How Air Force Pilots Fly The Controversial $19 Million A-10 Warthog | Boot Camp | Insider Business

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog, is the United States Air Force’s primary low-altitude close-air-support aircraft. It is the only Air Force aircraft produced specifically to support ground forces. It does this using the 30-millimeter Avenger Gatling gun mounted in its nose to clear the battlefield and create a safe path for US ground forces. Soldiers named it the Warthog because of its "ugly" appearance and the guttural sound created by the Avenger.
The A-10 has been at the center of a debate within the US Armed Forces about whether or not the nearly 50-year-old aircraft should be retired in favor of the more modern F-35 Fighter Jet.
Insider visited Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, to see how pilots are trained to fly the Warthog.
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How Air Force Pilots Fly The Controversial $19 Million A-10 Warthog | Boot Camp | Insider Business

[@VeryPteri]

Remember folks, it's not a plane with a minigun inside it, it's a minigun with a plane around it.

[@carargon]

but its actually a tank in a plane

[@chytruseczek]

Made by a washing machine company XD

[@stormgear896]

It's a minigun with a plane attached to it.

[@mansmatulewicz3622]

Mini? 😂

[@beepIL]

Mini gun? that is a Gatling gun baby

[@PASTRAMIKick]

wtf it's not ugly at all, it has an iconic shape.

[@yecto1332]

People calling it ugly has a class who goes to art exhibition to watch trash art

[@BlackEagle352]

It's just not sleek

[@AlexandraBolz]

Right? I love how it looks! I don’t fly planes but I would love to own a car with art like that

[@mas99cool]

I agree

[@mas99cool]

The spinning was made by General Electric

[@docmorrell]

A10 pilots are badasses. I was a combat medic in the Army, and have had them provide us CAS before. They’ll always have my respect and appreciation.

[@gregoryh4601]

Thanks Sir for my Freedom. They use to Fly Over my House. That was sweet sound of Freedom

[@aaaaaa-hh8cq]

I'm not from the land of freedom but I really respect and admire your country's technological advancements. a10 warthog is just awesome ❤ such a fine sound to hear ❤

[@Dave-vu3yn]

Mate. You have it all wrong. They want to sell and the bought politicians then buy the most expensive things they can. Letter they will reintroduce a plane that does the same role and costs 10x. And they will buy it. Feel good when it’s tax time.

[@frederikkjrgaard1963]

@@aaaaaa-hh8cqthe land of Freeform😭😭

[@maxx20122012]

My brother who was in Afghanistan said the A10 saved him and his team from Taliban in coming attack. After 3 runs. I thank the A10 pilots for bring him home alive.

[@meatiest1989]

I have a distant uncle in the Taliban (he’s been kicked out from our family as we don’t like the Taliban) who brags about not being scared of the A10 but if I saw it I’d p1$$ everywhere

[@meatiest1989]

@@fourdeep6561 my family disagree with the fact he bought a wife

[@frederikkjrgaard1963]

@@fourdeep6561its a radical muslim group what do you Think? Did you hear this from TikTok or sum

[@11bravo57]

When I was a light infantryman in Iraq, this beast of a plane was our guardian angel. I know all other grunts will agree.

[@schwuub5264]

I assume you aren't British

[@ovar9000umad]

Fratricide happens in every military. What about the British Apache’s that lit up their own patrol? Not just Americans

[@Horizon301.]

@@ovar9000umad I’ve seen countless comments from British military fearing American air support, particularly the A10 due to the friendly fire. Clearly it’s more so an issue than other forms of suppprts. And the US already is known for friendly fire.

[@yo9758]

I think this plane is known for killing, more friendly than any other plane. And how utterly useless the gun is on actually kill enemies combatants.

[@jamescox1557]

8 years artillery 198 ,they don't know what they did removing this plane...yet.

[@roguesample]

Hearing the A-10 pilots talk about how they’re only ever concerned with the CAS they provide to the boots on the ground is great. Cool to know that when the troops are cheering at the “brrrrrrrt” on the ground the pilot is smiling and waving to the boys 😎🤘🏻

[@jamescox1557]

Unforgettable times of our life,mine happened at Pohakaloa and Yakama.. just training.86-94.

[@acorgiwithacrown467]

Well, yea until that brrrrrt is a blue on blue incident

[@kieran3984]

@@acorgiwithacrown467 thanks to the 190th fighter squadron 🙃

[@puppergump4117]

@@acorgiwithacrown467 We have maps and radios for a reason though

[@lonnieloveblackdragon]

💯

[@zachariahgore8490]

As someone that has seen and been aided by this beautiful work of death, it pains me to see that so many people that have never actually seen the A-10 in action or have been saved from being over run or know of others from being over run, push to have it retired! I was infantry, the last 100 yards, the boots on the ground. The A-10 is the infantry of the skies!! That plane and the men and women that pilot them are absolute badasses and heroes to those of us pinned down on the ground! All you have to do is give them a well deserved upgrade and they will continue to save our asses time and time again. We all have so much respect for the A-10 and her pilots that have saved our asses in the shittiest and darkest situations!

