Andy- Sir, could you pass along some info as to where a A-10 pilot would begin his pass at a armored column? I mean when using the cannon, as I know you can let the Mavericks fly from quite a ways out. Would you take a Warthog down onto the deck in a firing pass, or is this not neccessary? Could infantry small arms do ANY damage to the A-10, or would AAA be your only worry?

Wolf

Good question.

The A-10 cannon is relatively ineffective against today's main battle tank (MBT) when attacking from the front. The gun is still effective when attacking from the rear and from above. Low angle shots (0-20 degrees dive angle) can be made out to about 4000' slant range. Higher angle passes are effective out to 2 nm.

The A-10 and any other aircraft can be affected by small arms fire...in Vietnam, more fighters were downed by small arms fire than any other reason. This danger can be avoided by not flying below about 4500' AGL. In any low altitude attack, the A-10 pilot has to be careful about the small arms threat.

Andy

Andy- Thank you for your prompt response!