The A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly known as the A-10 Warthog, is one of the most formidable close air support aircraft ever built. Designed for ground attack missions, the A-10 is equipped with the powerful GAU-8/A Avenger rotary cannon, which gives it an impressive fire rate.
This topic explores the fire rate of the A-10 Warthog, how its gun works, its ammunition, and its impact on the battlefield.
Fire Rate of the A-10 Warthog
The A-10 Warthog’s primary weapon, the GAU-8/A Avenger, is a 30mm rotary cannon that can fire at an astonishing rate of:
✔ 3,900 rounds per minute (RPM) in full automatic mode.
✔ 2,100 rounds per minute (RPM) in low-fire mode.
This means the A-10 can unleash 65 rounds per second at its maximum fire rate. However, due to ammunition limitations, pilots typically fire in short bursts of one to two seconds.
A two-second burst can release 130 rounds, enough to destroy heavily armored vehicles, bunkers, and enemy fortifications.
How the GAU-8/A Avenger Works
The GAU-8/A Avenger is a seven-barrel Gatling-style rotary cannon. It operates using a hydraulic drive system, which rotates the barrels at high speed to sustain continuous fire.
Key Features of the GAU-8/A Avenger
✔ 30mm caliber rounds – Larger and more powerful than most aircraft guns.
✔ Seven rotating barrels – Reduces barrel overheating and ensures rapid fire.
✔ Hydraulically powered – Allows smooth and consistent firing operation.
✔ Depleted uranium rounds – Penetrates armor with incredible force.
The gun is mounted directly under the A-10’s fuselage, with the aircraft literally built around it for balance and stability.
Ammunition Used by the A-10 Warthog
The A-10’s 30mm ammunition is what makes its firepower so devastating. The most commonly used rounds include:
1. Armor-Piercing Incendiary (API) Rounds
✔ Designed to penetrate thick armor, including tanks and fortified bunkers.
✔ Incendiary component causes secondary explosions inside targets.
2. High-Explosive Incendiary (HEI) Rounds
✔ Creates a large blast radius for soft targets and enemy infantry.
✔ Used against light vehicles, enemy troops, and infrastructure.
3. Depleted Uranium Rounds
✔ The most lethal ammunition used by the A-10.
✔ Extremely dense material penetrates even the strongest tank armor.
Each round is almost the size of a beer bottle, making it far more destructive than standard aircraft machine gun rounds.
How Long Can the A-10 Fire Before Running Out of Ammo?
The A-10 Warthog carries up to 1,174 rounds in its ammunition drum. Since the gun fires at 3,900 rounds per minute, it would theoretically run out of ammo in just 18 seconds if fired continuously.
However, pilots typically fire in short bursts of 1-2 seconds to:
✔ Conserve ammunition for multiple attack runs.
✔ Avoid overheating the gun barrels.
✔ Increase accuracy by preventing excessive recoil.
Most combat engagements involve a few well-placed bursts, rather than continuous fire.
The Impact of the A-10’s Firepower in Combat
The A-10 Warthog was designed for close air support (CAS), and its high fire rate makes it highly effective in battle.
1. Tank and Vehicle Destruction
✔ The 30mm rounds can shred enemy tanks, armored personnel carriers, and trucks.
✔ Depleted uranium rounds penetrate enemy armor with ease.
2. Infantry Suppression
✔ The sheer volume of bullets creates a zone of destruction, forcing enemies to retreat.
✔ High-explosive rounds neutralize groups of enemy soldiers.
3. Precision in Close Air Support (CAS)
✔ Unlike bombs or missiles, the A-10’s gun allows precise, controlled attacks.
✔ Reduces collateral damage, making it effective for urban combat and supporting ground troops.
The loud, distinctive sound of the A-10’s gunfire-often described as a “BRRRRT”-has become legendary among troops and pilots.
Why the A-10’s Fire Rate Is So Unique
Most modern fighter jets rely on missiles and guided bombs rather than high-speed guns. However, the A-10 remains one of the few aircraft designed specifically for gun-based attacks.
✔ Most fighter jets use 20mm cannons, while the A-10’s 30mm caliber delivers more power.
✔ The GAU-8/A Avenger is one of the largest aircraft cannons ever built.
✔ The A-10 is designed to fly low and slow, allowing it to use its gun effectively in close combat.
Unlike fast-moving jets like the F-16 or F-35, the A-10 can stay over the battlefield longer, providing continuous fire support to ground troops.
The Role of the A-10 in Modern Warfare
Despite its age, the A-10 Warthog remains a critical asset in modern military operations.
✔ Used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflicts for close air support.
✔ Provides unmatched firepower against ground targets.
✔ Highly durable and resistant to enemy fire.
Some discussions have emerged about retiring the A-10, but its effectiveness in combat has kept it in service.
The A-10 Warthog is known for its devastating fire rate and superior close air support capabilities. Equipped with the GAU-8/A Avenger, it can fire at:
✔ 3,900 rounds per minute (full fire mode).
✔ 2,100 rounds per minute (low fire mode).
With its high-caliber ammunition and precision attack capability, the A-10 remains one of the most feared aircraft on the battlefield. Whether against tanks, enemy troops, or fortified positions, the A-10’s firepower is unmatched, ensuring its legacy as one of the greatest attack aircraft ever built.