A-10 Thunderbolt: America’s Tank-Busting Gatling Gun Aircraft

Ground attack aircraft A-10 Thunderbolt
Specialized in close air support
Now considered past its prime

The US military operates various aircraft, each with different weaponry, equipment, and exterior designs to fulfill their assigned missions.

Among these are fighters specialized in ground attacks. The A-10 Thunderbolt, a US Air Force attack aircraft often referred to as a ‘can opener’ for its ability to destroy tanks with a 30mm Gatling gun, is one such example.

A fighter that strikes while taking hits
But its disadvantages are clear

The A-10 fighter is designed for close air support, aiming to eradicate enemies through close coordination with the army effectively. As a result, it is a slower aircraft that needs to stay in the air for extended periods. However, this allows it to secure high flight times and withstand anti-aircraft fire while using its 30mm Gatling gun, the GAU-8, to take down tanks. It is heavily armored and differs significantly from other fighters armed with missiles and bombs.

However, the GAU-8 Gatling gun produces a large amount of gas when firing, which has frequently caused the engine to stop when the gas enters it. Also, to reduce production costs, radar and laser target indicators were not installed, putting a significant burden on the pilot. Its disadvantages are very clear.

A cycle of resurgence and decline
It doesn’t fit in with recent battlefields

These disadvantages have made the A-10 not just a fighter with a clear role but a fighter that struggles to adapt to modern warfare. As a result, it was sent to the old fighter storage in the 1990s, and there were even considerations to transfer it to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces because it was deemed suitable to counter the then-main armored forces. However, it regained attention after performing excellently in the Gulf War.

In recent wars, the disadvantages of the A-10 have been pointed out as obstacles to precise operations and the A-10’s style of withstanding enemy attacks. In contrast, striking enemies does not align with the US military’s recent strategic direction of inflicting maximum damage with minimal casualties.

Slow doesn’t mean weak
The key is excellent mission execution

The A-10 is an anomaly in a fighter market dominated by speed and stealth. Especially as anti-aircraft guns and missiles, including anti-aircraft forces, have become increasingly sophisticated. It raises the question of whether there is still a place for fighters like the A-10.

However, what’s essential is performing the role assigned to it. The A-10, based on its given conditions, has achieved its goal of close air support so excellently that there is no other aircraft to match it. It can be said to be another masterpiece developed by the United States.