Weapons ABOARD the A-10 Thunderbolt
On this page I will explain the weapons loaded on this peticular A-10. Starting at the top of the page working downwards.
Weapons are all connected to a object called a "pylon" that is installed onto the aircraft and grips the ordinace tight and secures it until the pilot releases it.
Top
EMC Pod- The first thing on the top is a EMC pod which stands for "Electric Countermeasures Pod" It,when deployed, jams enemy radar and other devices like radio and other vital electonic device that the enemy uses.
Rocket Dispenser- The circular thing that appears to be right underneath the ECM Pod is a rocket dispenser. It hold a bunch smaller rockets to shoot if needed.
AGM-65 Maverick Missile- This missile is probably the most used missile for the A-10 it is a laser guided missile making it great for close air support which is the A-10s primary mission.
Mk 84 200lb bomb- The next four stations are Mark 84 200lb freefall bombs they are not guided and are used for small targets.
AGM-65 Maverick- See above
AIM-7 Sparrow Missile- This is an air to air missile and is used in case the A-10 gets into some trouble it can defend itself form other aircraft.
Front
GAU-8 Gatling Gun- The A-10 boasts a 30mm Gatling Gun the cannon is the weapon the that the A-10 uses the most. The high impact rounds actually contain depleted uranium to increase density and to penetrate armored vehicles.
Weapons are all connected to a object called a "pylon" that is installed onto the aircraft and grips the ordinace tight and secures it until the pilot releases it.
Top
EMC Pod- The first thing on the top is a EMC pod which stands for "Electric Countermeasures Pod" It,when deployed, jams enemy radar and other devices like radio and other vital electonic device that the enemy uses.
Rocket Dispenser- The circular thing that appears to be right underneath the ECM Pod is a rocket dispenser. It hold a bunch smaller rockets to shoot if needed.
AGM-65 Maverick Missile- This missile is probably the most used missile for the A-10 it is a laser guided missile making it great for close air support which is the A-10s primary mission.
Mk 84 200lb bomb- The next four stations are Mark 84 200lb freefall bombs they are not guided and are used for small targets.
AGM-65 Maverick- See above
AIM-7 Sparrow Missile- This is an air to air missile and is used in case the A-10 gets into some trouble it can defend itself form other aircraft.
Front
GAU-8 Gatling Gun- The A-10 boasts a 30mm Gatling Gun the cannon is the weapon the that the A-10 uses the most. The high impact rounds actually contain depleted uranium to increase density and to penetrate armored vehicles.
Image courtesy of air.blastmagazine.com
A-10 is based out of Spangdahlem AFB Germany.
Images courtesy of (Top to Bottom) theblueprints.com, qsscalshop.webs.com, mil.bonology.com