[@patrickgermain2507]

Doesn’t this read like the American military doesn’t require this skill by people anymore? Seems like them not training anyone to do this going forward means they’ve covered this requirement with other assets we don’t necessarily know about as of now

[@rooh5825]

@@patrickgermain2507 Wrong.

[@zachariahgore8490]

@@patrickgermain2507 what?! That made no sense man! But, whatever, you do you, and I wish you the best…

[@wrmlm37]

Yaaay! A10 Warthogs instill preemptive FEAR! This is tremendously important to the welfare and minds of the troops on the ground! Go Warthogs!

[@slavplaysgames]

ALL THAT FOR THE JEWS ... AMAZING BUDDY ... I RESPECT YOU GUYS BUT STOP BEING DELUSIONAL MAN ... BORDERLINE YOU ARE PAID MURDERERS ALSO THANKS TO US INVADING MIDDLE EAST NOW EUROPE IS DESTABILIZED WITH MASS OF BLACKS AND ARABS THAT CAME FROM ALL THE COUNTRIES US DESTABILIZED IN WEST WITH THEIR SATANIC DEEP STATE SPREADING FREEDOM .

[@miked7256]

I had the chance to meet "MAD" and her crew at an airshow last year. OUTSTANDING pilot and crew. Thank you all for your service!

[@wind369]

A-10 needs to evolve to A-11

[@Xaviar_St.Thomas]

Real talk !!

[@Ryan-719]

Just like covid 19 to covid 20

[@deslow7411]

Oh God please let it have 2x40mm miniguns

[@schwuub5264]

Is it gonna kill more British people

[@l333cc2]

@@deslow7411 the ultimate terror of the british isles

[@xyzaero9656]

From 3 hours endurance to being oil and fatigue limited … tankers are the best force multipliers in military aviation

[@williampotter2098]

Huh?

[@OGC1970]

LMFAO😂.. I guess

[@LeviBulger]

In a massive conflict where air superiority is of utmost importance, definitely true.

[@ericolsen4935]

NKAWTG!

[@jamescox1557]

Hell yes,dont forget your depends and meth pilot,theirs plenty of fuel up their.

[@brianshotton3353]

Retiring the A-10 would be a HUGE blow for the ground troops like myself. The Warthog was called in for CAS countless times in my Afghanistan battles, where without them I and many others would not be here today. As far as the looks and sounds, from the ground force view there is NOTHING more beautiful dropping out of the sky for low gun runs to save our asses!!!!

[@IamtheRealChicken]

the suvivability of the A10 is what makes it to me amazing.

[@DIDYOUSEETHAT172]

I served in the Special Forces, I've seen a few aircraft up close in action, the site and sound of this critter lighting up a target is an euphoric experience. I think its forking gorgeous. I fly fixed wing in civilian life, and take helicopter lessons. There are a few aircraft That stimulate the imagination, that I dream of flying, P51 Mustang, Apache helicopter, and the A10,

[@GEOsustainable]

I agree on all points. You mentioned all my favorite birds too. For me it was the AH-1G Cobra, grandfather to the Apache. Let's hope the A-10 make it to Ukraine very, very soon or the Cobra.

[@matthewjay660]

The only thing that I'd want to replace an A-10 is an upgraded A-10. God bless our pilots. 🇺🇸🦅💪🏻

[@DIDYOUSEETHAT172]

@@matthewjay660 Amen!!🙏🙏

[@DIDYOUSEETHAT172]

@@GEOsustainable All splendid machines. The request was made by Ukraine for 100 A-10, and rejected as “impossible," and "made no sense.” by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, hopefully he and or they change their minds. Makes you wonder if he knows what an A-10 is. It makes perfect sense.

[@fishbrix3809]

just play war thunder @DID YOU SEE THAT

[@PS_____]

The A-10 was the single most impressive close air support aircraft I had the pleasure of having support from in Afghanistan. The A-10 can fly low and slow enough to fight in mountainous environments, which cannot be said for just about any other fixed wing airframe in the inventory. The Gatling gun sounds like the hand of god coming down on the ground. There is no way to explain the sound of that gun in close proximity when seconds count. It is awe inspiring. For those of us who owe our lives to that old bird, find it hard to believe that the air force would choose to no longer support it. Both the F22 and the F35 are fantastic airframes, but cannot touch the A-10 in terms of close air support

[@wakandaforever2401]

Well the A-10 operated in an environment with absolute air superiority, and with it being so slow, it had a unique advantage over other when it came to operating in mountains. If it ever goes up against a near peer adversary with somewhat contested air, and SAM batteries, it would get fucked up.

[@PS_____]

@@wakandaforever2401 yes, absolutely. And with the increasing prevalence of MANPADS, low and slow aircraft are particularly exposed. If I were king of the world, I wouldn't be so quick to throw out a great tool because it doesn't have an application in my current project. I imagine there will always be a need for an A-10 type airframe. It's just not that great for our current environment.

[@gregoryh4601]

Sir the Song sound more the Angels coming Down on the Devils on Earth. Peace Be With You. Sir God has to many weapons so he does not have to leave Heaven. Gory

[@rooh5825]

@@wakandaforever2401 Yes, and over the last 50 years that's happened SO much LMAO drrrrrrrrrrr think a little bit

[@wakandaforever2401]

@@rooh5825 Bro... what are you talking about.

