Affectionately called the “Warthog” for its aggressive look and often painted with teeth on the nose cone, the A10 Thunderbolt II is the U.S. Air Force’s primary lowaltitude close air support aircraft. The A10 is perhaps best known for its fearsome GAU8 Avenger 30mm gatling gun mounted on the nose. The GAU8 is designed to fire armorpiercing depleted uranium and high explosive incendiary rounds.

The A10 Thunderbolt II has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weaponsdelivery platform. The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions.