Warthog Territory-The A-10 ThunderboltII
The A-10 Warthog is one of the most well-known attack aircraft of today. With its low wing tail configeration, and two high bypass turbofan engines, it is outdated compared to many modern day jets but it has made its mark as the most widely used attack aircraft in the Air Force's inventory. The aircraft was built to operate in a dense anti-aircraft artillery enviorment and return home safetly. Pilots especially like the titanium "bathtub" that surronds the cockpit to protect the pilot from AAA and flack. A suite of on board avionics systems allow the pilot of this single seat aircraft to navigate to his target and precisely deliver his strike package via the "Death Dot" display on the HUD(heads up display). The aircraft is built around the 4,000 pound GAU-8/A cannon, which can fire 70 rounds per second against heavily defended ground such as tanks and SAMs (surface to air missle sites). Although the craft is known for its gun, the A-10 can carry Air to Air missles such as the 9M Sidwinder and a variaty of laser guided and dumb bombs along with cluster munitions. The A-10, although outdated appears to have a secure future and most importantly its pilots and the Air Force's support.
The Grumman A-6 Intruder is an all weather attack aircraft, with tanker variant. The wings are swept back 25 degrees the plane also houses a TRAM ball under its nose. For survivability reasons, fire extinguishing systems were incorparated in the engines and in various spots of the fuselage. The flight controls are aided by hydraulics, and the plane is also equipped with a speed brake for slowing down rapidly without reducing throttle. The plane itself is a conventional all metal structure with graphite wings and aluminium alloy control surfaces. The plane has a hydrolically aided tricycle landing gear. Two 41.kN (9300 lb st) Pratt & Whitney J520-P-408 turbojets. The maximum internal fuel capacity for the aircraft is 2344 gallons (8873 liters). The plane can also carry up to five external fuel tanks each holding 300 gallons (1135 liters) for longer range missions. A removeable flight refueling probe also extends upward from the nose. The plane carries two pilots who sit upon Martin-Baker GRU7 ejection seats which can be reclined to reduce fatique during low-leval operations. The plane's avionics include multi-role radars and IBM and Fairchild nav/attack computer and data conversion systems. The plane's radar provides simultaneous ground mapping; identification and tracking and range finding of fixed or moving targets along with terrian following radar systems. The plane carries weapons ranging from the AIM-9 Sidewinder for air to air combat and numerous air to ground missles and dumb along with laser guided bombs on its five weapon stations.
B-52 Stratofortress Association Web Page
Historic Wings: B-52 Stratofortress, SAC's Bomber
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of performing a variety of missions. The plane can withstand altitudes up to 50,000 feet and can travel at high subsonic speeds. The plane can carry nuclear or conventional ordanance with precision navegational capacities.
The B-52 can perform air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations. In Desert Storm, the B-52 delivered nearly 40 percent of all weapons dropped by the coalition forces. The plane is also used for ocean surveillance and can assist US Navy ships in maritime battle situations. During night raids, the pilots sport NVGs (night vision goggles) to enhance their visual, low leval terrian following operations. These goggles provide more safety to the pilot by allowing him to visually clear terrain. The plane has an an unrefueled combat range in excess of 8800 miles.
The B-52 has been the primary manned strategic bomber for the USAF for more than 35 years. The B-52 can carry a vast array of air to ground ordanace including gravity bombs, cluster bombs, and percision guided missles such as air to air weapons and cruise missles. The B-52 can also carry percision air to ground missles and laser guided bombs. Enginnering analysis perdicts the B-52 will remain in service until the year 2045. The aircarft can protect itself from SAMs, radar, etc via electronic detection, jamming and infared counter- measures. The B-52 can also detect and counter missles engaging it from the rear. The B-52 carries a crew of five: aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator, and electronic warfare officer. The unit cost per plane is $30 million.
