A-10 Warthog vs. F-35 Lightning II

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, June 29, 2020. The Thunderbolt II is a highly accurate, global reach airframe that provides U.S. and coalition forces a maneuverable close air support and precision strike platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Parsons)

Introduction:

This documentation provides an overview of two significant combat aircraft in the United States military: the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. It examines their respective development, design, operational history, and capabilities, drawing on information from Wikipedia articles and an additional source regarding the A-10's engineering. The aim is to highlight their distinct roles, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as the debate surrounding their relevance in modern warfare.

I. Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II (“Warthog”)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., prepares to land on a public highway in Alpena, Mich., Aug. 5, 2021. The highway landing was a part of exercise Northern Strike 21-2, a multi-component, multinational exercise hosted by the Michigan National Guard designed to build readiness and enhance interoperability with coalition forces to fight and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Scott Thompson)

• Development & Background:

1. The A-10 was developed in response to a need for a dedicated close air support (CAS) aircraft, particularly one that could effectively combat tanks and armoured vehicles. This is stated as the "first air force fighter designed exclusively for close-air support".
2. It emerged from the A-X program, a US Air Force initiative focused on creating a purpose-built ground attack aircraft.
3. Initially, many USAF fighter pilots were reluctant to fly it, favouring "speed and appearance" over the A-10's more specialised role.
4. Early versions were designated 'A-10', while some were later re-designated 'OA-10' for the forward air control (FAC) role, though they remain "fully combat capable" and physically unchanged.

• Design & Survivability:

1. The A-10 is a heavily armoured aircraft designed for survivability in a high-threat environment. It's “built around the GAU-8 30mm cannon”, showcasing the priority given to its primary anti-armour role.
2. It features a titanium “bathtub” around the cockpit to protect the pilot, redundant control systems, and self-sealing fuel tanks.
3. Many A-10s have a "false canopy" painted on the underside as automimicry "to confuse the enemy as to aircraft attitude and maneuver direction”.
4. Nose art is also common, including "shark mouth or warthog head features".

• Weapons:

1. Its primary weapon is the GAU-8/A 30mm Gatling gun, designed specifically for destroying tanks and other armoured vehicles. The "insane engineering" of the gun and its recoil system is highlighted as a core element of the aircraft's design.
2. It can carry a variety of other ordnance, including AGM-65 air-to-surface missiles, rockets, and bombs. In its FAC role, the OA-10 typically carries "up to six pods of 2.75 inch (70 mm) Hydra rockets, usually with smoke or white phosphorus warheads used for target marking.”

• Operational History:

1. Entered service in 1976. The 355th Tactical Training Wing was the first unit to receive the A-10. The first unit to reach initial operating capability was the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing in 1977.
2. Deployed extensively in the Gulf War, Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and other recent deployments. It has been flown exclusively by the United States Air Force and its Air Reserve components.
3. A-10s have been crucial in providing close air support to ground forces, often under challenging conditions.
4. USAF A-10As during Desert Storm displayed kill markings, highlighting its success in the ground attack role.
5. As of 2017, 282 A-10Cs were reported as operational. 141 with the USAF, 55 with the AFRC and 86 with the ANG.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., departs after receiving fuel in the skies near the border of Iowa and Missouri, July 7, 2021. The A-10, also known as the Warthog, is designed for close air support of ground forces combating adversarial ground forces, including tanks and other armored vehicles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot)

• Performance:

1. Maximum Speed: 381 kn (439 mph, 706 km/h)
2. Combat Range: 250 nmi (288 mi, 463 km)
3. Ferry Range: 2,240 nmi (2,580 mi, 4,150 km)
4. Service Ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,700 m)

• Upgrades & Future:

1. The A-10 has received several upgrades, including the HOG UP and Wing Replacement Program, aimed at extending its service life. Boeing was awarded a $2 billion contract for new wings in 2007 and more wings are being produced to allow the plane to keep flying beyond 2040.
2. The A-10C modernisation programme included upgrades to avionics, targeting systems and displays to improve its effectiveness in a modern combat environment. It is now a "precision engagement" aircraft.

• Key Points:

1. The A-10 is purpose-built for close air support and anti-armour roles. It's not a multi-role fighter; its survivability, firepower, and loitering capability make it a very effective platform for this.
2. The aircraft was “designed to be repaired in the field”.
3. Despite facing proposed retirements, there is support to keep it flying, with plans to keep a minimum of six A-10 combat squadrons flying through 2030.
4. The sources emphasize its unique design, dedicated to ground attack, and its resilience in combat.

II. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

F-35 Lightning II
Lethal. Survivable. Connected.

