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The prototype YA-10A first flew in 1972 and beat its competitor, the Northrop
A-9, for a production contract in 1973. The Thunderbolt II,
named after the Republic P-47, was designed around
the General Electric GAU-8 30mm seven-barrel cannon, capable of firing
4,200 rounds a minute.
The A-10 was also designed for survivability. Twin rudders and
widely spaced engines make |
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it harder to take out either control surfaces
or power. The pilot is protected by a titanium "bathtub".
The Thunderbolt II saw action in Operation Desert Storm
against Iraq. This aircraft is also known as the
"Warthog".
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