Introduction

            Since the dawn of man, flight has remained a fascination. The ability to manufacture a vehicle by perfectly combining design features that complement an aircraft’s ability to defy gravity and push its thresholds, thus expanding our reach far beyond the cosmos. As quoted by Eddie Rickenbacker: "Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible."

The following research paper will compare performance capabilities between the A-10 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang, as well as design similarities and differences.

Aircraft Overview

The P-51 Mustang demonstrated a vital addition to the Allied cause towards the end of World War 2. The aircraft evolved from blueprint to airborne in a matter of months contributing to a decisive victory for the Allies. Mustangs were predominantly used to assist as escorts in long-range bombing missions, with the ability to surgically engage ground and air targets with its primary and secondary weapons systems. The Mustang displayed every aspect of a classic warbird and went on to be one of the most familiar piston-engine fighters of all time.

The A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog) was explicitly designed for the role of Close Air Support (CAS), and Forward Air Control (FAC), serving as front-line support for ground assets. The Warthog armament is capable of decisively eliminating targets from light-skinned to medium/heavy armor and continues to serve for the foreseeable future proudly.

Performance Capabilities

Table 1

Comparing Performance of Aircraft

Note. MTOW= maximum takeoff weight, Information gathered within table was researched via the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (www.si.edu). Copyright 2019 Smithsonian Institute.

Design Similarities

The role of both aircraft was to assist ground assets in a reconnaissance/support capacity further. A task performed flawlessly, since their inception. Many similarities focused on the performance aspect, as well as their ability to fill a vital role in the advancement of warfare. So similar that in 1968 the Air Force had sought an aircraft to perform counterinsurgency (COIN) operations throughout Southeast Asia. An upgraded variant of the Mustang was presented. “Had life worked out differently, the Mustang could also have fought in Vietnam and flown against a Soviet invasion of Western Europe. In fact, it might even have replaced the A-10 Warthog” (Peck, M., 2018).

Design Differences

While “fast-flyers” are appealing to most, the idea of a propeller-driven aircraft for COIN operations makes sense due to their slower speed allowing them to drift over dense jungle to assist in guerilla warfare and provide longer time on target. The Mustang requires far less maintenance and is considerably cheaper to produce. It cost roughly $51,000 to produce in 1945, whereas it costs $19,000,000 for a Warthog.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I've briefly touched upon many aspects of comparing and differentiating the P-51 Mustang, and the A-10 Warthog. I've listed the performance capabilities of each aircraft as well. As we can see, there is definitive advancement from the Mustang to the Warthog, and rightfully so. These aircraft are from two different eras, yet still, can compete on a reasonably even playing field. "The Wright Brothers have created the single greatest cultural force since the invention of writing. The airplane became the first World Wide Web, bringing people, languages, ideas, and values together." Bill Gates