• Development & Origins:

1. The F-35 is a family of single-seat, single-engine, supersonic, stealth multirole combat aircraft designed for both air superiority and strike missions, with electronic warfare and reconnaissance capabilities.
2. It emerged from the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.
3. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems as principal partners.

• Design & Technology:

1. The F-35 is designed with stealth technology as a core feature, with internal weapons bays to reduce its radar cross-section. It features a “diverterless supersonic inlet” to maintain stealth properties.
2. It has advanced sensors and avionics, including the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) and a distributed aperture system (DAS) for situational awareness.
3. It has an advanced cockpit with a helmet-mounted display system that provides a 360 degree view of the battlespace. There were early issues with the helmet, but these have been resolved with the BAE Systems helmet.
4. The F-35 has multiple variants to suit different operating environments.

• Variants:

1. F-35A: Conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version for the USAF.
2. F-35B: Short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version for the USMC and some international partners.
3. F-35C: Carrier-based (CATOBAR) version for the USN.
4. F-35I 'Adir': An Israeli variant with national specific upgrades. There is also a new export variant under development.

• Armament:

1. The F-35 has internal weapon bays for stealth operations. Weapons include JDAMs, Paveway bombs, and GBU-39 small diameter bombs. The F-35A has been certified to carry the B61 Mod 12 nuclear bomb.
2. External hardpoints can be used for additional weapons when stealth is not a priority, including AGM-158 JASSM and AGM-158C LRASM cruise missiles.
3. The F-35A is equipped with an internal 25mm GAU-22/A rotary cannon. There were accuracy issues with the F-35A cannon but these have been resolved.
4. The F-35B and F-35C do not have an internal cannon and instead use a multi-mission pod (MMP) to house the GAU-22/A cannon or other equipment.

Operational History:

1. The F-35B achieved initial operating capability (IOC) with the USMC in 2015, followed by the F-35A with the USAF in 2016, and the F-35C with the USN in 2019.
2. It has been adopted by numerous countries globally with over 1000 having been built as of January 2024.
3. The F-35 is being deployed worldwide by various allied nations. The Netherlands is the second air force with a fifth-gen only fighter fleet after retiring its F-16s.
4. It is the first US fighter that uses a drogue parachute which is a feature also added to the Polish F-35s.
5. The F-35 has been used in combat by Israel in the Middle East, with a notable first being its use to shoot down a cruise missile.
6. Several nations have also declared initial operational capability, including Italy, Japan and the Netherlands.

• Performance (F-35A):

1. Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph; 1,930km/h)
2. Combat Range: 669 nmi (770 mi, 1,239 km) interdiction mission
3. Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,000 m)
4. g limits: +9.0

• Maintenance & Logistics:

1. The F-35 utilises a complex logistics system, which has faced challenges. These have resulted in "unacceptable" mission readiness rates, but there are ongoing changes.
2. The original logistics system, ALIS, is being replaced with ODIN (Operational Data Integrated Network).
3. A "high temperature concrete pad" is required for its STOVL variant takeoffs and landings.

• Key Points:

1. The F-35 is a multirole aircraft that combines air-to-air, air-to-ground, electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities with stealth technology.
2. The sources highlight its technological advancements, integration of sensors and avionics, and its potential as a "force multiplier" on the modern battlefield.
3. It is a complex aircraft that has faced challenges relating to maintenance, logistics and cost.
4. There are ongoing developments and improvements to the aircraft and its systems.

III. A-10 vs. F-35: A Comparison

• Role:
• A-10: Specifically designed for close air support and anti-armour missions. It is not a multi-role platform.
• F-35: Multi-role fighter designed for a wide range of missions, including air superiority, strike, electronic warfare, and ISR.
• Design Philosophy:
• A-10: Rugged, heavily armoured, designed for survivability in high-threat environments and prolonged loitering capability.
• F-35: Stealth technology, advanced sensors, and network-centric warfare focus, aimed at penetrating heavily defended airspace.
• Armament:
• A-10: The focus is on a powerful 30mm gun for ground attack and a payload of rockets, missiles and bombs for close support.
• F-35: Carries a range of internal and external weapons to cover all possible roles with a 25mm cannon for close air support.
• Strengths:
• A-10: Exceptional close air support, survivability against ground fire, low operating cost, highly accurate weapon system for ground attack.
• F-35: Stealth, multi-role capability, advanced sensors and avionics, integration with other systems and platforms, network centric.
• Weaknesses:
• A-10: Limited air-to-air capability, vulnerable to modern air defences, low speed, limited range, lack of stealth.
• F-35: High cost, reliance on a complex logistics system, complex maintenance demands, lower mission readiness rate.
• Ongoing Debate:The sources indicate that there is a ongoing debate regarding which aircraft is the best for the modern battlefield. There are proponents of each aircraft.
• The proposed retirement of the A-10 has been heavily debated in the US, due to its effectiveness in its specialised role.
• The high cost and complex operation of the F-35 are often criticised.

