Okay so here's a good link on the A-10's surviability.

A personal account on the A-10's survivability
http://www.cradleofaviation.org/hist...raft/a-10.html

Global security's article on the A-10 also has stories on its survivability
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...craft/a-10.htm
"Furthermore, redundant primary structural and control surfaces enhance survivability. Lastly, the long low-set wings are designed to allow flight, even if half a wing is completely blown off."
Half a wing! I've read this in another book as well... can't remember which though.

Basically the A-10's survivability is helped by two things:
1) redundant flight control systems
2) armor

The "titanium bathtub" where the pilot sits is merely the most heavily armored part of the plane.

i LOVE THE A10!!! It is just such a powerful plane....not the fastst, but very powerful and you just can't break it!

I love the A-10, I am so glad those military beancounters wern't able to kill it.

The A-10 Worthog or Thunderbolt is able to recieve tremendous punishment. Because of its thick armor and ammunition, the speed and Maximum Altittude is limited, however when the A-10 begins to make its decline and begins skimming the surface, the aircraft can do the almost impossible for any type of jet-propulsion aircraft. It can fly very very low.

I see and hear A-10's everyday. The sound of its gun going off is amazing, "BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" "BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" If you are an American soldier on the ground it is the most comforting sound you will ever hear, anything within its path is going to be devastated. I believe ive heard some soldiers call it "the flying tank" because it is so durable.

Originally Posted by Big_Z

I see and hear A-10's everyday. The sound of its gun going off is amazing, "BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" "BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" If you are an American soldier on the ground it is the most comforting sound you will ever hear, anything within its path is going to be devastated. I believe ive heard some soldiers call it "the flying tank" because it is so durable.

Hind is a flying tank.... and A-10 wont be able to take many 30mm shots,

One A-10
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...e-damage01.jpg
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...e_mvc-004f.jpg

Another
http://airpower.callihan.cc/images/Misc/A10/A10pow.jpg

Admin edit: Please use links to large images instead of displaying them in your posts.. Thanks.

yea A-10 is a great plane,but i think its just as survivable as F16 since pretty few of them were shot down and crippled over 1999 bombing,as u can see on pictures above.But yet i find that aircraft to fit its purpouse

The A-10 is a class above the F-16 when it comes to survivability.
Consider the following:
The A-10's system redundancy is far more elaborate than the F-16's.
The A-10's engines are above the wings and the fuselage, guarding it from small arms fire more effectively than the F-16's F-100 Turbofans. The entire bottom fuselage of the F-16 is practically its engine.
The A-10 has two engines and can fly with only one. The F-16 has only one engine.
The A-10 can fly with half a wing ripped off. For the F-16, this is a good time to punch out.

man, the 30mm GAU cannon is so powerful, i would love to have that as a aux weapon on a tank