Facelift

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs August 31, 2009:



A gutted A-10 Thunderbolt II is converted from the A to C model August 27, 2009, at S.A.B.C.A. The entire 81st Fighter Squadron fleet is undergoing the conversion, which enables the pilot to deliver precision-guided munitions, enhances digital communications with more air and ground forces, and moves several switches to the throttle and stick so that the pilot limits heads down time enabling him/her to focus outside of the cockpit directly into the battlespace. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak) Hi-res



Wires spill out of an A-10 undergoing the A to C model conversion August 27, 2009, at Societe Anonyme Belge De Constructions Aeronautiques, or S.A.B.C.A., a depot in Belgium that accomplishes major overhauls of the aircraft for the 81st Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. This aircraft is one of seven left in the squadron to receive the conversion. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak) Hi-res

Please note: The left air intake cover is from A-10 81-0945. Because the aircraft is also marked FSP-945 (FSP probably for Fighter Spangdahlem?) by S.A.B.C.A., it must be really A-10 81-01945.

Source

Related info:
When a "C" is better than an "A"
81st Fighter Squadron's Warthog upgrade lauded
S.A.B.C.A.

For upgraded Spang A-10Cs please also check my latest 81st Fighter Squadron photo updates, mostly provided by German aviation photographers. Every Spang Hog with Sniper XR targeting pod is an A-10C. Search

Air Force Ball: A time to celebrate the AF, D-Ms history

by the 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

8/27/2009 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- As the Air Force closes in on its 62nd birthday, Members from and around Davis-Monthan prepare to celebrate by holding the annual Air Force Ball at the University of Arizona Grand Ballroom Sept. 18 beginning with a social at 6 p.m.

During the annual celebration, many people from the Desert Lightning community will gather and not only celebrate the Air Force but also celebrate the men and women of Davis-Monthan. To fully appreciate our mission today it's important to reflect on our history.

In 1925, Tucson's City Council purchased 1,280 acres of land southeast of town to relocate the city's municipal airport. Unknown at that time this new site would become the nucleus of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. 15 years later, the War Department officially selected the airport to become a military base. Initially known as Army Air Base, Tucson, Arizona the airfield received its first aircraft, mostly obsolete Douglas B-18 Bolos, LB-30s, A-29s, and Stearman PT-17 trainers in May 1941. The new Base Commander, Brig. Gen. Frank D. Lackland, arrived May 30, 1941 and assumed command the next day, June 1. Exactly six months later on December 1 The base was formally named Davis-Monthan Field.

The outbreak of World War II and the Cold War brought major changes to D-M, but it wasn't until early 1975, that the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing prepared for conversation to the nameless Fairchild Republic A-10. It would be three more years before the name Thunderbolt II was officially selected for the A-10. In October 1975 the 355th Tactical Training Squadron activated to conduct A-10 academic training. Four months later, on March 2, 1976 the wing received the first A-10, the aircraft still flown out of D-M today.

Another major change occurred April 26, 2007. With only A-10 fighter aircraft assigned, the 355th Wing was redesignated once again as the 355th Fighter Wing. Today, the 355th Fighter Wing is composed of four groups: the 355th Operations Group, the 355th Maintenance Group, the 355th Mission Support Group and the 355th Medical Group. Together, along with their tenant organizations, they make up the 6,500 Airmen and 2,000 civilian personnel at Davis-Monthan.

Davis-Monthan's Air Force Ball will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m. and a gourmet dinner will follow at 7 p.m. Special presentations will be made throughout the night, and the Air Force band will provide a musical performance. For more information call your first sergeant.

Source

Related info:
355th Fighter Wing history

Commander discusses challenges facing new AEW

Brigadier Gen. Guy Walsh, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Commander. (Photo by Colin Kelley) Hi-res

By Erik Holmes, Staff writer
Air Force Times
posted: August 19, 2009, 18:10:26 EDT

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh is the first commander of a new air expeditionary wing in the busiest theater of the Afghanistan war.

There are about 1,400 airmen under the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing and the wing is just one of many tenant units at the massive NATO-run base at Kandahar Air Field.