[@nance3675]

I worked on these A-10s at RAF Bentwaters/RAF Woodbridge as an Avionics Specialist. My absolute favorite aircraft! Hardly any problems, always ready, and so easy to work on. All ground crews cheer when they see A-10s overhead. Can’t imagine an Air Force without them. That would be a very stupid decision costing thousands of ground forces their lives.

[@r.c.salyer3652]

What the crux of the problem is, THE JR: AIR FORCE OFFICERS AT WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB: They pick the brightest to serve there, but they have 0 experience. They make rank by proposing new AF Platforms. They have done some incredibly stupid things over the years. Must be a dozen times since, I first worked on a base with A 10s in in 1983 that they have tried to retire it. THERE IS NONE BETTER AT CLOSE AIR SUPPORT! These Jr. Officers, thought the B2 was so great, they demanded they make a version of it to fly 500 ft. off the ground. Mind you at 500 ft, Stealth is useless, a Goat Herder with a sling shot and a grenade can blow one out of the sky at that height easily. Not to mention, being a Mattel Type Plastic Airplane, the B2 had to be completely re engineered, and structurally completely changed to fly 500 ft. off the ground. It was so expensive, that the AF ended up with 23 B2s instead of the 121 or so originally ordered on original contract. So bright, but actually stupid these Jr. Air Force Officers, but who is riding herd on them.

[@oxouk]

The 81st TAC. My step father was staioned there in the mid 80's. He was in munitions. I used to go to work with him some days and hang out on the flight line. The twin bases.

[@mikebennett9356]

I worked on them in Alaska, ECM troop, couldn’t agree with you more.

[@thatfordguy2268]

The A-10 is one of the most iconic and revered planes on the planet! So underrated... And it is devastating to any offensive position!

[@bluntcabbage6042]

It's not underrated at all, it's actually painfully _overrated._ It takes a job any cheap old turbo prop attacker could do, makes it more expensive, with triple the upkeep and training needed. It's wildly inefficient.

[@ericsevern]

The A-10 is an excellent example of form following function. It is a masterpiece.

[@MinneapolisRaven]

I remember the stories around the Gulf War, when an A-10 appeared, the Iraqis would abandon their vehicles and run. They called it Shabba, the Desert Ghost, because you can't hear it coming with the engines up high in back.

[@TheOffroadbeast]

Shabba doesnt mean "desert ghost". Stop making shit up for likes.

[@l333cc2]

and yet we have the other side of the coin with them calling it their greatest propaganda weapon with the sheer amount of civilians it killed

[@waffleslayer5000]

the british tankers didnt run

[@omarmigsktm943]

أمريكا دولة مجرمة وشعب مجرم

[@wakandaforever2401]

When the A-10 appeared, everyone ran because the only piece of spotting equipment the pilots had was a pair of binoculars, so you could just as easily be the target.

[@derekheld1427]

When I was a kid my school was close to Davis-Monthan. I LOVED when I heard the sound of those engines and would always try to catch a view of two planes flying formation across the school. It was joy every single time I got to see them. Will never forget that memory and this legendary plane.

[@marnick4229]

remember: if you hear brrrrrt, you are not the target

[@anamelessghoul6669]

But you still may be hit

[@Xaviar_St.Thomas]

Yep !!

[@thomashayhurst6547]

You are not the target but you will probably get hit 😂

[@Jeg08.]

Are we not gonna talk about how accurate this guys impression was? 2:55

[@brianedward6417]

I would love to here the black guy from the movie Police Academy impersonate the A-10 Brrrrrrrrrttttt!!!🤣

[@joeysalazar4356]

I grew up in Tucson. Got to see them all the time. They've been talking about retiring these for 30 years.

[@LinkTheRipper77]

Rip to Lt. Col. Brown. He was always so proud of being an A10 pilot

[@colinlewis4637]

As an add on to my previous comment. I want to thank all A10 pilots for their support during my time and on behalf of all other soldiers I feel confident saying that they would thank you as well it's really saved a lot of our asses.

[@rootsman99]

FACTS Brotha!!! Airborne Infantry All The Way

[@jamescox1557]

That definitely Beggs the question,If not that what? And it better work,or where over run.

[@jamescox1557]

@@rootsman99 the element of surprise never goes out of fashion. Wake them up with naaa they dont.

[@OfficiallySnek]

Controversial? But it does “BRRRRRT!” and burns though $400,000 worth of ammunition in 12 seconds

[@stischer47]

If it saves the lives of American ground soldiers, then it's cheap.

[@TheSpinkels]

@@stischer47 It's responsible for killing a whole lot of American ground soldiers, plus British ones.

[@somethingsomething9753]

britan lost more men to american fire than to the enemy in the gulf war. Big part of that was the a10 no targeting + the vibrations of the gun throwing aim of course made this thing resposible for hundereds of freindly fire incidents most of which where covered up by the goverment thats why its controversial

[@thecoldpinecone7287]

@@stischer47 bruh the plane hardly saves lives it’s basically a death trap if the enemy has anything to shoot at it

[@9HeadHydra]

@@thecoldpinecone7287that plane is designed to fly and land with half a wing

[@YoungBlood507]

That gps guided bomb is deadly and dangerously accurate. This is why the A10 is crucial, when having air support you need them to be accurate otherwise it would be a danger to themselves.

