Eielson Air Force Base

Thunderbolt Heritage

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Designated "Thunderbolt 2", the first A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona in October 1975. The name is derived from the A-10's predecessor the P-47 Thunderbolt. The 354th Fighter Group flew the P-47 in 1944 and 1945. The 354th FG became the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing in 1958 and became the now 354th Fighter Wing in October 1991. The 354th FW currently flies the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt Joshua Strang)

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Seven Barrel Fury

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Also known as "Gunslingers", A-10 pilots use a 30mm GAU-8/A seven barrel Gatling gun as their primary weapon for disabling enemy ground targets. The gun can fire at 3,900 rounds per minute. The aircraft also utilizes other munitions such as 500 pound Mk-82 and 2,000 pound Mk-84 series low/high drag bombs, AGM-65 Maverick and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt Joshua Strang)

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A-10 Thunderbolt II

Published March 13, 2007