The A-10 Thunderbolt II and its Grandfather, the P-47 Thunderbolt: A Comparison Across Generations

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, often referred to as the “Warthog,” and its World War II predecessor, the P-47 Thunderbolt, share more than just a name. Both aircraft, though separated by decades and designed for different roles, showcase similar design philosophies focused on durability, firepower, and survivability. Let’s take a closer look at how these two iconic aircraft compare in key performance metrics, drawing a fascinating parallel between the two.

Top Speed: A Close Race

At first glance, the top speeds of the A-10 and P-47 are remarkably close. The A-10 Thunderbolt II reaches a top speed of approximately 420 mph, while the P-47 Thunderbolt, a powerful World War II fighter, can hit around 430 mph. While the A-10 is optimized for slower, low-altitude attack missions rather than high-speed aerial combat, the P-47, with its larger radial engine, was built for long-range escort missions and fighter-bomber roles. The slight difference in top speed—only 10 mph—reflects how both planes were designed with performance suited to their respective roles, rather than speed alone.

Firing Rate: Power in the Guns

One of the most notable features of both the A-10 and the P-47 is their formidable firepower. The A-10 is equipped with a 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger rotary cannon, famous for its ability to tear apart armored vehicles and ground targets. The GAU-8 has a rate of fire around 4,000 rounds per minute (rpm), making it one of the most powerful aircraft guns ever mounted on a plane.

The P-47, while a fighter aircraft, was similarly armed with up to eight .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns. Although not as large as the GAU-8, these .50 caliber guns were still incredibly effective against enemy aircraft and ground targets, and they also had a combined firing rate of approximately 4,000 rpm, matching the A-10’s rate of fire.

While the caliber and overall power of the weapons differ, both planes emphasize heavy firepower to carry out their missions, with the A-10’s cannon providing devastating ground attack capabilities, and the P-47’s machine guns offering versatility in air combat.

Armor: Built to Survive

Survivability has always been a key design feature of both the A-10 and the P-47. The A-10 is legendary for its survivability in hostile environments, thanks in part to its extensive armor. The aircraft’s pilot is surrounded by titanium armor, which is often described as being capable of withstanding significant amounts of enemy fire, even when flying low and slow in a combat zone.

Similarly, the P-47 was designed with armor to protect the pilot from enemy gunfire. During World War II, pilots were often exposed to substantial risk, and the P-47’s armor helped increase the chances of survival during combat missions, especially while operating at low altitudes or engaging in long-range escort missions. The armor of both aircraft reflected their design priorities—protecting the pilot so that they could continue to fight even in the face of adversity.

Roll Rate: Handling and Agility

One area where the two aircraft differ is in their roll rate, which is an important factor in maneuverability. The A-10, designed for ground attack, has a roll rate of about 3 seconds per 360 degrees, which is quite impressive considering its heavy armor and low-speed mission profile. It was designed for stability and precision in close air support (CAS) missions, which often require precise and deliberate maneuvers.

In contrast, the P-47, as a fighter and escort plane, has a slightly slower roll rate, taking about 4 seconds to complete a full roll. The P-47 was built for speed and high-energy combat rather than slow, low-altitude maneuvers. Its larger size and more powerful engine made it a formidable fighter but less agile than the A-10 in terms of roll rate. Still, the P-47’s ability to dive at high speed and carry heavy armament made it highly effective in its role.

Design Philosophy: Common Purpose, Different Roles

While the A-10 and the P-47 were developed in different eras and for different primary roles, both aircraft were conceived with similar guiding principles. The A-10 was built primarily for close air support, designed to withstand heavy enemy fire and deliver devastating ground attacks. It is often seen as the ultimate modern attack aircraft, with an emphasis on durability and precision over speed and maneuverability.

The P-47, on the other hand, was designed primarily as a long-range escort fighter and multi-role aircraft during World War II. It was fast, heavily armed, and capable of delivering significant firepower in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. While it was not designed with the same emphasis on ground attack as the A-10, its sheer durability and firepower made it one of the most effective fighters of its time.

Despite these differences, both aircraft share a key attribute: resilience. The ability to take damage and still complete the mission is a hallmark of both the P-47 and the A-10. This durability in combat situations, combined with their powerful weaponry, means that both planes have earned legendary status among military aviation enthusiasts and veterans alike.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Durability and Firepower

The A-10 Thunderbolt II and the P-47 Thunderbolt may be separated by decades, but they share a remarkable legacy. Both aircraft were designed to endure in the harshest combat environments, with heavy armor to protect the pilot, powerful guns to deliver deadly firepower, and a focus on taking damage and continuing the mission.

While the A-10’s primary role as a ground attack aircraft contrasts with the P-47’s role as a fighter and bomber escort, the fundamental design philosophies of durability, firepower, and survivability are strikingly similar. The A-10 continues the legacy of the P-47 in many ways, proving that the lessons learned in World War II are still relevant today.

From their respective eras, both aircraft serve as enduring symbols of military air power—machines designed not just to fight but to endure, adapt, and deliver devastating force where it matters most. The Thunderbolt name lives on in the A-10, a testament to the enduring value of tough, effective aircraft that put mission success above all else.