All about the A-10 Warthog

The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single-seat, twin turbofan engine, straight wing jet aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). Officially known by the Air Force as the Thunderbolt it’s  pilots refer to it as the "Warthog" or "Hog",

Notable features include vertical twin tails, engines that are above the fuselage, a straight wing, a large canopy, and of course a fierce Gatling gun that protrudes out of the front like a mean cigar. 

The A-10 was and is the only Air Force aircraft designed primarily to support friendly ground troops over long periods of time, which is a mission known as  Close air support or CAS. Everything about the A-10 is about ground attack: straight wings for improved slow speed maneuverability, increased payload, and longer time on station, engines that are mounted above the wings to reduce hits from ground fire, a titanium bathtub to protect the pilot, and a stable gun platform to put rounds on targets.  Few aircraft have performed as well in the CAS role the A-10 simply dominates in this area.  While initially conceived to attack large Soviet tank columns in Europe during the Cold War in a conflict that thankfully never erupted - the A-10 has gone on to have a second career as the ultimate support option for coalition troops on the ground in conflicts over the ensuing decades.  With it’s distinct engine sound and unforgettable Gatling cannon burst the A-10 is beloved by friendly troops and absolutely feared by enemy forces on the ground.  

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