A10 Thunderbolt airplane (PBR)

The A10 Thunderbolt airplane is one of the most beloved aircrafts in American aviation history. This battle-tested ground attack aircraft has earned a reputation for durability in challenging conditions, but there's more to this iconic aircraft than just its impressive combat record.

The A-10 was the first aircraft designed specifically for close air support of ground forces. Its designers saw it as a fast, maneuverable platform that could deliver precision weapons into and out of active warfare zones while minimizing ground-based missile threats.

It has a long-standing record of withstanding enemy fire, both from missiles and small arms. This is in large part thanks to its robust armor system.

In addition to the cockpit, which is protected by titanium "bathtub," the aircraft's engines and flight controls are enclosed in highly effective titanium armor plate. Estimates suggest this armor protects up to 12,000 lbs of the aircraft's total weight - making it virtually impenetrable with any air-defense weapon round.

The aircraft design was inspired by the Defense Department's Attack Experimental (A-X) program, which sought companies to design close-air support aircraft that would be less vulnerable to anti-aircraft missiles than conventional aircraft. Many companies responded to this call for prototypes, including Boeing, Fairchild-Republic, General Dynamics and Lockheed.

Realistic 3d-model for various projects.