Could an A-10 Thunderbolt II Pierce the Armor of a German King Tiger?

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, popularly known as the 'Warthog,' is equipped with a GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm cannon designed to penetrate enemy armor. On the other hand, the German King Tiger, a formidable tank, is renowned for its thick armor. This article explores the dynamics of a potential confrontation between the two.

Overview of the A-10 Thunderbolt II

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, despite its generic labeling, is a dedicated ground-attack aircraft known for its capabilities in directly supporting ground troops. Its most remarkable feature is the GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm cannon, capable of firing armor-piercing rounds at a ferocious rate of 3,900 rounds per minute. The cannon is designed to penetrate even the thickest armor of enemy tanks.

Types of Armor-Piercing Rounds

The GAU-8 can fire three types of 30mm rounds, each with a specific purpose:

High-Explosive Incendiary (HEI) - PGU-13/B: Designed for incendiary and explosive effects. Depleted Uranium Armor-Piercing Incendiary (API) - PGU-14/B: Its primary function is to penetrate heavy armor. Target Practice (TP) - PGU-15/B: Used for training exercises to simulate battlefield conditions.

Tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of the API rounds, with the following penetration distances:

76mm at 300 meters 69mm at 600 meters 64mm at 800 meters 59mm at 1000 meters 55mm at 1220 meters

Armor Composition of the German King Tiger

The German King Tiger, also known as the Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B, was a feared tank during World War II. Its armor was among the thickest, making it a formidable opponent. Here’s a breakdown of its armor thickness:

Hull Front: 100-150 mm at a 40-degree angle. Hull Side: 80 mm at 90 and 65 degrees angles. Hull Rear: 80 mm at 60 degrees angle. Hull Top: 40 mm at 0 degrees.

The thinnest and most vulnerable area is the top of the hull, which offers only 40 mm of protection at 0 degrees. The frontal armor, although formidable, provides a substantial challenge for an A-10, especially at a perpendicular angle.

Conclusion and Strategic Considerations

While the A-10’s 30mm cannon can potentially damage a King Tiger if aimed at the vulnerable spots, penetrating the thick frontal armor from the front would be challenging. Shots aimed at the sides or rear, where the armor is thinner, would have a higher chance of penetration.

The outcome of such an engagement largely depends on the attack angle and the tactical use of the A-10. In a direct frontal attack, the A-10 would face significant difficulties, but from an oblique angle, the API rounds would likely weaken or disable the tank.

The A-10’s specialized ammunition and high rate of fire make it an effective asset in destroying heavily armored vehicles, especially when targeting vulnerable areas. The legacy of the A-10 and the King Tiger remains a testament to the evolution of military technology in the 20th century.