Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II Aircraft Data
Single-seat, anti-tank and close air support aircraft.
The "C-Model" A-10 is a long-awaited upgrade to the original A-10A, which has seen sporadic patches on an 'as-needed' basis. The USAF/DoD lists the A-10C upgrade under the Precision Engagement Modification program (PEM). PEM is a two-stage upgrade centered around bringing the A-10's tech. into the 21st century. Part 1 replaces the many of the analog displays in the cockpit with two 5"x 5" multifunction LCDs along with a new control column and throttle for HOTAS operation. The Rafael Litening pod or the LM XR Sniper pod can be used for precision standoff strikes from medium altitudes. A new datalink allows 6 of the A-10C's 11 hardpoints to carry precision weapons in concert with a digital stores management system (DSMS).
Part 2 of the PEM gives the A-10C new wing spars and boxes for longer service life in a separate but associated 2 billion dollar program. The USAF also hopes to re-engine the A-10C with more fuel efficient turbofans. With the new funds invested in the A-10C, the USAF plans to keep the A-10 fleet in the air until 2028, fifty years after the type's initial service entry. Given the success in maintaining the Boeing B-52 and KC-135 fleets, which are well past their service lives, the A-10 has a good chance.
The "C-Model" A-10 is a long-awaited upgrade to the original A-10A, which has seen sporadic patches on an 'as-needed' basis. The USAF/DoD lists the A-10C upgrade under the Precision Engagement Modification program (PEM). PEM is a two-stage upgrade centered around bringing the A-10's tech. into the 21st century. Part 1 replaces the many of the analog displays in the cockpit with two 5"x 5" multifunction LCDs along with a new control column and throttle for HOTAS operation. The Rafael Litening pod or the LM XR Sniper pod can be used for precision standoff strikes from medium altitudes. A new datalink allows 6 of the A-10C's 11 hardpoints to carry precision weapons in concert with a digital stores management system (DSMS).
Part 2 of the PEM gives the A-10C new wing spars and boxes for longer service life in a separate but associated 2 billion dollar program. The USAF also hopes to re-engine the A-10C with more fuel efficient turbofans. With the new funds invested in the A-10C, the USAF plans to keep the A-10 fleet in the air until 2028, fifty years after the type's initial service entry. Given the success in maintaining the Boeing B-52 and KC-135 fleets, which are well past their service lives, the A-10 has a good chance.
- Country of Origin: United States
- First Flight: 10 May 1972
- Initial Service Date: March 1977
- No. Built: 715
- No. In Service: 335 (approx.)
- No. of Hardpoints: 11
- Crew: 1
Power:
2x General Electric TF34-GE-100A Turbofans at 18,130 lbf
Weapons:
1x 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger (1174 rounds)
4× LAU-61/LAU-68 rocket pods (19 Hydra 70mm rockets each)
4× LAU-5003 rocket pods (19 CVR7 70mm rockets each)
6× LAU-10 rocket pods (4x 127mm Zuni rockets each)
2x AIM-9 Sidewinders
8x AGM-65 Maverick
Mk 82/83/84 unguided bombs, Mk. 77 incendiary bombs, BLU-1, BLU-27/B Rockeye II, Mk. 20, BL-755, CBU-52/58/71/87/89/97 cluster bombs.
Paveway series of laser guided bombs. JDAM
4× LAU-61/LAU-68 rocket pods (19 Hydra 70mm rockets each)
4× LAU-5003 rocket pods (19 CVR7 70mm rockets each)
6× LAU-10 rocket pods (4x 127mm Zuni rockets each)
2x AIM-9 Sidewinders
8x AGM-65 Maverick
Mk 82/83/84 unguided bombs, Mk. 77 incendiary bombs, BLU-1, BLU-27/B Rockeye II, Mk. 20, BL-755, CBU-52/58/71/87/89/97 cluster bombs.
Paveway series of laser guided bombs. JDAM
Dimensions:
| Length: | 53 ft. 4 in. |
| Wing Span: | 57 ft. 6 in. |
| Wing Area: | 506 sq.ft |
| Height: | 14 ft. 8 in. |
| Empty Weight: | 24,959 lbs |
| Max. Weight: | 50,000 lbs |
| Max. Ordnance Load: | 16,000 lbs |
Performance:
| Max. Speed: | 439 mph |
| Cruise Speed: | 340 mph |
| Service Ceiling: | 45,000 ft. |
| Normal Range: | 250 nm |
| Max. Range: | 2,240 nm |
Random great photos of the Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II:
