A good reason to keep them.
Does an A-10 really have a "titanium tub" for the pilot to sit in? What kind of hit can it actually take? Can it take a .50 cal explosive or armor piercing round?
The A-10 is equipped with a titanium tub – a sort of armored cocoon that envelops the pilot for protection. This feature is officially referred to as the bathtub and is a testament to the aircraft's design, which prioritizes pilot survivability above all else.
The bathtub is crafted from titanium armor and is specifically designed to withstand significant impacts, including direct hits from up to 23 mm cannon fire. It's also capable of enduring single strikes from projectiles as large as 57 mm rounds. The robustness of this titanium shield is so remarkable that it accounts for about 6 percent of the A-10's total weight, weighing in at a hefty 1,200 pounds.
It can take a hit from a .50 caliber explosive or armor-piercing round, the bathtub's resilience is such that it can indeed withstand rounds of that caliber. The Warthog's cockpit glass is also bulletproof, capable of withstanding up to a 23 mm projectile, which covers the .50 cal rounds you're curious about. This level of protection is crucial, given the A-10's role in close air support missions, where it often flies low and becomes vulnerable to ground fire.
The A-10's durability doesn't stop at the bathtub. The entire aircraft is built to survive. It features redundant flight systems, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a structure that allows it to return home even after sustaining considerable damage. This ruggedness has earned the A-10 a legendary status among military aircraft for its ability to take a hit and keep flying.
The A-10 Warthog is a flying fortress, designed to bring its pilot home safely from the most perilous situations. The titanium tub is just one of the many features that make the A-10 a true survivor in the skies.