IV. Conclusion

The A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-35 Lightning II are fundamentally different aircraft designed for different roles. The A-10 excels in close air support due to its survivability and dedicated ground attack capabilities. The F-35, conversely, is a multi-role fighter designed for air superiority, strike missions and other roles, with stealth being a core design requirement. The F-35 is a technically advanced platform with many capabilities, although this has resulted in higher costs and more complex operations.

While the F-35 is intended to be the mainstay of the US military air force in the coming years, the A-10 continues to be used and supported for its specialised close air support role. Both platforms will continue to play a crucial role in the US armed forces for years to come.

This briefing post provides an overview of two significant combat aircraft in the United States military. It examines their respective development, design, operational history, and capabilities, drawing on information from Wikipedia articles and an additional source regarding the A-10's engineering. The aim is to highlight their distinct roles, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as the debate surrounding their relevance in modern warfare.

Disclaimer: This briefing post is based on the internet sources and may not be fully comprehensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the primary design philosophy behind the A-10 Thunderbolt II?
• The A-10 was specifically designed for close air support (CAS), focusing on survivability and delivering heavy firepower at low altitudes. Unlike traditional fighter jets that prioritise speed and appearance, the A-10 is a rugged, purpose-built aircraft designed to effectively attack ground targets, particularly tanks and armoured vehicles. Its design prioritises manoeuvrability, allowing it to operate close to friendly ground forces, and it is heavily armoured to withstand ground fire, making it exceptionally resilient in combat. It was the first USAF fighter specifically designed for the close air support role.
• Q: What makes the A-10 so survivable in combat?
• The A-10 incorporates numerous design features for survivability. It has a titanium "bathtub" surrounding the cockpit, protecting the pilot from small arms fire and fragments. Its high-mounted engines are positioned away from the main fuselage and wings, reducing their vulnerability to ground fire. The aircraft has redundant flight control systems, meaning if one is damaged, another system can take over, and it can still fly with damaged control surfaces. The aircraft is designed to be able to fly with a single engine, one tail, one elevator, and one aileron damaged. Also, many A-10s feature a false canopy painted on the underside of the aircraft to confuse the enemy about its attitude and direction.
• Q: What is the role of the A-10's distinctive GAU-8 Avenger cannon?
• The GAU-8 Avenger is a 30mm Gatling-style cannon designed specifically for destroying tanks and armoured vehicles. It is a powerful and highly effective weapon system that makes the A-10 uniquely suited for its role as a tank-killer. The cannon's immense recoil is handled through the aircraft's structure, and the design of the aircraft was essentially built around this weapon. The GAU-8 also produces a distinctive sound when firing.
• Q: How did the A-10's initial reception within the USAF differ from its eventual adoption?
• Initially, many USAF pilots were reluctant to fly the A-10 because it was slower and considered less prestigious than traditional fighter jets. Fighter pilots often valued speed and sleek aircraft designs. However, over time, the A-10 demonstrated its effectiveness and unique capabilities in close air support. As its performance in combat became evident and ground troops grew to appreciate the support it provided, attitudes changed, and the A-10 became a valued and integral asset. Some A-10s were also redesignated as OA-10s, taking on a Forward Air Control (FAC) role, with minor equipment changes while maintaining full combat capabilities.
• Q: What are some of the key differences between the A-10A and the modern A-10C variant?
• The A-10C is a significant upgrade of the original A-10A. The A-10C has received digital avionics upgrades, which includes new multi-function displays, a modern fire control system, and improved sensors, giving the A-10C greatly improved weapons targeting and data sharing capabilities. These upgrades have made the A-10 more effective on modern battlefields. The A-10C also incorporates the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, which greatly expands the aircraft's precision targeting and situational awareness.
• Q: What is the F-35 Lightning II intended to achieve, and how does it differ from the A-10's design principles?
• The F-35 is a multirole stealth strike fighter designed to perform air superiority, strike missions, electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks. It emphasises advanced sensor fusion, network-centric capabilities, and stealth, making it a 5th-generation fighter. This contrasts heavily with the A-10's design principles, which prioritise close air support, ruggedness, and firepower at low altitudes. While the F-35 has some ground attack capabilities, it was not designed for the same intense, low-altitude close support role as the A-10. The F-35 also makes extensive use of internal weapons bays to maintain its stealth profile, whereas the A-10 can carry more external weapons.
• Q: What are the main variants of the F-35, and what makes them different?
• The F-35 has three main variants: the F-35A, a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version; the F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version, and the F-35C, a carrier-based catapult-assisted takeoff but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) version. The F-35A is designed for land-based operations. The F-35B, with its STOVL capability, is designed to operate from smaller carriers and austere bases. The F-35C features a larger wing and is specifically designed to operate from aircraft carriers with catapult systems and arresting gear. The variants have different weights, fuel capacities and payload capacities, with the F-35B having the lowest payload and range due to the lift systems required for its STOVL capabilities.
• Q: Which countries currently operate the F-35 and who are future operators?
• Currently the F-35 is operated by the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway and South Korea. Future operators of the F-35 include Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Poland, Romania, Singapore, and Switzerland. The F-35 is intended to replace various legacy aircraft, and is seen as a modern, multi-role fighter jet for many nations, with many different national variants and specific capabilities.