Walsh, a career A-10 pilot, is charged with running wing operations and coordinating with the other NATO allies. He most recently served as commander of the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard.

He spoke Aug. 11 with Air Force Times.

Q. HOW IS AIR POWER RELEVANT IN AFGHANISTAN?

A. Take a look at the road system you have in Afghanistan … very little. The ability to move stuff … is very limited. To expand our role in Afghanistan … the only way to really get those supplies and everything necessary in … is air power. The other piece obviously … is this casualty evacuation and medevac. The idea of having to transport … coalition forces, U.S. forces or Afghan civilians … in under 50 minutes right now, that happens because of air power.

The bottom line is we’re in a support role. The war fighter that needs the help is that staff sergeant and corporal and our coalition partners on the ground, and our whole job really is to support that operation.

Q. HOW MUCH GROWTH HAS THE WING EXPERIENCED, AND DO YOU SEE IT CONTINUING?

A. We’ve more than doubled in size from what this organization was as a group to going to a wing. When it was a group, it didn’t have the support it needed, the infrastructure and those type pieces. Now that we’ve expanded the missions to seven different airframes … that’s required a fairly large influx. We have stabilized at least for now because there just isn’t much room at the inn.

Q. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK AS A TENANT AT A COALITION BASE?

A. It obviously takes a little bit longer. We’re still developing processes between … the owner of the airfield, between ISAF [International Security Assistance Force], who has a large piece of the organization … and then our role here. I will also tell you it’s very rewarding … This is not an American operation. This is truly a NATO [mission] with 41 different countries pitching in and making this happen for the Afghan people. So despite the fact that it takes longer … I think the end results are that much more rewarding.

Q. HOW HAVE NEW, MORE RESTRICTIVE RULES FOR AIR STRIKES AFFECTED YOUR WING?

A. The positive identification of friendly forces and enemy forces is absolutely huge in the close air support mission. We make sure … that when we’re doing those close air support operations, that we know where every friendly, every civilian and where all those pieces are. The nice thing about … the A-10C … is we have new capabilities to do that. It’s a combination of [using] binoculars, targeting pods and very close coordination with the ground. … It takes a little bit more time, but undoubtedly it’s the right thing to do because the objective here is not about killing terrorists. It’s about freedom of movement and being able to build a sense of trust with the Afghan people.

Q. WHAT ARE THE ALMOST SIGNIFICANT LIMITATIONS OR CHALLENGES YOUR FACE?

A. Right now, the challenge obviously at Kandahar … is the heat and the temperature and the dust. … It takes a while to acclimatize, and … it takes its toll on the equipment. … The other part is we have folks who are trying to get things done in the [civil engineering] area, and there’s not a lot of ground routes for being able to get [building materials] onto the base. … That’s a big thing that we tackle every day — being able to get the equipment and resources that we need.

Q. BOTH THE C-130Js AND A-10Cs ARE RELATIVELY NEW TO KANDAHAR? HOW HAVE THEY AFFECTED YOUR OPERATIONS?

A. Let me go with the C-130J first. Extremely capable airplane … in terms of handling the environment over here. We’ve had fairly good reliability rates with the airplane, and the crews are able to do [amazing] things with the airdrop missions … and the short-field landings.

[With the A-10C], we really find that we’re able to give eyes and ears to the ground commander to give him so much more awareness of what’s happening … from that view in the sky. … I’ve been able to support French, British, Australian, Romanian, across the board, as well as quite a bit of support to the Marines. … The feedback we get on the radios from the guy on the ground … to me is one of the most important parts of the mission.

That’s without dropping a weapon. … Just being their eyes and ears.

Q. WE DON'T THINK ABOUT AIRCRAFT BEING SHOT DOWN IN AFGHANISTAN: HOW SIGNIFICANT ARE THE THREATS?

A. My concern about airplanes is always more about the system itself — the environment and those types of things as far as losing an engine. To me that’s the biggest threat. … We spend time talking about whether there’s a surface-to-air threat … but that’s not typically where we lose airplanes. … I’ll also tell you that [with] our tactics, our crews are able to get the mission done without overexposing themselves.

Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THIS ASSIGNMENT?

A. The opportunity to stand up a wing and be the first wing commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing is one of those things you could have never even dreamed of. … Especially having come out the National Guard and being one of the first wing commanders in a combat zone from the Air National Guard, it’s one of those privileges you could have never even expected. … My favorite part of this job and going down and talking to these airmen, seeing what they do and the pride they take in their work. … I love flying, but to be able to go out and meet these airmen … that makes your day.

Source

See also:
First A-10Cs at Kandahar

D-M commander promoted to brigadier general

By 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/25/2009 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Fighter Wing Commander here at Davis-Monthan, Brig. Gen. Paul T. Johnson, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general Aug. 14, and symbolized the event with a pin-on ceremony here Aug. 24.

The commander was nominated for the appointment to brigadier general in May this year with 37 other colonels across the Air Force. Confirmation from the Senate made his general-officer promotion official.

General Johnson arrived at D-M in July 2008, scheduled for a two-year assignment as wing commander. He is responsible for one of the largest installations and flying operations in the United States Air Force, with more than 6,000 Airmen, 2,000 civilians, and several dozen aircraft. He serves as the senior officer responsible for organizing, training and equipping a 22-squadron wing.

He graduated from Dresden High School in 1976, earned his commission from Officer Training School, and joined the Air Force in May 1985. He is a command pilot with more than 2,500 hours in the A-10 attack aircraft.

General Johnson and his wife, Patricia, live on base. They have two sons, Eric and Chris, and a daughter, Jessica.



The 355th Fighter Wing Commander here at Davis-Monthan AB, Brig. Gen. Paul T. Johnson, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general August 14, 2009, and symbolized the event with a pin-on ceremony here August 24, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Valerie Smith) Hi-res

Source

Related info:
Official online bio of Colonel Paul T. "PJ" Johnson

81st Fighter Squadron A-10s caught at Spangdahlem AB August 24, 2009

By Joachim Jacob

Updated: 26 August 2009, 28 August 2009

Yesterday, Warthog News contributor Oliver Jonischkeit from Germany was at Spangdahlem and had the opportunity to catch the following six 81st Fighter Squadron Hogs: 81-0956, 81-0960 (ex 118th Fighter Squadron), 81-0983, 81-0984 (without unit markings), 81-0991, 82-0656. 81-0991 arrived from Ramstein AB, Germany. All others were equipped with the Sniper XR targeting pod - a clear sign for the A-10C upgrade.



A-10 81-0956. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit) Full size



A-10 82-0656, visible in the background is A-10 81-0991. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit) Full size



From left: A-10s 81-0983 and 81-0984 (without unit markings) during final approach afternoon. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit) Hi-res

On August 26, 2009, Oliver added the following nice shot:



A-10 81-0991 arrives from Ramstein AB, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit) Full size

On August 28, 2009, from Peter G. Kuhn (Germany) I got permission to post his following shot:



A-10 81-0991 departs Ramstein AB, Germany. (Photo by Peter G. Kuhn) Full size

188th deploys live ordnance at Snowbird in preparation for upcoming AEF rotation in Afghanistan

Updated 27 August 2009 (with the pictures)



A-10 78-0621 from the 188th Fighter Wing receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the skies of Arizona during a deployment to Davis-Monthan AFB August 5, 2009. The tanker, provided by the 137th Air Refueling Wing in Oklahoma City, carried local civic and military leaders to Davis-Monthan, where they received a tour of the facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Stephen Hornsey) Hi-res

by Capt. Heath Allen
188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/24/2009 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- If the 188th Fighter Wing wants to come through in the heat of the moment it must learn to remain cool under fire. The Flying Razorbacks tested their mettle and their aim during a recent deployment to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., July 25-Aug. 8 to work with the 162nd Fighter Wing's Operation Snowbird.

The 188th deployed approximately 300 operations, maintenance and support personnel along with 13 of the unit's 21 A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" to Davis-Monthan.

