraft to enjoy better survivability during close air support than previous aircraft. The pilots are protected by titanium armor that also protects parts of the flight-control system. Thunderbolt IIs have Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS), goggle compatible single-seat cockpits forward of their wings, Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, and a large bubble canopy which provides pilots all-around vision. Using night vision goggles, A-10C pilots can conduct their missions during darkness. Their wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. Additionally, with the capability of carrying precision guided munitions and unguided munitions, they can employ above, below and in the weather. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform.

They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A-10C Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces.