A-10 Thunderbolt WarthogA 10 Thunderbolt USAF airplane model. The A 10 is the first U. S. Air Force aircraft designed specifically for close air support of ground forces. It is named for the famous P 47 Thunderbolt, a fighter often used in a close air support role during the latter part of World War II. The A 10 is very maneuverable at low speeds and low altitudes to ensure accurate weapons delivery, and it carries the systems and armor needed to survive in this environment.