The A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic for the United States Air Force to provide close air support (CAS) of ground forces by attacking tanks, armored vehicles and other ground targets with a limited air interdiction capability. It is the first U.S. Air Force aircraft designed exclusively for close air support.

The A-10's official name comes from the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of World War II, a fighter that was particularly effective at close air support. The A-10 is more commonly known by its nickname "Warthog" or simply "Hog".  As a secondary mission, it provides airborne forward air control, guiding other aircraft against ground targets.

• A-10 Warthog Specifications

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Close-air Support
Contractor: Fairchild Republic Co.
Crew: One

Power Plant: Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans
Thrust: 9,065 pounds each engine
Wingspan: 57 feet, 6 inches
Length: 53 feet, 4 inches
Height: 14 feet, 8 inches
Weight: 29,000 pounds
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 51,000 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 11,000 pounds
Payload: 16,000 pounds

Performance

Speed: 420 miles per hour (Mach 0.56)
Range: 800 miles (695 nautical miles)
Ceiling: 45,000 feet

Armament

1 x 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun

Up to 16,000 pounds of mixed ordnance on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylon stations, including 500 pound Mk-82 and 2,000 pounds Mk-84 series low/high drag bombs, incendiary cluster bombs, combined effects munitions, mine dispensing munitions, AGM-65 Maverick missiles and laser-guided/electro-optically guided bombs; infrared countermeasure flares; electronic countermeasure chaff; jammer pods; 2.75-inch rockets; illumination flares and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.

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