[@ypw510]

That can be done from other planes that are less likely to be shot down.

[@savageone8931]

This, the B2 bomber and the F-22 raptor are the most beautiful jets in the world

[@jameskarins1717]

and the b 1

[@paulwilliams4371]

@@jameskarins1717 yea ngl probally my fav

[@itsmekuyapanda9632]

Dont forget the blackbird

[@chrisdane.7170]

The SR-71 called.

[@Montano214]

And the nighthawk

[@freelancepear87kakkoka11]

A-10 is definitely one of the most beautiful planes i have ever seen and boy is that sound scary as hell, sad that not everyone in the airforce thinks so, still it was really cool to get a closer look on how the plane works (and you can never get enough of that BRRRRRT). EDIT: I also remember hearing that the A-10 is getting retired because anti-aircraft technology is riding way past it, because the plane has to get so close to the enemy they can target it with their anti-air missiles which is something you really don't want in an aircraft.

[@thedan2333]

Then make an unmanned version 😎

[@critterjon4061]

@@thedan2333 the did it was called the a-10CAS with the program being dropped because the cost of retrofitting and maintaining the current fleet would have cost several times more than developing an entirely new aircraft and the MOD never ended up finding a role that it could fill that was not already filled by existing aircraft

[@thedan2333]

@@critterjon4061 that's sad. Well if anything the War in Ukraine right now shows the need of air support for ground troops and while drones have displayed great capabilities there's still room for higher fire power coming from air support.

[@WeatherManToBe]

Makes no sense as any SAM will successfully target an F35 playing close air support as well. But the F35 will be destroyed by a non-contact hit that the A10 won't even notice.

[@mmmiiiiggg]

@@WeatherManToBe F35 is faster and has more countermeasures against SAM

[@chriswho12345]

it's important to have both conventional aircraft and stealth aircraft in the same role for cost and volume. can you imagine a f35 with finicky stealth coatings and maintenance and high costs strafing lower priority targets? the a10 can do that and take damage and be repaired and do so in greater sortie volumes for a fraction of the price

[@AutoBrawn]

I've always loved the look and sound of the A10 and I've been fortunate enough to see the Demo Team in action twice when they came up to Canada and they did not disappoint! The only thing I wish they could've done was a live fire attack run and hear that glorious BRRRRRRT!

[@AlexandraBolz]

The A-10 looks so cool! To me it doesn’t look ugly at all. I’ve also thought of joining the Air Force.

[@PipelineF35guy]

I’ll tell you what man, the Air Force is the branch most people will stay in for 20 years. Also, as an F35 maintainer, I don’t think they should retire the A10 at all, but if they do, they should 200% train the pilots on CAS, bc the F35 is an immensely capable aircraft.

[@AlexandraBolz]

@@PipelineF35guy hello Matt from Wii Sports. And yeah I’ve had family members in the Air Force and they stayed in it for that long.

[@JustABaptistApoligist]

@@PipelineF35guy my grandfather worked on A-10s when he was in the airforce and I agree with you. Losing an A-10 is a lot cheaper than losing a F-35 and the F-35 is still a solid airplane. Thank you for your service

[@PipelineF35guy]

@@JustABaptistApoligist As far as I know, it’s pretty hard to lose an F35, those things are amazingly complex and are basically a giant computer in the sky that can interface with other aircraft, and it can most certainly act like a very fast and mobile AWACS I believe

[@ShawnChang6453]

That BRRR was the ONE thing that made Valkyries from OG Macross sounded badass

[@RainesProductions]

the A-10 is an amazing aircraft. It's like a tank with wings attached.

[@snakeinthegrak8969]

It's such a beautiful platform. I've been in love with this thing since I was a kid.

[@roberthartzell7104]

Mini Gatling gun with a plane built around it! I remember hearing that burrt at Edwards Air force Base when I was a little kid, my dad worked on the SR71 program. This plane is capable of flying with big holes blown out of it, as per pilots that flew in Afghanistan .

[@kasper_429]

The 30mm cannon is not "mini" in any stretch of the imagination, lol.

[@christopherrasnick8535]

The A-10 remains relevant not for the bombs it drops but the morale it brings. The Sky Warden (a tractor with wings, missiles, and 20mm cannons) can perform the same missions as the A-10 but at a much lower cost. Furthermore, expendable UAVs can haul massive amounts of laser guided freedom into enemy airspace at no risk to pilots. But those platforms do not hold the awesome power that the A-10 brings when it flys over a stadium or fires its 30mm cannon. With lackluster recruitment numbers that “Awe” factor is arguably most important.

[@Xaviar_St.Thomas]

Exactly

[@mynamejef7963]

@God Does Not Exist our government threw a 100 billion dollar bone to jewkraine for nothing

[@tudi]

Laser guided freedom.. you said it right there xD

[@cg5648]

@God Does Not Exist better and cheaper, good luck.

[@binbows2258]

@@cg5648 sky warden..

[@JamesAFrancis1966]

The close air support for ground troops that the A-10 provides is important. The value of he A-10 should not be overlooked. Around 4 A10 can be produced for the same cost of one F35. After air superiority has been achieved, the roll of the A-10 is still necessary.

