13. Take Off and Land From A Short Runway

Because of its wide wheelbase and straight, broad wings, the A-10 Thunderbolt can take off and land from a short runway, putting it as close to the front lines of combat as feasible.

14. The A-10 Carries More Weight in Weapons

The A-10 is heavier in weapons than it is in total weight. It weighs just 12 tons without the GAU-8/A gun, although it can carry up to 13 tons of ordnance.

15. The A-10 Was Built To Survive

The A-10 was designed to last. The plane is controlled by a mechanical backup system in the event that the hydraulics fail. The hydraulic systems are double-redundant.

16. Assisted In The Rescue Mission

In 1999, an F-117 pilot who had gone down in Kosovo was saved with the help of an A-10. It supported the rescue effort from the ground as three helicopters worked on the operation.