<Tr> <Th> Number built </Th> <Td> 716 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Unit cost </Th> <Td> US $18.8 million </Td> </Tr> <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 A-10 was intended to improve on the performance of the A-1 Skyraider and its lesser firepower . The A-10 was designed around the 30 mm GAU - 8 Avenger rotary cannon . Its airframe was designed for durability, with measures such as 1,200 pounds (540 kg) of titanium armor to protect the cockpit and aircraft systems, enabling it to absorb a significant amount of damage and continue flying . Its short takeoff and landing capability permits operation from airstrips close to the front lines, and its simple design enables maintenance with minimal facilities . The A-10 served in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), the American led intervention against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, where the A-10 distinguished itself . The A-10 also participated in other conflicts such as in Grenada, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and against Islamic State in the Middle East . </P>

When did the a 10 warthog enter service