New A-10C model aircraft arrives at Osan

Released today by 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



3/3/2010 - The first three of five A-10Cs land at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, March 3, 2010. Their arrival marks the beginning of end for the transformation of the active duty's A-10 fleet. The A-10C's significant enhancement to the Air Force's ability provides lethal, precision firepower in any potential close air support scenario. With the A-10C's arrival at Osan, the combat capability of the 25th Fighter Squadron's Assam Draggins has reached new heights and ushers in the next chapter in the legacy of American combat airpower ensuring the 51st Fighter Wing is "Ready to Fight Tonight". (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade) Hi-res



The same jet, without any Ladder Door Art. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade) Hi-res

Source

Note: The pictured aircraft is A10-0316 (serial number 78-0696), still with 104th Fighter Wing air intake cover at least on the left engine. This A-10 was formerly assigned to the 131st Fighter Squadron 'Death Vipers', 104th Fighter Wing (Massachusetts ANG), Barnes ANGB, Massachusetts (Tailcode MA). After BRAC 2005, it was assigned to the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas Air National Guard), Fort Smith, Arkansas. Visible transfer flight loadout: MXU-648 baggage pods on stations 3 and 9, external fuel tanks on stations 4 and 8.

Some archived pictures of 78-0696:



Col. Tom Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander, conducts a press conference next to A-10 78-0696 on the Snowbird flightline during a deployment to Davis-Monthan AFB August 5, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Stephen Hornsey) Hi-res



A-10 78-0696, caught by Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from United States at Nellis AFB, Nevada, participating in exercise GREEN FLAG - West 10-01, October 2009. At that time (probably since 2007) the aircraft was assigned to the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas Air National Guard), Fort Smith, Arkansas, still without FS tailcode but already with Arkansas fin flash and Razorbacks markings on the engine nacelle at least on the aircraft's left side. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

BTW: This Air Force news is a big surprise for me. Anybody who can/will tell me the serial numbers of the other A-10Cs which joined the 25th Fighter Squadron? Any related transfer flight info (from Continental United States - CONUS - to Osan AB)? I would be very grateful for any support.