09/08/2011: An A-10 Thunderbolt II is refueled over southern Afghanistan. The most prominent feature of the A-10 Thunderbolt II is the 30 mm GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling-gun cannon. This weapon is capable of firing 3,900 rounds a minute and can defeat an array of ground targets, including tanks. Both the A-10 and GAU-8 entered service in 1977, and the gun represents 16 percent of the aircraft’s weight.The second and third photos show an A-10 Thunderbolt II moving into position behind a KC-135 Stratotanker before refueling. The A-10, deployed to Afghanistan from Moody AFB, Ga., in on a mission providing close air support to coalition forces in Afghanistan.
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Credit: U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs:08/18/2011