The Fairchild-Republic A-10 "Thunderbolt II" is the U.S. Air Force's primary low-altitude close air support aircraft, known for service in the Gulf Wars, the Balkans, and Afghanistan and valued by American ground troops for its toughness, survivability, and firepower. Designed as a sub-sonic, short take-off, highly maneuverable aircraft able to loiter over battlefields for extended periods, it uses redundant control surfaces and hydraulic systems along with titanium armor protecting the pilot, control systems, and ammunition so it can absorb heavy damage and keep flying. It can carry more than 16,000 lbs. of ordnance from eleven hard points under its wings and fuselage, and its 30mm GAU-8/A rotary cannon makes it especially lethal. Officially named the "Thunderbolt II," it is widely nicknamed the "Warthog" or "Hog." Its airframe was built around the 30mm General Electric GAU-8A Avenger cannon, whose seven rotating barrels fire 30mm rounds with depleted uranium cores capable of penetrating nearly 3 inches of battle armor, at rates up to 4,200 rounds per minute, with such force that firing the gun significantly decelerates the aircraft. The specific aircraft 77-0199 flew hundreds of missions in Kuwait, Iraq, and Kosovo.