Fairchild-Republic A-10A "Thunderbolt II"

Fairchild-Republic A-10A "Thunderbolt II". . , Length: 53 Feet, 4 Inches, Height: 17 Feet, 8 Inches, Wingspan: 57 Feet, 6 Inches, Maximum Weight: 50,000 Lbs, Cruising Speed: 345 MPH, Maximum Speed: 518 MPH, Ceiling: 44,200 Feet, The A/OA10 "Thunderbolt II" has been in service with the Air Force since 1975. A-10s have served at Eielson since 1981, first with the 18^th Fighter Squadron, then the 11^th Tactical Air Support Squadron, and finally with the 355^th Fighter Squadron when that unit was activated at Eielson on August 20, 1993., Pilots in the A-10 are protected by a titanium "bath tub" which is capable of surviving direct hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles up to 23mm. Manual systems back up redundant hydraulic flight controls and self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam. Maintenance on the aircraft is made easier by vertical stabilizers, landing gear, and engines, which are interchangeable left and right., The primary mission of the aircraft is providing close air support to ground forces by attacking all ground targets including tanks and other armored vehicles. Although only achieving speeds just over 500 mph, the A-10 has the ability to loiter over battle areas for extended periods of time. During this time the aircraft brings to bear the aw[e]some power of its 3,900 round per minute 30mm gattling [sic] gun and a wide variety of ordinance [sic], held on multiple hard points underneath the aircraft's wings and fuselage..