<P> 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 . </P>
<P> 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 . </P>
when did the a 10 warthog enter service
when did the a 10 warthog enter service
1976
1976