A Comparative History : Timeline of Main Events

• 1960s:
• The concept of a dedicated close air support aircraft is explored by the US Air Force, driven by experiences in Vietnam, with focus on survivability and ground attack. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia, general context).
• Late 1960s-Early 1970s:
• The A-X program is launched by the USAF to procure a dedicated close-air support aircraft. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• The Northrop YA-9 and the Fairchild Republic YA-10 are the main contenders in the A-X program. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1973:
• Fairchild Republic's YA-10 is selected as the winner of the A-X program. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• March 1976:
• The first A-10 is delivered to the 355th Tactical Training Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• October 1977:
• The 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina reaches initial operating capability (IOC) with the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• The 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (Nellis AFB, Nevada) and 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron (Eglin AFB, Florida) begin operating the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• The 66th Weapons Squadron (Nellis AFB, Nevada) begins operating the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1978:
• Several Tactical Fighter Squadrons (e.g., 353rd, 355th, 356th) begin operating the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• The 91st and 92nd Tactical Fighter Squadrons begin operations with the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia)
• 1979:
• The 104th Fighter Squadron (Maryland ANG), 118th Fighter Squadron (Connecticut ANG), 131st Fighter Squadron (Massachusetts ANG), 138th Fighter Squadron (New York ANG), 354th Fighter Squadron (Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona), 495th Fighter Group358th Fighter Squadron (Whiteman AFB, Missouri), 509th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron all begin operating the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1980:
• The 47th Fighter Squadron (Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona) begins operating the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• The 74th Fighter Squadron (Moody AFB, Georgia), 75th Fighter Squadron (Moody AFB, Georgia), and 511th Tactical Fighter Squadron all begin A-10 operations. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1981:
• The 76th Fighter Squadron (Moody AFB, Georgia), 45th Fighter Squadron (Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona), 176th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Wisconsin ANG) all begin A-10 operations. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1982:
• The 25th Fighter Squadron (Osan AFB, South Korea), 40th Flight Test Squadron (Eglin AFB, Florida), 18th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 303d Fighter Squadron (Whiteman AFB, Missouri), and 706th Fighter Squadron all begin A-10 operations. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1987:
• Many A-10s are shifted to the forward air control (FAC) role and redesignated OA-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• The 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron is formed as an OA-10 unit. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1988:
• The 103rd Fighter Squadron (Pennsylvania ANG) is formed as an OA-10 unit. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1991:
• A-10s see heavy use and sustain significant damage in the Gulf War. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia). Some A-10s credited with kills. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1993:
• The 514th Flight Test Squadron (Hill AFB, Utah) begins A-10 operations. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 1996:
• The 190th Fighter Squadron (Gowen Field ANGB, Idaho) begins operations with the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia)
• 2007:
• Boeing is awarded a $2 Billion contract for A-10 wing replacements. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 2008: 
• *The 107th Fighter Squadron (Selfridge ANGB, Michigan) begins operations with the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia)
• The A-10C Precision Engagement program begins rollout. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 2009:
• The 76th Fighter Squadron (Moody AFB, Georgia) and 45th Fighter Squadron (Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona) are reactivated. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 2010:
• The 163rd Fighter Squadron (Indiana ANG) begins operations with the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia)
• 2014:
• The 495th Fighter Group358th Fighter Squadron (Whiteman AFB, Missouri) stops operating the A-10 for a brief period. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 2015:
• The 495th Fighter Group358th Fighter Squadron (Whiteman AFB, Missouri) resumes A-10 operations. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 2023:
• The 163rd Fighter Squadron (Indiana ANG) stops operating the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• 2024:
• The 354th Fighter Squadron (Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona) stops operating the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).

