A-10 Thunderbolt II
Rolling inverted after receiving fuel from a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, A Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II or “Warthog” returns to its duties supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, 2017. Displaying an asymmetric loadout of various air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions as well as a precision targeting pod, this view also reveals the unique design of the main landing gear. Rather than retracting entirely into the wing, the lower half of each wheel is left exposed. This enables the jet to land with minimal damage even if the landing gear malfunctions and fails to extend. Photo: U.S. Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride

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