[@TheSpinkels]

Nope. Just about everything that flies under the sun can do what the A-10 does, from the F15, to the F-16, to the F-111, to the B1, to the B-2, all without Swiss cheesing their allies because they actually have some targeting systems included and not just binoculars. Also they can do it without being shot at with AK's and don't need to worry about MANPADs. A-10 tops the charts on both combat losses and friendly fire incidents, and in any battlefield that isn't a seal clubbing roflstomp with no AA, the A-10 blows up thirty miles before reaching its target. It's also not cheap at all. Maybe back in the 70's when it came out it cost 19 Million, but today the C variant - actually equipped with targeting systems so it doesn't fire blindly on British convoys - now costs about the same as a brand new, 80 million dollar F-35A.

[@thecoldpinecone7287]

Yup a-10 should’ve been retired decades ago

[@alebado8664]

Then 4 more pilots will die as soon as they reach any modern battlefield on this thing

[@MikeySkywalker]

More profit in the F-35. But we all know the F-35 cannot replace the A-10. That is a joke. That would be like saying they're going to replace the Minuteman ICBM with a Tomahawk Missile.

[@donhuberto5213]

@@MikeySkywalker The only good thing about the A-10 is that it can launch missiles, drop bombs and have rocket pods. The GAU-8/A is a joke it cant pen 60s armour despite that being its purpose. Gun runs are useless even in ww2 the Stuka-J with 37mm rounds couldn’t do much against ww2 armour. The F-35 can do all the actually useful features of the A-10 and all its variants all while being completely undetected by radar and being an extremely good fighter. Its about the exact opposite of what you said keeping the a-10 is like keeping the blimp in service over the b-52 because the b-52 is more expensive and blimps can drop bombs. It is also better logistically to have a PLANE that can be transported on HELICOPTER CARRIERS than a slow, inaccurate, and easy to shoot down trash heap. The titanium tub only works against 27mm kinetic projectiles, last time I checked most air to air missiles are explosive.

[@Zachafinackus]

It's wild how old they are and still in use. My dad used to work on these in the 70s and 80s as a crew chief, it's crazy to think that ones he worked on might still be in service.

[@TR-Mead]

The only thing controversial about this aircraft is how Airforce brass have been trying to kill it so they can divert money to pet projects, meanwhile leaving the Army and Marines exposed on the ground without proper air cover. THAT is the controversy, not the aircraft.

[@RichardLaurence]

It reminds me of here in the UK - the Harrier jump jet was scrapped, with no obvious replacement

[@kristiansvendsen6906]

Pretty sure most want to phase it out not cut it out. Which is absolutely what should be done as it is quite clearly obsolete. The planes gun, you know the thing that could be replaced by a couple gbu's or missiles (which accounts for most of the A-10's kills mind you) is completely unusable against enemies with just manpads. But people see videos of the brrt and decide they are experts on military strategy. The situations where it can do what it was designed for are running out pretty quickly. Ironic that you mention the army and marines not having any air cover if we replace the A-10 but the reality is that the F35 could deliver air support way more consistently and accurately even if it can't bring as many weapons, plus being able to strike into deeper territory if needed. Also the F35-B could take off on much shorter runways and carriers allowing it to be much closer to the actual battle, not even counting its much faster speed.

[@bjjkickboxing7876]

@@kristiansvendsen6906 exactly. There people play too many war games

[@Leo-gl4lb]

Unfortunately the A10 is running into several walls of obsolescence that push people to replace and eventually phase it out completely. Its responsible for the most friendly fire incidents of any other aircraft combined, and its big gun that everyone calls a 'tank killer' doesnt actually do as much as you think it does. The US preformed a test giving the A10 optimal strafing conditions, in which they strafed M60 tanks, and out of several, (I forgot the numbers here) only a couple actually were damaged. However the damage was so little that the tanks could be up and running within the same day. No the A10 isnt amazing anymore, no it was never a tank killer, and the information on the A10 is largely mythos.

[@misterhat5823]

@@kristiansvendsen6906 So... Typing a big blob of text makes you more of an expert than anyone else in the comments?

[@michaelvickers89]

My friends brother is a A-10 pilot and I could not be more jealous!! I would tell him that’s is the coolest job on the planet!! I love my country and the people who protect it!! 🇺🇸

[@officerjohns9554]

a10 is probably the most iconic plane in the world of aviation

[@sempergumby8734]

Fallujah 2003, this beast rained death from above for us a few times. Much respect to the Hog

[@rookincharge2780]

"The A-10 is so expensive to maintain." *The F-35 slowly backing away*

[@1967250s]

Yeah, I bet the -35 will be a money hog, too. And I bet it can't take a hit like the A-10 can, or support the troops on the ground as well since it carries such a small amount of ordinance.

[@jeppenielsen6942]

@@1967250s I dont think you know what you are talking about. The F-35 can carry 18.000 punds of ordinance, whereas the A-10 only carries 16.000 pounds. Please dont talk about stuff you dont know when a simple google search can prove you wrong. Also, the A-10s Friendly fire rate is so high its almost comical.

