Named after the P-47 Thunderbolt, the A-10 Thunderbolt II are the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine, no afterburner, jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The primary mission of the A-10 is to provide day and night close air combat support for friendly land forces and to act as forward air controller (FAC) to coordinate and direct friendly air forces in support of land forces. The A-10 has a secondary mission of supporting search and rescue and Special Forces operations. It also possesses a limited capability to perform certain types of interdiction. All of these missions may take place in a high or low threat environment.