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AMX-30 S DCA

2023-11-22T21:34:56Z

U81075079: Misprint correction

{{About
| about = French SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = AMX-30 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=fr_amx_30_dca
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''AMX-30 Défense Contre Avion (DCA)''' is a self-propelled anti-aircraft modification of the [[AMX-30 (1972)|AMX-30B (Model 1972)]], which is the second variant of the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30 main battle tank family]]. The system was designed to protect against low-altitude aerial attacks and comprised two 30 mm Hispano-Suiza 831A automatic cannons linked to an Oeil-noir fire control system. Since the AMX-30B (Model 1972) had a larger chassis on which the S 401 A turret could be installed, this will provide improved mobility. Furthermore, the larger AMX-30B (Model 1972) provided a more robust base for the weapon system and allowed it to carry far more ammunition. The weapons were built to fire in 5- or 15-round bursts with a cyclic rate of fire of 650 rounds per minute. They were operated by an analogue computer that received data from a Doppler radar and could be folded into an armoured box when not in use to safeguard against harm. Since the fire control relied on optical tracking, it could only operate during daytime hours and in clear weather.

Introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]], the AMX-30 DCA is a dependable self-propelled anti-aircraft platform that will protect allies during conflicts. With a high rate of fire and powerful 30 mm ammunition, 1-2 hits are typically enough to bring down even the most protected plane. Mobility is excellent, far superior to that of contemporaries such as the British Chieftain Marksman. This vehicle also includes a radar, which improves accuracy and engagement range. Finally, it can be employed as an alternative for some minor anti-tank duties, such as destroying poorly armoured enemies during flanking manoeuvres, while more protected enemies should be left to teammates with dedicated anti-tank weapons.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}


The AMX-30 DCA is based off the hull of the [[AMX-30 (1972)|AMX-30]] main battle tank, resulting in a decently armoured hull. The front glacis is heavily sloped and capable of bouncing most APHE shells and, with luck, some HEAT shells. However, the hull sides and rear are fairly weak, coming in at only 25-30 mm thick.

The turret is more modestly armoured, with 20 to 30 mm of armour. This is sufficiently strong enough to withstand 20 mm or 23 mm cannon fired from an angle, allowing you to shoot down enemy aircraft trying to strafe you.

Crew placement is fairly average, as the driver is in the center of the hull while the gunner and commander sit on the opposite side of the guns. However, the placement of the ammunition feed at the '''front''' of the turret means any penetrating shot has a significant chance of causing an ammunition detonation.It is not advised to take less ammunition, as the 30 mm cannons have a high fire rate.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


As with the AMX-30, the AMX-30 DCA has a decent top and reverse speed of 65 km/h. This allows the DCA to keep up with its team, in addition to the ability to quickly escape danger.

However, note that the DCA lacks neutral steering and is somewhat slow to accelerate stock, meaning that it is possible to get caught off-guard and react too slowly.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=994|rbMinHp=619}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|HSS 831A (30 mm)}}

The armament consists of 2 x 30 mm HSS 831A cannons with 300 RPG with a quick, fixed fire rate and can make use of 3 types of munitions:

* High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying, note that the self-destruction range coincides with the radar's lead indicator maximum distance, making the shell inadequate at longer ranges)
* Armour-piercing incendiary tracer, which can be used against lightly armoured vehicles and enemy SPAAs, though the damage to enemy aircraft is reduced, the shell can be used outside radar range since it does not self destruct.
* High-velocity armour-piercing tracer (APDS), which can be used against targets mentioned above and additionally, can be used to attack the side profile of enemy MBTs with reasonable effectiveness.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[HSS 831A (30 mm)|30 mm HSS 831A]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 1,200 (300) || rowspan="2" | 600 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 70.4 || 97.5 || 118.4 || 130.9 || 139.3 || rowspan="2" | 65.00 || rowspan="2" | 57.50 || rowspan="2" | 53.00 || rowspan="2" | 50.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 47.6 || 56.0 || 68.0 || 75.2 || 80.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''30x170 HE-I-T:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}
* '''30x170 APHE-I:''' {{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''30x170 APDS-T:''' {{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}

{{:HSS 831A (30 mm)/Ammunition|SAP-I, HEI-T*, HEI*, APDS}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo type
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' '''1,200''' || ''Clips'' ''Rounds'' || 0 ''(+4)'' || Yes
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Ammunition is divided into 4 clips of 300 rounds.
* The visual discrepancy concerns the number of clips: 4 clips can be fired but only 2 are modeled.