[@just_some_bigfoot_hacking_you]

Now tell me about a fighter plane that it's maintainability only costs $2 Walmart parts...

[@ZaraPoeta]

They can remove them, retire them but 4 me this will always be the most iconic plane ever! Such and out of the box design... I get it all good things come to end.... but these dudes will live on in my mind!

[@Sally10268]

Crazy.. The thunder bolt 2 is gorgeous!

[@jamesmodugno1111]

The plane should get a face lift (build brand new ones with latest electronics) but never lose the purpose of the plane and the fear of the 30 gatterling gun and the spirit of the pilots that fly it and the troops on the ground that respect these fearless flyers.

[@IanG99]

Considering it's counterpart is the SU-25 Frogfoot and how many were shot down over Ukraine due to shoulder mounted stingers, as much as I love the A-10, it's days are coming to an end. The only way it survived relevance was because the enemies it had been bombing didn't have an anti-air missile. Russia and China have more than plenty to shoot these out of the air

[@AdamBorseti]

That's a really good point.

[@mrtee3477]

That's why you destroy the air defense before you go in. This have it role and place in warfare of today.

[@WestSideGorilla1980]

Eh

[@90whatever]

That's exactly it. In contested and especially modern near peer environments the A-10 won't survive. It was a phenomenal weapon system and needs it's place in history but it is a new world now.

[@jamescox1557]

You sound like Metalica,,Sad but true.. great evaluation,loose them now,or loose them with the pilot.

[@Madderthanjoker]

Tops the list of friendly fire casualties as well, funny how they never mentioned it despite really emphasizing how important it is at keeping soldiers safe.

[@benjamine.8945]

The “Warrior Angels” from above. Loved hearing them Overseas.

[@PwnyDwn]

I would like to give a shout out to any hog pilots that were deployed in and around Tikrit from 2008-2010. Thank you for saving my life. We were totally over run and pinned down and TACP made the call, within 10 minutes we heard the familiar whistle over head followed by a large series of explosions and BRRRRRT. All fire on us stopped and it's almost as if we weren't even fighting anymore. The shouts and anxiety left and turned to cheers and relief. I struggle to sleep most nights and when I do I wake up in tears often. When that happens I just remember the soothing sounds of that plane over head knowing my guardian angel was watching me. Much respect pilots. I speak for all of us who were gnawing on sand, we love you.

[@mknewlan67]

7 year disabled vet here, non combat deployed. You have my deepest respect and if I could do anything to help I would. I was a 64 Charlie then became the unit armorer for 2 years. I don’t miss it but damn do I miss the people. Thank you brother.

[@PwnyDwn]

@@mknewlan67 You didn't have to eat sand for me to call you family. Love you all the same. 88m, 2 tours. I don't regret it but I wouldn't repeat it... Also.. Camel Spiders.. not worth. Horrible little space alien monsters..

[@carlhicksjr8401]

I was a tank crewman in Germany when Momma Hog was introduced. I can tell you that all us mud humpers considered A-10 jocks to be 'honorary mudfeet'. We were VERY supportive of an aircraft designed to put ordinance on target instead of carpet bombing and some wingnut trying to live his 'Danger Zone' dreams while we got our asses kicked.

[@SageRites]

To any new A-10 pilots I salute you, carry on the dream

[@kishascape]

And remember it’s only actually controversial to those on the receiving end of it.

[@schwuub5264]

The dream of bad friendly fire Cas

[@danhowie1699]

Love love love the A10. A mother or big sister looking after her boys on the ground❤❤

[@Tiber234]

Awesome plane - mos-def not ugly , not having swept back wings and a pointy nose does not equate to ugliness, its rugged functionality is its beauty. Much respect to the Hawg Boys and Girls!! Although I'll never ever get into one DCS flight sim gives me a taster of what its like.

[@Sweetgums69]

My dad flew these for about 15 years. Served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[@colinlewis4637]

As a member of 82nd airborne in Iraq thank your father for me. Who knows it's extremely possible that he helped in some of our engagements over there.

[@gregoryh4601]

Please Tell your Dad thanks for My Freedom he gave when he Serve our Country. Also tell Him we are Sorry for let our Country down

[@themr_wilson]

An ugly plane? The Warthog looks exactly how it's supposed to, and it's amazing

[@daveme1803]

357th. I got about 4 years in that squadron as a crew chief. Best duty ever. Hog in the fog!

[@porscheguy09]

If there ever was a plane that would benefit from major upgrades like engine, avionics and targeting systems it’s the A-10. Instead of trying to replace it with another aircraft that will never be as capable as the A-10 in the Close Air Support role it makes more sense to improve the current aircraft.

[@hirampriggott1689]

My all time favorite military aircraft. Saw these things do low altitude bombing runs in the Chesapeake bay. We strayed into a restricted zine north of Tangier Island

[@tri5ford]

About 3:03, Gator Fullam (?), right shoulder patch...priceless!

[@azhectic9976]

Love seeing these in the air just about everyday!!

[@nerd26373]

Amazing content as always. Keep up the good work.

[@nikolai3620]

This beautiful machine is entirely uncontroversial to the people it protects which is exactly why it shouldn't be controversial to anyone else in my opinion.

