Additionally, the placement of the engines is such that exhaust passes over the aircraft's vertical stabilizers, decreasing the A-10's infrared signature and decreasing the likelihood that the aircraft can be "acquired" or locked on to by IR sensing surface to air missiles. The cockpit is protected by 900 pounds (400 kg) of titanium armor (referred to as a "titanium bathtub") that also protects parts of the flight-control system. The self-sealing fuel cells are protected by fire-retardant foam to prevent fire and explosion. This permits pilots to fly and land when hydraulic power or part of a wing is lost. Manual systems back up their redundant hydraulic flight-control systems. The aircraft can survive direct hits from armor-piercing and high-explosive projectiles up to 23 mm. The 'Warthog' is designed to be exceptionally robust, with a strong airframe and the ability to survive considerable battle damage. It is able to fly at a relatively slow speed of 200 mph (320 km/h), which gives it an advantage in the ground-attack role, where fast fighter-bombers often have difficulty pursuing small and slow-moving ground targets. The aircraft's wide, straight wings allow short takeoff and landing capability, permitting operations in and out of locations near front lines and excellent low-speed maneuverability. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate under 1,000 foot (300 m) ceilings with 1.5 mile (2.4 km) visibility. The A-10/OA-10 have excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude.
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