The Iconic A-10 Thunderbolt: America's Best Weapon of War?
The A-10 has served in most of America’s post–Cold War conflicts, from the Balkans to Afghanistan.
Here's What You Need to Know: The A-10 is one of the most successful weapons of the post–Cold War era.
One of the most iconic airplanes in the U.S. Air Force’s flying inventory is the A-10 Thunderbolt, also affectionately known as the “Warthog.” Designed to mow down rows of invading Soviet tanks during an anticipated World War III, the A-10 has served in most of America’s post–Cold War conflicts, from the Balkans to Afghanistan. A new Pentagon contract to manufacture new wingsets promises to keep a minimum of 280 aircraft flying into the foreseeable future, even as questions persist whether the A-10 can survive over modern battlefields.