Next Aircraft in Timeline
Su-17M (Fitter-C) →
Other
A-10 Thunderbolt II (First Flight)
Fairchild Republic · USA
While the prototype (YA-10) flew in '71, the definitive A-10 took its first flight in 1972. It was designed specifically for Close Air Support (CAS), featuring a "bathtub" of titanium armor to protect the pilot from 23mm anti-aircraft shells.
Technical Specifications
| First Flight | 1972 |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 706 km/h |
| Range | 1,287 km |
| Ceiling | 13,700 m |
| Engines | 2x General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans |
Armament & Payload
1x 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon; 7,260 kg of ordnance.