[mikeash]

The underside of the cockpit is probably the best area to get shot at in an A-10. It's heavily armored, so the pilot is safe, and there are fewer important parts to break there as compared to being shot farther back.

[paxswill]

As support, here's some specific pictures of just the "bathtub": http://www.flickr.com/photos/25695066@N00/sets/7215762746187...