A-10 Thunderbolt II banking against a clear blue sky, showing its straight wings, twin engines mounted above the fuselage, and twin tail fins.

Photo by Master Sgt. David Kujawa, via DVIDS

Entered service 1977 · U.S. Air Force

A-10 Thunderbolt II

A ground-attack jet built to stay near the fight and support troops when enemy forces are close.

The Inside Story

Low-speed maneuverability and a clear view from the cockpit help its pilot find targets near friendly forces. It also escorts rescue helicopters, helping protect the crews bringing downed airmen home.

The nose cannon

30 mm; 65 rounds per second

Pilot protection

Titanium armor around the cockpit

If hydraulics fail

Manual backup for flying and landing

Front-line basing

Short takeoffs and landings