[@yidy1]

It's "Controversial" because the military industrial complex can't earn 50 billion a piece. Also, it may yet be the most effective equipment against drones and such. So no extra billions down the drain on fake "R&D"...

[@thecofounders]

Nothin hotter than a fighter pilot explaining her strafing run ugh 🥰🥰🥰

[@jeremysweeten2792]

WE NEED THE A-10!!!! Legend and necessary

[@justinedwards2496]

For anyone who's intereseted, LazerPig did a very good video covering the A10, some of the mythos surrounding it, as well as some of the faults/issues that the plane has

[@DavidCurryFilms]

Its a great video, to be fair there's few want to hear the truth about a concept flawed from the beginning. Nothing that can't be achieved with missiles from a regular jet or chopper from higher up or lower down. The monster cannon simply doesn't hit or penetrate armour as it was intended. Meanwhile the F-35 is seen as "a failure" or overcomplex 🥱 but its exactly what will be needed in coming decades.

[@CoCoNutShovel]

The Army wanted it. Simply hand it over to them

[@bake4795]

Good idea though I think the army only has helicopter pilots so I dont know how they’ll use them

[@williampotter2098]

@@bake4795 Ummm. They'll train them? smh You can take a kid off of the street and have an A-10 pilot in less than a couple of years. That's how the Air Force gets pilots. The Army could do the same. Pilots could also transfer from the Air Force to the Army. It sometimes happens in other areas. EDIT: I just remembered. A guy in my USAF pilot training class was an ex-Vietnam helicopter pilot.

[@ironmyno]

Marines too!

[@wickendiana8310]

​​@@ironmyno no way an A-10 is fitting in an amphibius assault ship

[@slayedice1647]

@@wickendiana8310 The Marines do some pretty crazy shit, imagine watching a amphibious ship filled with marines suddenly catapult an A-10 and it just lobs a couple of GBUs at your face.

[@stephen7701]

My 2 favorite planes we have in our arsenal are the A-10 and B-1 lancer just look beautiful 😁

[@chuckselvage3157]

My favourite aircraft EVER. What an outstanding machine.

[@chrisprice7257]

Born and raised in Tucson, love seeing them fly over every day

[@darinmullins4770]

Create a new version of it , there will always be a need .🇺🇸

[@kaamos79]

They did, it's the F35.

[@crazycontraptions1249]

@@kaamos79 What you just said was ignorant. edit: youtube say this is my last warning before removing my channel so i had to use soft language instead

[@simpinainteasy680]

At 10x the current cost and with much higher maintenance requirements and less durability!

[@leronbenari226]

@@simpinainteasy680 That cost is meant to save the pilot. The cost is meant to make it more durable as it wont get shot down in 10 seconds like an A10 would.

[@jp8612]

@@leronbenari226 The cost is to be stealthy and fight jets not ground troops. Also please look up how many a10s have been shot down, you'll be surprised

[@austinhampton7999]

I think people forget about psychology of warfare the German pilots had a device that when they were in a dive they made a noise and it was known as terrifying to the Allies and that’s exactly what this A-10 is today not only is it effective but it’s scary as hell to our enemies

[@ChevailerHere]

You know whats even scarier? having a weapon that your enemies know they wont be able to see or detect, and is capable of bombing them without them knowing where it came from. THATS terrifying. And what makes the F-35 even better is that you cant shoot it down with close range AA weapons, but you can do that to an A10.

[@noobie1890]

The stukas? They made that sound because of the motor power and the propellor, it ended up making a unique sound that became well known and deadly.

[@felipeds3021]

@@noobie1890 i Know your comment is old, but the Stukas had a Mini propeller on the landing gear, it got removed because it would not stop making the sound even after the dive making it easier for AA's to target it

[@johnhedley831]

I was an A-10 crew chief from 82 to 83. Awesome piece of machinery. Has a lot of great features that people do not no. 1. wing slats at the wing root allows the engines not to stall in high turning moves. 2. self sealing fuel tanks. 3. Open bleed hydraulic system with check values. The gun is awesome 12 ft barrels 2 mile on target range, bullets are 1.5 lbs of lead with a speed of 3200 per second. 1 second burst spits out around a hundred rounds, recoil is 18,000 pounds. The engines have 8,000 pounds of thrust each.

[@johnhavens1373]

I worked on them when I was stationed with the 343rd EMS at Eielson from 82-84. The eight O-2s which the 18 TFS joined to form the 343rd went from search and rescue to their original mission of FAC. My AFSC was 427x1.

[@jamescone6359]

Lived in Tucson from 1978 as a child and moved in 1995. I'm not sure why. The A10 is one of my favorite to watch fly around in Tucson. My friends dad was an A10 pilot . And was also a pilot in the Vietnam War .

[@jamescox1557]

George Freeh was a very good friend of mine,plane crash,died 86.

[@jamescox1557]

Rick Cox Worthington OH

[@serwinzzalot9989]

People say that it's ugly but everyone I know thinks it's amazing looking...to me it's beautifully aesthetic...very slender elegant stretched out wings and two massive engines straight out of star trek....it's so thin but its looks very muscular and gorgeous when it has a full payload

[@Liamisdead99]

Also the ones with the shark mouth up front are badass

[@DecrepitBiden]

Was a refueler in the Air Force for 9 yrs, '90-'99. Love the Warthog. It's not sleek, streamline, nor stealth, but it'll get you home with 1 engine, 1 wing, 1 tail. Other planes would fall out of the sky like F-15, F-16, C130, C141, C5.

