A10 Warthogs: The 'workhorse' of the US Air Force

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately called the 'Warthog' for its aggressive look and distinctive sound, is an American military icon.

It is the only US military aircraft purpose-built to provide close air support to ground forces, with its fearsome 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon (which is the size of a small car) and a fire rate of 3,900 rounds per minute.

In the video above, Master Sergeant Ruben Trejosanchez, Weapons Standardization Superintendent, describes the twin-jet engine aircraft, which often features the iconic warthog teeth painted on its nose cone, as "the workhorse of the air force". 

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A-10s served in the Gulf War and were also used extensively in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The aircraft can survive direct hits from armour-piercing and high-explosive projectiles up to 23mm, with the pilot protected by an "iron bathtub", says MSgt Trejosanchez.

After years of debate, Congress has approved a plan by the US Air Force to begin retiring A-10 Thunderbolts, replacing them with F-35s as the service's primary close-air-support aircraft.