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The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly known as the "Warthog," is a twin-engine attack aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) by Fairchild Republic. Designed primarily for close air support (CAS) operations, the A-10 assists ground troops and targets enemy forces, tanks, and armored vehicles.
During its service history, the A-10 has played a role in several critical missions, including Operation Desert Storm and the intervention against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The development of this aircraft began during the Vietnam War when there was a need for a dedicated attack aircraft due to limitations in existing designs like the Douglas A-1 Skyraider.
The US military recognized gaps in escort and fire suppression roles while exploring new attack aircraft designs. This led to the introduction of helicopters like Bell UH-1 Iroquois and AH-1 Cobra to fulfill gunship roles temporarily. However, these developments prompted further studies that concluded a need for a specialized CAS aircraft.
