The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single - seat, twin turbofan engine, straight wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild - Republic for the United States Air Force (USAF). Commonly referred to by the nicknames "Warthog '' or "Hog '', its official name comes from the Republic P - 47 Thunderbolt, a World War II fighter - bomber effective at attacking ground targets. The A-10 was designed for close air support (CAS) of friendly ground troops, attacking armored vehicles and tanks, and providing quick - action support against enemy ground forces. It entered service in 1976 and is the only production - built aircraft that has served in the USAF that was designed solely for CAS. Its secondary mission is to provide forward air controller -- airborne (FAC - A) support, by directing other aircraft in attacks on ground targets. Aircraft used primarily in this role are designated OA - 10.
when did the a 10 warthog enter service
1976