04/05/2026
Originally designed and built right here on Long Island, the A-10 was the first plane I made parts for right out of HS. Designed for close air support, it can survive many direct hits and keep flying. (SF) https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Aogzq7LbW/
An A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) successfully returned to base after sustaining more than 150 battle damage holes from intense enemy ground fire during a combat mission. Despite the severity of the damage, the aircraft remained flyable, and the pilot landed safely without injury.
The attack disabled two of the aircraft’s hydraulic systems, which normally control the flight surfaces. Under most circumstances, such damage would render an aircraft uncontrollable. However, the A-10’s design incorporates one of its most distinctive and critical survivability features: manual reversion.
Manual reversion is a fully mechanical backup flight control system that allows the pilot to operate the aircraft without hydraulic power, using direct physical linkages to the control surfaces. By switching to this mode, the pilot was able to maintain control and fly the heavily damaged aircraft back to base.
The A-10 was later repaired and returned to operational service, further demonstrating the aircraft’s exceptional durability and combat survivability. Captain Campbell’s skill and calm decision-making under fire earned widespread recognition and helped solidify the A-10’s legendary reputation among both pilots and ground forces who rely on its close air support capabilities.🇺🇸💪