'THUNDERBOLT' TO STRIKE AT AIR TATTOO
The extreme capabilities of the first US aircraft designed exclusively to provide close air support for ground forces engaged in combat will be demonstrated at this summer's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The US Air Force's A-10 Thunderbolt II, which last appeared at the Air Tattoo in 2003, will display on both days of the Air Tattoo. The aircraft, which is effective against tanks, armored vehicles as well as other ground targets, will be flown by Capt Joe Shetterly, Air Combat Command's A-10 West Coast Demonstration Team Pilot. He is currently based with the 354th FS, 355th Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona.
Air Tattoo Deputy Director Rob Windsor said: "In my opinion, the A-10 is among the most impressive – and most popular - aircraft currently displaying at airshows around the world. This summer's Air Tattoo is the only event in the UK this year where people will be able to see one of the US Air Force's most potent battlefield aircraft." 
Also known as 'The Warthog', the A-10 has excellent manoeuvrability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate under 1,000ft ceilings with 1.5-mile visibility. The aircraft taking part in the Air Tattoo on July 16-17 is based at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and is a rare participant in UK airshows.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: A-10: close air support
Power Plant: Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans
Wingspan: 57ft 6ins
Length: 53ft 4ins
Height: 14ft 8ins
Speed: 420mph
Range: 800 miles
Ceiling: 45,000ft
Armament: include seven-barrel Gatling gun; drag bombs, incendiary cluster bombs, mine dispensing munitions, Maverick missiles and laser-guided/electro-optically guided bombs; infrared countermeasure flares; electronic countermeasure chaff; jammer pods; 2.75in rockets; illumination flares and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
Crew: One
