A TANK BUSTER IS BORN: From Hangar To Sky. The A-10 Thunderbolt II, The Flying Gun. Rare Footage

Описание: This Dronescapes presentation begins with a rare and restored short film documenting the birth of the A-10 Thunderbolt II. This is followed by a comprehensive, full-feature documentary on the A-10's complete history, service, and unparalleled combat record. We explore the A-X program that gave birth to the "Warthog," and its evolution into the most feared close air support aircraft in the world.

Our journey begins inside the Fairchild Republic hangar in 1971, approximately 200 days before the first YA-10 prototype would fly. This incredibly rare footage shows the A-X program in action, a direct response to the hard-learned lessons of the Vietnam War. Witness the assembly of an aircraft built not for speed, but for survival. See the high-mounted General Electric TF34 engines being fitted, a design choice to protect them from ground fire. Get a first look at the massive GAU-8 Avenger cannon, the legendary "flying gun" the entire aircraft was designed around. We conclude this rare archival piece with the official unveiling and rollout of the YA-10 prototype.

This film then transitions into a full-length documentary covering the A-10's entire life. We cover the high-stakes "fly-off" competition against the Northrop YA-9, a contest the YA-10 decisively won. We explore its design philosophy in detail: the 1,200-pound titanium "bathtub" that protects the pilot, the redundant flight controls, and the simple, rugged parts that made it a maintenance marvel.

Finally, we follow the "Warthog" into combat. From its intended role as a tank killer on the plains of Europe during the Cold War to its stunning, decisive debut in Operation Desert Storm, where it devastated Iraqi armor. We cover its service over the Balkans, Afghanistan, and its ongoing, vital role in modern conflicts. This is the complete story of the A-10, an aircraft loved by the troops it protects and feared by the enemies it hunts.

General Information: The A-X Program & YA-10

Program: A-X (Attack-Experimental)

Initiated: 1966-1967, driven by the need for a dedicated Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft.

Competitors: Fairchild Republic YA-10 and Northrop YA-9.

Winner: The YA-10 was declared the winner on January 18, 1973.

Manufacturer: Fairchild Republic

YA-10 First Flight: May 10, 1972

Crew: 1

Key Features:

The Gun: Built around the 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger, a 7-barrel Gatling cannon. The front landing gear is offset so the gun fires from the aircraft's centerline.

Survivability: The pilot sits in a 1,200 lb (540 kg) titanium armor "bathtub."

Engines: Two General Electric TF34 high-bypass turbofans, mounted high for protection from ground fire and foreign object debris (FOD).

Redundancy: Dual hydraulic systems with a manual, cable-operated reversion system.

Maintenance: Many parts are interchangeable side-to-side (main gear, rudders, elevators) to simplify forward-base logistics.

Wings: Large, straight wings for high lift at low speeds, excellent maneuverability, and short-field takeoff capability.

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