#ya-10a

10 May 1972: Chief test pilot Howard W. (“Sam”) Nelson made the first flight of the prototype Fairchild Republic YA-10A Thunderbolt II, 71-1369, at Edwards Air Force Base in the high desert of southern California. 

The first prototype Fairchild Republic YA-10A, 71-1369, landing at Edwards Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force)

The first gun installed on an A-10, prototype tail number 71-1369, was the six-barrelled, 20mm M61 Vulcan. At the time, the GAU-8/A Avenger was not ready yet, so the first YA-10As were outfitted with the available, albeit smaller, cannon.