The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II hull incorporates over 1,200 pounds of armor-designed with survivability as a priority, with protective measures in place which enable the aircraft to continue flying even after taking significant damage. The sturdy landing gear, low-pressure tires and large, straight wings allow operation from short rough strips even with a heavy ordnance load, allowing the aircraft to operate from damaged airbases. The front landing gear is offset to the aircraft's right to allow placement of the 30 mm cannon with its firing barrel along the centerline of the aircraft. The offset front landing gear causes the A-10 to have dissimilar turning radii. Turning to the right on the ground takes less distance than turning left.(Wikipedia)