Ongoing:

A-10s continue to serve in various operations, undergoing upgrades and wing replacement programs to remain operational. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia, general context).

The USAF plans to keep a minimum of six A-10 squadrons active through 2030. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia)

• December 15 2006:
• The F-35A performs its first flight. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
• July 31 2015:
• The F-35B achieves Initial Operating Capability (IOC) with the US Marine Corps. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia).
• August 2, 2016:
• The F-35A achieves IOC with the US Air Force. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia).
• February 28, 2019:
• The F-35C achieves IOC with the US Navy. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia).
• March 29, 2019:
• Japan declares Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for its F-35As. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
• November 30, 2018:
• Italy declares Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for its F-35As. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
• December 27, 2021:
• The Netherlands declares Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for its F-35As. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
• October 2023:
• The F-35A achieved certification to carry the B61 Mod 12 nuclear bomb. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
• Ongoing:
• F-35s continue to be produced and delivered to numerous countries worldwide. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
• Ongoing upgrade and development for the F-35. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia).

Cast of Characters

• Arnold Bunch: A US Air Force Lieutenant General who testified about the USAF's commitment to maintaining a minimum of six A-10 squadrons through 2030. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
• Kim Campbell: An A-10 pilot who safely landed her damaged aircraft after it sustained heavy damage from enemy fire. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).

A-10 Unit Designations Mentioned

1. 355th Tactical Training Wing: The first unit to receive the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
2. 354th Tactical Fighter Wing: The first unit to achieve initial operating capability with the A-10. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
3. 81st TFW of RAF Bentwaters/RAF Woodbridge: Operated rotating detachments of A-10s in Germany. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia)
4. 514th Flight Test Squadron (Hill AFB, Utah): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
5. 23rd Wing 74th Fighter Squadron (Moody AFB, Georgia): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
6. 23rd Wing 75th Fighter Squadron (Moody AFB, Georgia): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
7. 51st Fighter Wing25th Fighter Squadron (Osan AFB, South Korea): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
8. 53rd Wing 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron (Nellis AFB, Nevada): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
9. 53rd Wing 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron (Eglin AFB, Florida): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
10. 57th Wing 66th Weapons Squadron (Nellis AFB, Nevada): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
11. 96th Test Wing 40th Flight Test Squadron (Eglin AFB, Florida): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
12. 124th Fighter Wing 190th Fighter Squadron (Gowen Field ANGB, Idaho): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
13. 127th Wing 107th Fighter Squadron (Selfridge ANGB, Michigan): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
14. 175th Wing 104th Fighter Squadron (Warfield ANGB, Maryland): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
15. 355th Fighter Wing 357th Fighter Squadron (Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
16. 442nd Fighter Wing 303d Fighter Squadron (Whiteman AFB, Missouri): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
17. 476th Fighter Group 76th Fighter Squadron (Moody AFB, Georgia): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
18. 495th Fighter Group 358th Fighter Squadron (Whiteman AFB, Missouri): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
19. 924th Fighter Group 45th Fighter Squadron (Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).
20. 924th Fighter Group 47th Fighter Squadron (Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona): Operates A-10s. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia).

F-35 Unit Designations Mentioned

1. Royal Australian Air Force: Operates F-35As (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
2. Belgian Air Component: Has ordered F-35As. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
3. Royal Danish Air Force: Operates F-35As. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
4. Israeli Air Force: Operates F-35Is (Adir). (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
5. Italian Air Force: Operates F-35As and F-35Bs. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
6. Italian Navy: Operates F-35Bs. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
7. Japan Air Self-Defense Force: Operates F-35As and has ordered F-35Bs. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
8. Royal Netherlands Air Force: Operates F-35As. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
9. Royal Norwegian Air Force: Operates F-35As. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
10. Republic of Korea Air Force: Operates F-35As (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
11. Republic of Korea Navy: Plans to operate F-35Bs. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
12. Royal Air Force: Jointly operates F-35Bs with the Royal Navy. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
13. Royal Navy: Jointly operates F-35Bs with the Royal Air Force. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
14. United States Air Force: Operates F-35As. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
15. United States Marine Corps: Operates F-35Bs and F-35Cs. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)
16. United States Navy: Operates F-35Cs. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia)

Other Notable Designations Mentioned:

• Northrop YA-9: Competitor in the A-X program. (Source: A-10 Wikipedia)
• Lockheed Martin X-35: Prototype aircraft leading to the F-35. (Source: F-35 Wikipedia).