[@TonyN737]

Very true, except for the F-15, which can fly with one wing.

[@cornbaII]

still remember hearing one in person. craziest thing i’ve ever seen

[@paulchristiansen7014]

was saved be this A10s in Afghanistan twice, thank you brother's and sister's for your help big time.. the A10s are very important part of air to ground support.. save these A10s... to stay frosty all

[@busternineshoes]

My mate Dave Satchell's brother was killed by a Warthog 'friendly fire' attack in the first Gulf War. I'm sure he would love love to see this. Dave was in the same convoy. He still hates all trigger happy Elmers...

[@OGC1970]

Identification systems greatly advance due to all the friendly-fire deaths … war is hell; and “war is a racket”- USMC General Smedley Butler

[@taylorlibby7642]

The only thing "controversial" about the A-10 is how useful and effective it is.

[@danielbrowniel]

It's underpowered. This limits it's response time and effectiveness. They should probably develop a swept wing version with better engines.

[@ELITECMDR666]

yeah love the A10. its not an ugly plane, its a fire breathing monster that sounds amazing.

[@JT-qe5gi]

Such a flying experience could make me full and umforgottable satisfactory.

[@patrick87100]

Highlight of deployment when these guys came in. Thank you very much fly boys. 11B, Stan 0809

[@ItsMeHammie]

Iconic. But a dinosaur. I hope some of them make it in to the private collectors. Would love to see them flying at shows

[@gregoryh4601]

Sorry Sir the Army &Marines need these Jets to help them Win the War.

[@binbows2258]

@@gregoryh4601 They don't. An F16, F35, or Reaper can perform the same CAS tasks at much higher altitudes and at much less risk for the airplane and the pilot. Against a near-peer opponent, the A10 would be shot down immediately.

[@madkabal]

​@@gregoryh4601 no they don't. They need planes that won't get shot down.

[@chaz21735]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think it is the most beautiful aircraft in the arsenal.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Wild how you're already dead before you can hear the bullets

[@k-studio8112]

A10 goes brrrrrrtttttt

[@antoniobranderas]

How can a dead person hear the sound? If you hear it, then it wasn’t meant for you. 😉

[@drumsoccer100]

Wild how that's how physics works...

[@danielrussell5687]

The A-10S doctrine of "fly low and slow" is becoming increasingly outdated. Modern air defenses, including anti-aircraft missiles and advanced radar systems, make it extremely dangerous for aircraft to fly low and slow over enemy territory. The F-35's stealth capabilities and advanced sensors make it much better suited to operate in these environments.

[@MrEShive]

Only against a conventional army. Which we havent faced in forever.

[@DEVILDOG1964]

NOT FOR CLOSE AIR SUPPORT GET A BRAIN!! YOU WANT TO DO A CLOSE AIR SUPPORT MISSION FROM 20,000 FT AT MACH 1 LMAO I AM A FORMER COMBAT MARINE . REMEMBER A DESK IS A DANGEROUS PLACE FROM WHICH TO VIEW THE WORLD. YOU INVITED TO THE FRONT LINE!! THEN LET ME HEAR YOU SAY WHAT YOU SAID AGAIN.

[@zacharysmith6839]

Captain Frie is the single best officer I have ever worked with!!!

[@jameswilkerson6613]

Never thought it was ugly I always thought of it as a awesome badass plane.

[@meister-t]

I think they're looking at it all wrong: the A10 is to be compared with a helicopter, not F35. They're still keeping helicopters for combat, right? The A10 can hover very slowly, which faster jets cannot do, but it's top speed is still double that of the fastest helicopters.

[@aquilescastro1335]

the a10 cant fly low or slow enough to be compared with a helicopter

[@roberthutchins9968]

Hey hey hey thems fighting words. The A-10 is beautiful. It was the first jet I loaded between 1987 - 1991.

[@SODTAOE]

I live where this was filmed and I will truely miss seeing and hearing this beauty fly overhead

[@hermannbrandi2022]

One of the most beautiful machines in the air.

[@JohnHausser]

Imagine this wonderful machine against the Russians in 🇺🇦 🫡 Cheers from San Diego California

[@ZecVitaly]

I love watching the A-10 flying around Tucson. Such a beautiful aircraft

[@geoffreyguestion2843]

A-10s are great if the enemy has no anti-air (e.g. MANPADS, SAMs, people throwing sandals from their balcony). Also, make sure there aren't any friendly British troops around.

[@colinlewis4637]

Ha sandals 😂😂😂😂😂

[@tylerscholtens3531]

I've been under one of these things with it's guns blazing and it is an amazing experience

[@matthewwalker6621]

I could not think of anything that would bring more fear than the sound of a warthog coming in at you

[@ocsrc]

We need to build new A-10s

[@leronbenari226]

No we dont its useless in a modern battlefeild

[@l333cc2]

@@leronbenari226 it will get pretty much shredded without complete air superiority

[@perreson6484]

Definitely the most complex airplane ever built around a gun