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Price Breakdown: What is the A-10 Warthog's Price? 


The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single-seat, twin-turbofan, straight-wing, subsonic attack aircraft developed by the Fairchild Republic for the United States Air Force (USAF). In service since 1976, it is named for the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a World War II-era fighter-bomber effective at attacking ground targets, but is commonly referred to as the "Warthog" or simply "Hog." The A-10 was designed to provide close air support (CAS) to friendly ground troops by attacking armored vehicles, tanks, and other enemy ground forces; it is the only production-built aircraft designed solely for CAS to have served with the U.S. Air Force. Its secondary mission is to direct other aircraft in attacks on ground targets, a role called forward air controller-airborne; aircraft used primarily in this role are designated OA-10. The A-10 Warthog is one of the most popular attack planes in the United States Air Force arsenal. With its powerful capabilities, it comes with an equally hefty price tag. Learn more about what makes up the expense of this aircraft and its associated components here.

 

Initial Investment.

The baseline expense of the A-10 Warthog is around $13.4 million per plane. This cost covers the initial purchase price, fees for training, and transfer costs from the defense contractor. Furthermore, ongoing repairs and upgrades must be accounted for to maintain peak performance.

 

Operational Costs and Maintenance.

Beyond the initial cost for procurement, the A-10 also racks up a considerable expense in terms of maintenance and repairs. The aircraft undergoes consistent maintenance checks to keep it ready for action, both in the air and on the ground. Maintenance costs account for around 12% of the A-10's lifetime expenses or $1.6 million per plane. Additional renovation and upgrades to improve the Warthog's performance can add millions more to its total price tag.

 

Staff Training and Support Systems.

The staff of individuals tasked with keeping the A-10 Warthog on its flight path is also an essential part of the price breakdown. They require in-depth training to understand the inner workings of the aircraft and its systems, as well as how to provide maintenance and troubleshooting when needed. Moreover, the A-10 relies on various support systems, such as software and hardware updates, that ensure its safe and effective operation. These associated costs account for around 8% of lifetime expenses or an estimated $1 million per plane.

 

Lifetime Sustainment Costs.

Alongside the purchase cost for each A-10 Warthog, lifetime sustainment costs are also an essential factor to consider. Regular maintenance and repairs can add up to around 38% of its price— $14 million per plane. Additionally, fuel consumed by these aircraft accounts for another 17% or approximately $6 million per plane. The remaining operations costs, such as personnel expenses, account for 15%. These factors contribute to a large portion of the A-10's estimated $40 million cost.

 

Analyzing the Value of A-10 Warthog Investments.

The up-front cost of the A-10 Warthog is considered a significant investment for many militaries across the globe. After analyzing the costs associated with buying, maintaining, and operating the plane, it is easy to compare the value of Warthog ownership to that of other aircraft. At $40 million, the A-10 Warthog is relatively inexpensive compared to similarly stacked models, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet's estimated lifetime cost of nearly $92 million.

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