Alerts Sign-up
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, widely known as the 'Warthog,' holds a significant place in the United States Air Force's history. Known for its rugged design and close air support capabilities, 713 A-10s were produced between 1972 and 1984. These aircraft were primarily delivered to the USAF during this period.
The A-10 was designed with durability in mind, featuring titanium armor and redundancy systems that have allowed it to adapt to changing mission requirements over time. Despite newer jets with advanced avionics entering service, the A-10 remains unmatched in its specific role due to its distinctive features such as the GAU-8/A Avenger rotary cannon.
Developed during the Cold War for close air support against armored divisions, several factors influenced its production total. These included mission specialization, budget constraints, and technological advancements in other platforms. While originally justified by Cold War threats, production halted after 713 units due to budgetary limitations and strategic shifts post-Cold War.
