A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog) Ground Attack Aircraft, United States
The A-10 Thunderbolt is also known as the Warthog, "Flying gun" and the tank is known. The aircraft was used during Operation Desert Storm, in support of NATO operations in response to the crisis in Kosovo, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The A-10 aircraft is a highly survivable and versatile, popular with pilots for the "homecoming" effectiveness.
The mission of the aircraft's ground attack against tanks, armored vehicles and installations, and close air support of ground troops.
The aircraft is designed for operation from forward air bases, with a capacity of short takeoff and landing. The aircraft has a long reach (800 miles), great endurance and can take a walk in the combat zone.
Maneuverability at low speed and low altitude (below 1000 ft) allows accurate and effective targeting and weapon delivery over all types of terrain.
The first flight of the A-10 was May 1972 and a total of 713 units were produced. The production of A-10 aircraft in 1984, completed. Quote from Fairchild produced since 1987, the architect of the A-10 Northrop Grumman to support their activities and programs to address the structural Integrated Systems and Aerostructures Divisions at Bethpage, New York upgrade St Augustine, Florida.
More than 367 A-10 aircraft in service in the U.S. Air Force, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Aircraft variants, which are currently in service in the U.S. Air Force A-10 (143) and A-10C (70), Reserve A-10 (46) and OA-10 (6) ANG, A-10 (84) and OA-10 (18).