The need for close air support, on small pin point targets, was recognized early during the Vietnam conflict. Following an experimental development program begun in the early 1970's, the Fairchild Republic Industries A-10 Thunderbolt II was selected for production. The performance characteristics demanded were for operation on unimproved short fields, both high and low airspeed maneuverability, easy maintenance, long loiter times and range, excellent pilot protection, and a capacity for large mixed weapons loads
