A-10 Warthog: 50 Facts About This Legendary Aircraft

The Titanium Bathtub Isn’t For Getting Clean

One of the most interesting A-10 facts deals with its armor. The skin of the aircraft is not structural, and any damage done to it does not compromise the heavily reinforced airframe. The cockpit and flight control functions are the most heavily protected. These are surrounded by 12,000 lbs of titanium aircraft armor in a configuration lovingly referred to as “the titanium bathtub”. Angled to deflect incoming fire, this armor has a nearly flawless track record for keeping pilots safe. Combined with the windscreen and canopy—which are also resistant to small arms fire—the total armor on the aircraft makes up just over 7% of its empty weight. Interestingly enough, the A-10 is so well armored that it can fly through super-cell thunderstorms – the Air Force even uses the A-10 Warthog to monitor severe weather systems.