The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II affectionately known by many as the 'Warthog' is an attack aircraft that is built around the venerable GAU-8 Avenger 30mm rotary cannon. The A-10 is designed to attack (armored) ground targets and support friendly troops in the CAS (Close Air Support) role, but due to the way that the aircraft is setup is also excellently suited towards providing target information and tasking to other aircraft in the vicinity, in the A-FAC (Airborne - Forward Air Controller) or FAC-A role. The A-10C is a variant developed out of the initial A-10A model (which is included in DCS as a simpler, lesser fidelity Flaming Cliffs aircraft) and has been upgraded with a variety of sensors, such as GPS, compatibility with the AN/AAQ-28(V) LITENING targeting pod, a whole range of smart weaponry such as laser-guided and GPS-guided bombs and finally a digital avionics suite that allow for enhanced precise control of weaponry, and waypoints.
Although at first glance the A-10C is a slow and sluggish aircraft with little capability to defend itself against faster adversaries, the amount of weaponry it can carry and the amount of time you can be on station (due to the meager fuel consumption) is most excellent. The A-10C features excellent protection thanks to the large amount of armour protecting the pilot and vital avionics: most critical systems also features backup systems, with the flight controls being implemented with triple redundancy, ensuring you get home whatever happens. With a stores carrying capacity of 16,000 lb (7,260 kg) it can bring plentiful amounts of weaponry to the AO, including weapons such as the AGM-65 Maverick Anti-Tank missile, both the dumb Mk-82/-84 bombs and their laser guided counterparts the GBU-12/-16, JDAM GPS guided bombs, CBU-89/-97 cluster bombs and the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Of course your main weapon of choice is the fearsome GAU-8 30mm Avenger rotary cannon around which the airframe was built: the GAU-8 is designed to engage and destroy tanks, but is also an excellent choice against pretty much every target available.
There are currently 2 Variants of the A-10C available in DCS World, The originally released DCS: A-10C Warthog and the recently released DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer.
DCS: A-10C Warthog is a PC simulation of the U.S. premier Close Air Support attack aircraft. This is the second aircraft in the DCS series, following DCS: Black Shark, and raises the bar even higher in the DCS series. Warthog brings the most realistic PC simulation of a modern fixed wing combat aircraft in regards to flight dynamics, avionics, sensors, and weapon systems. You also have the option to play Warthog in "Game" mode for a casual game experience. Fly missions in the Caucasus region of the Black Sea against and with a wide array of air, land and sea forces with new and improved intelligence. Create your own missions and campaigns with the included Mission and Campaign Editors, and fly with and against friends online using the included online game browser.
The DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer is the follow-on to the renowned DCS: A-10C Warthog, bringing many improvements and new additions including the latest weapons, a helmet-mounted sight, and upgraded graphics
Its seven-barrel, 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun can fire up to 3,900 HEAP rounds a minute, chewing through tanks, armoured vehicles, bunkers and a host of other targets.
One of the most robust and survivable aircraft ever built, the Thunderbolt is a joy to fly. You can throw it around at low speed to acquire targets while avoiding threats, and it will always repay your skill. A large bubble canopy gives you great all-round visibility, making it easier to see and strike enemy assets.
Able to survive hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles up to 23mm, the Thunderbolt has no fear of the front line. Deliver highly accurate AGM-65 Maverick missiles, laser and GPS-guided bombs, rockets and a wide range of other weapons in all weathers. The advanced Helmet mounted cueing system allows you to search and engage targets with ease and share target locations in real time with wingmen using the integrated Tactical Awareness Display.
The go-to Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft of the United States, the A-10 Warthog proved its lethal worth in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now in an even more fearsome form, the DCS A-10C Thunderbolt II lets you stay in the fight - and win.