Length: 8.75 inches
Width: 9.75 inches
October 1975 saw delivery of the first USAF A-10a and deployment in March 1976. Built
specifically for close ground support the pilot is protected by titanium armor while being
covered by a bubble canopy giving a commanding view. The Warthog has everything
needed to survive, dual engines; self-sealing fuel cells; redundant flight control systems
protected by titanium armor; a 30 mm seven-barrel Gatling gun; a wide array of bombs
and missiles. This plane packs a heavy punch and can stay on scene a long time to
deliver.
In the Gulf War, A-10s had a mission capable rate of 95.7 percent, flew 8,100 sorties and
launched 90 percent of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles and were vital assets during
Operation Desert Storm and Operation Noble Anvil.
The 23rd TFW was normally based out of England AFB, La. But in 1991 during
Operation Desert Storm they were assigned to the 706th TFS, 926th TFG in Saudi
Arabia. On February 6, 1991 Captain Robert Swain spotted 2 Iraqi helicopters speeding
across the desert. The helicopters split in opposite directions so Captain Swain pursued
the south-bound. Swain first attempted to use an AIM-9L missiles but couldn’t lock on so
the second pass he fired about 300 rounds of his 30mm gun causing the helicopter to
explode. This was the first ever air-to-air kill by an A-10 so the aircraft was named the
“Chopper Popper”.