The A-10 also participated in other conflicts such as in Grenada, the Balkans, Afghanistan, the Iraq War, and against the Islamic State in the Middle East. It served in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), the American–led intervention against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, where the aircraft distinguished itself. Its ability to take off and land from relatively short runways permits operation from airstrips close to the front lines, and its simple design enables maintenance with minimal facilities. The airframe was designed for durability, with measures such as 1,200 pounds (540 kg) of titanium armor to protect the cockpit and aircraft systems, enabling it to absorb damage and continue flying. The Thunderbolt II's airframe was designed around the high power 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary autocannon. The A-10 was intended to improve on the performance and firepower of the Douglas A-1 Skyraider. Its secondary mission is to direct other aircraft in attacks on ground targets, a role called forward air controller-airborne aircraft used primarily in this role are designated OA-10. The A-10 was designed to provide close air support (CAS) to friendly ground troops by attacking armored vehicles, tanks, and other enemy ground forces it is the only production-built aircraft designed solely for CAS to have served with the U.S. In service since 1976, it is named for the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, but is commonly referred to as the " Warthog" or simply " Hog".
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single-seat, twin- turbofan, straight-wing, subsonic attack aircraft developed by Fairchild Republic for the United States Air Force (USAF).
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