A-10C

Thunderbolt II. Affectionately known as the "Warthog," the A-10 Thunderbolt II first flew in 1972 and was introduced to the USAF in 1977. It is the first Air Force aircraft specifically designed for close air support of ground forces. They are a simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against an array of ground targets, including tanks and armored vehicles. The 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling rotary cannon can fire at a rate of 3,900 rounds a minute and typically holds 1,174 rounds in its drum. Some of their other equipment include electronic countermeasures, target penetration aids, self-protection systems and air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons. The A-10 can carry up to 16,000 lb of mixed ordnance on eight wing and three fuselage pylons. These include MK-82 and MK-84 bombs, incendiary cluster bombs, AGM-65 Maverick Missiles and 2.75" rockets. Air to Air capability includes AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Aircraft 79-0088 was assigned to the 175th Tactical Fighter Group of the Maryland Air National Guard in 1979 and retired from the 175th Wing in 2025 having served over 45 years with the USAF. It served in several campaigns including Operation Deny Flight, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Specifications Manufacturer: Fairchild Republic Co. Type: Close air support of ground forces Powerplant: Two 9,065-lb-thrust General Electric TF34-GE-100A turbofan engines Maximum Speed: 439 mph Combat Range: 288 mi. Service Ceiling: 45,000 ft Ferry Range: 2,580 mi. Crew: Pilot Max Takeoff Weight: 46,000 lb Armament: One 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger rotary cannon, 11 hardpoints to carry a mixture of: Hydra rockets, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-65 Maverick missiles, Mark 80, Mk77, cluster, laser-guided, JDAM, and Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser bombs, flare/infrared decoys and chaff dispensers, or 2x 600 gal drop tanks for increased range/loiter time Dimensions: Wingspan 57 ft 6 in Length 53 ft 4 in Height 14 ft 8 in [Captions]: This aircraft is part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection . This historical marker was erected in 2026 by Air Mobility Command Museum. It is in Dover Air Force Base in Kent County Delaware