A specialized titanium bathtub allows pilots to survive direct hits from anti-aircraft cannons
The A-10 Warthog features a massive 1,200-pound titanium shield designed to protect pilots from heavy anti-aircraft fire, essentially turning the cockpit into a nearly impenetrable flying fortress.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is built around a 1,200-pound titanium alloy enclosure known as the 'bathtub.' This 13.5mm-thick shield was engineered to withstand direct hits from 23mm anti-aircraft cannons, which fire rounds at speeds of 1,100 meters per second.
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