===Radars===
{{main|DR-VC-1A|Albis}}
The AMX-30 DCA is equipped with a [[DR-VC-1A]] combined search and tracking radar. The radar is located at the rear of the turret and can be folded. The radar system but can only track targets within a 200° arc from the front of the turret.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="5" | [[DR-VC-1A]] - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Detection Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
|-
| 15,000 m || 1,000 m || 360° || ??? || 15 m/s (54 km/h)
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Albis]] - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum target speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be tracked by the radar}}
|-
| 15,000 m || 75 m || ±100° || -20°/+85° || 15 m/s (54 km/h)
|-
|}

* '''Note: lead indicator shows up within 4km'''

== Usage in battles ==


'''Anti-Air'''

Ideally, you should be in a place with horizontal cover against tanks and a wide field of view. Use the radar to spot incoming enemy aircraft. Lock onto the target within 4-5 kilometers in order to keep track of it, making sure to not fire.

For larger 2-4 engined aircraft, firing at 3 km may be effective. However, more agile single-engined fighters and most jet aircraft will be easily able to dodge incoming fire, meaning that you should wait until they close to 2 km before firing.

Fire in short bursts of 10-50 rounds each to avoid overheating and ammunition shortage. Moving the aim point around during the burst may help to disperse shots and increase hit probability, as even a single 30 mm HEI shell is deadly to most aircraft.

Keep in mind that the tracking radar does not work well at low altitudes, and will periodically stop tracking a target in order to scan for more incoming planes.

'''Anti-Tank'''

If forced into an anti-tank role, the AMX-30 DCA should be played as a support vehicle. With only 53 mm of penetration stock, it is unable to kill anything but IFVs and other SPAA. However, the 30 mm API and HEI rounds are incredibly potent at destroying tracks and damaging barrels, enabling you to assist teammates in killing tanks.

If facing enemy tanks alone, make sure that they are isolated before attempting to disable them.

Ideally, the enemy should be unaware of you and be flat-on (i.e perpendicular). From there, check to see if your belt has enough penetration to overcome his side armour. If it does, aim to take out his gun first (shoot directly below the turret), then his crew (driver's compartment, any survivors in the turret).

* Note that most Soviet MBTS like the [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-55]] or [[T-62]] have '''80 mm''' of side armour, meaning that they should be avoided when stock
* Other notable opponents include the [[M60]] and [[Chieftain (Family)|Chieftain]] series of tanks, as they too have enough side armour to protect against the stock belt.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fast rate of fire, generally 50-100 RPM higher compared to other 30-35 mm gun SPAA
* The placement of the three crew members makes taking out the whole crew next to impossible with one shot
* Hull front of AMX-30 can sometimes block or deflect APHE
* Very fast considering its hull armour level, unlike the [[Chieftain Marksman]]
* Double or even triple the amount of ammunition, when compared to other 30-35 mm gun SPAA
* Gun arrangement makes it much easier to use against ground targets than the [[Gepard]]-style SPAAs
* Has radar, unlike some SPAA like the [[Falcon]] and [[M163]]
* Stock belts chew through lightly armoured medium tanks like the Leopard I series and light tanks like the BMP series
* Access to smoke grenades and ESS
* Night vision is available - no thermals however
* Extremely deadly to enemy ground vehicles in flanking manoeuvres

'''Cons:'''

* Can only take out light and sometimes medium tanks due to the small size of its guns
* Lightly armoured turret, with ammunition being '''very''' vulnerable to direct attacks
* Gun placement makes firing over ridges and hiding behind cover awkward
* Slow acceleration (when stock) and lack of neutral steering hinders responsiveness
* Reloading the guns, switching ammunition belts or clearing jammed guns takes over a minute to complete, leaving you vulnerable and out of the action for a very, very long time

== History ==


The development of the '''AMX-30 {{Annotation|DCA|Défense Contre Avions - Defense Against Aircraft}}''' (also known as the AMX-30{{Annotation|SA|Saudi Arabia}}) began in the year 1969 and it was derived from the '''AMX-13 DCA''', a similar system produced for the French army. While the AMX-30 DCA was made for the French Army, it was also made for export and in the end, none of the DCA's were ordered by the French army. Instead, Saudi Arabia ordered an improved version in the 1975, called the AMX-30SA which included the SA-10 Shaline missiles.

