A-10 “Warthog” Maryland Flag
Our A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” Maryland Flag Edition is the perfect blend of aviation heritage and state pride. This bold 3×5 wall flag features the legendary A-10 Warthog—the U.S. Air Force’s premier close air support aircraft—set against the striking and iconic Maryland state flag. The result is a powerful design that pays tribute to both American airpower and Maryland’s rich history. Built for ground attack and renowned for its GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon, the A-10 is beloved by pilots, maintainers, and fans alike for its ruggedness and ability to protect troops on the ground. Pairing this fierce aircraft with the Maryland flag makes a statement that resonates with service members, veterans, and aviation enthusiasts who call the Old Line State home—or anyone who simply admires the A-10’s unmatched reputation as the “tank killer.”
Crafted from durable polyester knit, this flag is designed for vibrant indoor display. Best suited for indoor display to ensure longevity of the vibrant colors, it looks great in dorm rooms, offices, hangars, man caves, or unit dayrooms. Whether you’re a proud Marylander, a Warthog fan, or both, this flag captures the spirit of strength, heritage, and pride. Looking for something unique and meaningful to send to your deployed military member? These make great deployment gifts to receive downrange in their care packages from home.
As with all products from Custom Flag Nation, a veteran-owned business, each flag is produced with care and attention to detail, ensuring a quality piece that you’ll be proud to display.
• 100% polyester• Knitted fabric• Fabric weight: 4.42 oz/yd² (150 g/m²) • Print on one side• Blank reverse side• 2 iron grommets.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Aircraft History: The A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog”
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, better known as the “Warthog,” is one of the most recognizable and respected aircraft in U.S. Air Force history. Developed in the early 1970s, the A-10 was designed specifically for close air support (CAS) of ground troops, a mission often overlooked in favor of faster, more glamorous fighter aircraft. Its development came during the Cold War, when NATO planners feared massive Soviet armored advances across Europe. To counter that threat, the A-10 was built around a single mission—destroying tanks and protecting soldiers on the battlefield.
At the heart of the A-10’s design is its massive GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm rotary cannon, a seven-barrel Gatling-type gun capable of firing nearly 4,000 rounds per minute. Mounted along the aircraft’s centerline, the Avenger can shred tanks, armored vehicles, and enemy fortifications with devastating accuracy. This firepower, combined with the aircraft’s ability to loiter low and slow over the battlefield, made the Warthog a game-changer in combat support.
Unlike most jet aircraft, the A-10 was designed with survivability as its top priority. Its cockpit is surrounded by a titanium “bathtub” to protect the pilot, and the aircraft can withstand heavy damage while continuing to fly. Twin engines mounted high on the fuselage reduce vulnerability to ground fire, and its redundant flight control systems give it an incredible ability to keep flying even after sustaining major damage. Stories from combat zones abound of A-10s returning safely with shredded wings, missing tail sections, or destroyed hydraulics—testament to the ruggedness of the design.
The A-10 entered service in 1977 and first saw combat in the Gulf War of 1991, where it proved itself indispensable. A-10s destroyed more than 900 Iraqi tanks, 2,000 other military vehicles, and 1,200 artillery pieces, earning a reputation as the most effective tank-killer in the world. Since then, the aircraft has flown in conflicts from the Balkans to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Its unmatched ability to deliver precision strikes and remain overhead to protect troops has made it a favorite among ground forces, who often refer to the distinctive “BRRRT” of its cannon as the sound of salvation.
Despite multiple attempts to retire the A-10 in favor of newer aircraft like the F-35, the Warthog’s legendary reputation has kept it in service. Upgrades to avionics, weapons systems, and targeting pods have ensured that the A-10 remains relevant on today’s battlefields. With wings replaced under the A-10C modernization program, the aircraft is expected to continue flying into the late 2030s.
