Britannica AI Icon

A-10A

aircraft
Also known as: Fairchild A-10A, Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II(Show More)

Quick Summary

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, often called the "Warthog," is a specialized attack aircraft developed by the U.S. Air Force. First flown in 1972, it is designed primarily for close air support, meaning it aids ground troops by attacking enemy ground forces, tanks, and installations. Its main weapon is a powerful 30-millimeter Gatling gun, making it an exceptionally effective tank killer. The A-10's cockpit is protected by a titanium "bathtub" to shield the pilot from ground fire, and its robust design makes it highly survivable. While its retirement was planned, its utility in recent conflicts has been evident.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.