It was developed to be used against low-flying aircraft and low-altitude attacks with its two Hispano-Suiza 30 mm 831 A automatic guns coupled to an '''Oeil-noir''' fire control system. This system had already been installed on the AMX-13, in lieu of a heavier chassis, using a turret designated the S 401 A. Although this vehicle began production in the year 1962, the introduction of the AMX-30 meant that the S 401 A turret could be mounted onto a much larger chassis which improved the agility of the vehicle. It also provided a much more stable platform and with double the ammo capacity of 1,200 rounds instead of the 600 that the AMX-13 could carry.

The guns were designed to shoot in bursts of 5 rounds, or even 15 rounds per burst with the cyclic rate of fire of 650 rounds a minute. They were controlled by an analogue computer that received information from a Doppler radar, which could be folded into an armoured box when not in use to protect from damage. The fire control depended on visual tracking, meaning it could not be used in night time.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_30_dca Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|l7JUEQDYf9Q|'''How To Basic SPAA feat. AMX-30 DCA''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://weaponsystems.net/system/114-AMX-30+DCA <nowiki>[Weapon Systems]</nowiki> AMX-30 DCA]

{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
{{France anti-aircraft vehicles}}

A-10A

2022-10-20T02:47:38Z

U81075079: Little mistake in "Pros".

{{About
| about = American premium strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the regular version
| link = A-10A Late
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a_10a_early
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_002.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_004.jpg}}
|store=10896
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The A-10A is a very slow plane at its BR but it retains good manoeuvrability, even when carrying a large payload.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 624 || 609 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.2 || 30.8 || 21.0 || 19.9 || rowspan="2" | 700
|-
! Upgraded
| 662 || 642 || 28.5 || 29.0 || 30.3 || 25.3
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 874  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 740 || 370 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 550 || < 650 || < 500 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric TF34-GE-100A || 2
| colspan="3" | 11,636 kg || colspan="3" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 48m fuel
|-
| 654 kg || colspan="2" | High-bypass turbofan
| 13,092 kg || 13,651 kg || 14,659 kg || 16,170 kg || 16,489 kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 48m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,036 kgf || N/A
| 0.62 || 0.59 || 0.55 || 0.50 || 0.49 || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,036 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.62 || 0.59 || 0.55 || 0.50 || 0.49 || _.__
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:A-10A armour layout.png|alt=Armour is shown around the cockpit.|thumb|Armour layout of the A-10A]]
The cockpit is where all of the extra armour plating is located, making the pilot have a high likelihood of surviving while leaving the fuel tanks, wings and engines without any armour. The armour is most effective against autocannons with the calibre of 25 mm or lower.

* 38 mm titanium alloy - Surrounding the bottom part of the cockpit.
* 44 mm bulletproof glass (54°) - Windshield.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GAU-8/A (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm GAU-8/A cannon, chin-mounted (1,174 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm GAU-8/A cannon + 480 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|GBU-8 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-65B|AIM-9L Sidewinder|Hydra-70 M247|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* Without load
* 42 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 84 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 84 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles (6,000 lb total)
* 6 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 6 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles (12,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles (8,000 lb total)
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_A-10A_Late.png]]</div>
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1, 3 || 1, 3 || 1 || 1 || 1, 3 || 1, 3 || 1 || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! Hydra-70 M247 rockets
| || 7 || 7, 21 || 7, 21 || || || 7, 21 || 7, 21 || 7 ||
|-
! AGM-65B missiles
| || || 3 || || || || || 3 || ||
|-
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,000 kg
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The A-10A is extremely effective in ground battles as long as it is used the right way. There are two methods for ground attack, and the tactic used is dictated by the type of threats on the ground. A low-risk situation is when there are no enemy SPAAs or fighters. When performing an attack run, start at a higher altitude, drop ordnance and fire the Avenger then escape for another attack run. In a high-risk environment, where there are enemy SPAAs, stay low and (relatively) fast. This allows pilots to stay below SPAA radar and lines of fire. When attacking, use intel from friendly ground forces to make precision strikes, then retreat after a single pass. After one pass, enemy SPAAs will know that there is an A-10, and be more alert. When trying to escape enemy fire after an attack run, preemptively dump chaff and flares in groups of at least four, and bank hard left and right until out of immediate range. AGM-65A Maverick AGMs are effective from up to 8 km, but from that distance any locked enemy has time to move behind cover before the missile impacts. When firing Mavericks, attempt to target enemy SPAAs that have not left spawn before targeting enemy MBTs. You can then use the ballistic computer for the GAU-8 and fire at any ground target. Because of the GAU-8's high penetration and extremely high rate of fire, the rounds will manage to go through any tank, even the heaviest armoured MBTs. Remember that even though the A-10 is a ground attack fighter, it is still equipped with AIM-9L AAMs. The A-10 has a good turn rate so, if attacked, swing around and fire a missile. However, you do not want any enemy aircraft to get the first shot on you, so keep an eye out for enemy aircraft.

