Enhancements keep Warthog tusks sharp
Times have changed, new threats have emerged and capabilities have evolved – but the A-10 endures with an upgrade under way.
The A-10C Thunderbolt II is unique as the only fixed-wing close air support (CAS) aircraft operated by the USAF.
Known as the Warthog, the ungainly looking aircraft (introduced in 1976) disables enemy armour, neutralises lesser targets and watches over US and allied combat troops.
Designed during Cold War for the CAS role against Soviet aggression in Western Europe, the Warthog instead proved its worth in Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, as well as against ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups.
With titanium in vulnerable areas, the airframe is unusually robust. Modifications have been therefore been incremental and relatively minor, apart from
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Denmark bolsters Arctic security with $4.2 billion spend, procures 16 additional F-35s]()
Denmark bolsters Arctic security with $4.2 billion spend, procures 16 additional F-35s
While the F-35s will help strengthen Denmark’s NATO contribution, other equipment such as a maritime patrol aircraft and additional drones were listed to further boost its Arctic defence capabilities.
-
![AUSA 2025: IAI presents its bid for US Army’s next-generation VTOL UAS requirement]()
AUSA 2025: IAI presents its bid for US Army’s next-generation VTOL UAS requirement
The OmniRaider uncrewed aerial system is described by Israel Aerospace Industries as an “Americanised” version of its ThunderB-NG vertical take-off and landing UAS of which there are hundreds in service.
-
![AUSA 2025: Lockheed Martin conducts first ground-based demo of JAGM Quad Launcher]()
AUSA 2025: Lockheed Martin conducts first ground-based demo of JAGM Quad Launcher
The first live-fire demonstration of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Quad Launcher was tested against a ground vehicle, with further tests against a UAS target planned for the system next month.
-
![AUSA 2025: Sikorsky’s uncrewed Black Hawk to fly next year]()
AUSA 2025: Sikorsky’s uncrewed Black Hawk to fly next year
The uncrewed UH-60L Black Hawk or U-Hawk is built around the company’s Matrix autonomy technology and, after less than a year of development, is expected to fly in 2026.
-
![“Balance” to be struck between KC-46As and NGAS programme, says USAF chief of staff nominee]()
“Balance” to be struck between KC-46As and NGAS programme, says USAF chief of staff nominee
Gen Kenneth Wilsbach responded to questions about the US Air Force’s ongoing modernisation plans during his nomination hearing, emphasising the need for the current and future aerial refuelling platforms.
-
![Advances in HALE/MALE systems prove the sky is not the limit for drones]()
Advances in HALE/MALE systems prove the sky is not the limit for drones
Drone systems are multiplying at high altitudes as designers turn out new components and subsystems that let units operate there.