In air battles, the A-10A is way less potent but still decent. It has two all-aspect AIM-9Ls which can pull 30G, at this BR this is almost two guaranteed kills. However, it struggles because of its very low top speed: any jet can easily outrun it. You can score some kills with the GAU-8 cannon but you are outclassed at that BR because of its poor flight performance in air-to-air combat.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Retains manoeuvrability with a heavy payload
* Exceptional roll rate
* Airframe can take a considerable amount of damage
* Deadly GAU-8 cannon
* High number and variety of suspended weapons
* Access to 2 x AIM-9L all-aspect missiles
* Access to up to two 20 mm GAU-4 Vulcan Gunpods
* Access to up to six 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
* Extremely large amount of countermeasures

'''Cons:'''

* Very low top speed, making it an easy target both from the ground and in the sky
* Poor climb rate

== History ==

After WWII, American aircraft designers shifted focus toward developing tactical aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons while conventional strike aircraft fell out of favor with the new American military doctrine. By the start of the Vietnam War however, the A-1 Skyraider, being the most widely used strike aircraft in U.S. service at the time, was considered vastly outdated. Furthermore, new aircraft such as the very successful F-4 Phantom II proved to be too expensive for strike mission operations.

As a result, in September 1966 the USAF ordered the development and procurement of a dedicated new close air support aircraft, resulting in the A-X program being launched shortly afterwards. In May 1970, the first requirements were issued, including the need to design the aircraft around a new 30 mm rotary cannon. Of six aircraft manufacturers who submitted design proposals, the two from Northrop and Fairchild Republic were chosen for further development, resulting in two prototypes: the YA-9A and YA-10A, respectively. After intensive testing of both prototypes, the YA-10A was declared the winning design and was ordered into production in January 1973.

After the USAF received its first production version of the A-10 in November 1975, the aircraft received its official name "Thunderbolt II" in April 1978 in honour of the WWII-era P-47 fighter-bomber also built by Republic. Although the A-10 was first assigned to a military unit in March 1976, its first combat use would be in 1991 as part of the Gulf War. During this conflict, the A-10 underwent its baptism by fire and successfully proved its design, racking up an impressive number of enemy targets destroyed. A-10s were also employed during the Balkan conflicts of the mid and late 1990s as well as during the Invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq in the early 2000s. The A-10 Thunderbolt II, despite its age, still forms the backbone of the USAF's close air support force to this date, with over 700 units of the A-10 being produced in total.

''- From [[wt:en/news/7590-development-a-10a-thunderbolt-ii-the-warthog-arrives-in-war-thunder-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a_10a_early Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
A-10A_WTWallpaper001.jpg
A-10A_WTWallpaper002.jpg
A-10A_WTWallpaper003.jpg
A-10A_WTWallpaper004.jpg
A-10A_WTWallpaper005.jpg
A-10A_WTWallpaper006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|c1iQRpklIyo|'''Ferocious Warthog''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7590-development-a-10a-thunderbolt-ii-the-warthog-arrives-in-war-thunder-en|[Devblog] A-10A Thunderbolt II: The 'Warthog' Arrives in War Thunder!]]
* [https://archive.org/details/T.O.1A10A1FlightManualA10ASerno7500258AndSubsequent15031988/mode/2up/ Technical Order 1A-10-1 - USAF Series A-10A Aircraft Flight Manual]

{{AirManufacturer Fairchild}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}
{{USA premium aircraft}}