The deployment furnished the 188th with the opportunity to conduct training and gain operational experience in a mountainous, desert terrain, which closely mimics the climate and conditions in Afghanistan.

The 188th is scheduled for its Aerospace Expeditionary Forces (AEF) rotation to Afghanistan in spring 2010 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 188th, which will be the first A-10 Air Guard unit to deploy to Afghanistan, will send a similar package to the AOR.

Operation Snowbird, which is a National Guard Bureau program located at Davis-Monthan and supported through the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing, was established in 1975.

"This deployment was vital to the 188th's continued preparation for Afghanistan," said Col. Tom Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. "Snowbird provided the 188th with valuable training in much the same geographic environment and climate that we will see in Afghanistan. We gained a lot of essential experience that will help prepare us for our upcoming mission."

The 188th received its first A-10A in 2007 and quickly initiated an upgrade to the A-10C to meet criteria for upcoming AEF rotations.

"It's the same aircraft modified with increased capabilities," said Col. Jeff "Kid" Hickman, 188th Operations Group commander. "It's a pretty significant capability leap for the aircraft."

The pilots and support personnel need plenty of time to become efficient at operating the new equipment. Snowbird helped accelerate their proficiency.

"The A-10C features hardware and software upgrades so it's a pretty rapidly evolving process for the pilots," Hickman said. "Right now, we still have aircraft going through modifications to help prepare us for the AEF."

The 188th flew 186 sorties totaling 437 hours during its deployment to Davis-Monthan.

"At Snowbird, we operated in a combat surge mode," said Maj. Ray Hunter, 184th Fighter Squadron commander. "We typically fly about 250 sorties and 375 hours in a month and we've done that in about 10 days. We've flown a lot of 10 turn, 10s and 10 turn, 11s. That's hard to do and our maintenance personnel did an absolutely outstanding job keeping the planes operational."

The 188th dropped 31 GBU-38 JDAMs, 38 GBU-12 LGBs, 100 MK-82s (live), 350 MK-82s (inert), 525 MK-66 rockets and 13 AGM-65 Mavericks and fired 14,000 30 MM rounds from the A-10's GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun.

"Those are the weapons we'll be using in the desert," said Maj. Brian Ahlert, 188th project officer for Snowbird operations. "So for maintenance and ops it was a huge learning experience for everyone involved. It's not just about the pilots learning how to drop live, it's about our weapons guys learning how to load live and our maintenance personnel getting used to being around them."

While many members of the 188th have deployed multiple times with the unit's former aircraft, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, none have experience with the A-10 under such conditions.

"The primary purpose of Snowbird was for us to employ live weapons," Ahlert said. "Most of our pilots are F-16 guys who haven't dropped live off the A-10C. This was a chance for us to drop live weapons on live targets, which will be similar to what we expect to see in Afghanistan."

The 188th will continue training for its upcoming AEF deployment with another two-week exercise slated for October. The 188th will venture to Green Flag, hosted by Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

"Most of what we're doing at Snowbird is learning how to deploy the ordnance effectively and safely," Hickman said. "When we get to Green Flag we will be ready to use those skills in a tactical scenario and operate as if we were in Afghanistan."

Ahlert said Snowbird wasn't just about pilots and support personnel adjusting to the live weaponry but also the unit acclimating itself to the extreme temperatures they will endure in a desert work environment.

Ahlert said a temperature assessment was conducted during the first week of the deployment and the flightline reached 150 degrees in the sun and 108 degree in shaded areas.

"It was good for us to experience that kind of heat," Ahlert said. "That's what we're going to see in Afghanistan and we need to be prepared to handle it. We had heat monitors on the flightline to make sure everyone stayed safe and hydrated. The maintenance personnel did an outstanding job and performed admirably under those circumstances."

Civic duty
The 188th also hosted a civic tour during its deployment to Davis-Monthan. Ten media members and 65 civic and military leaders boarded two KC-135 Stratotankers in Fort Smith, Ark., and ventured to Davis-Monthan where they able to observe an aerial refueling of the 188th's A-10s above the skies of Arizona.

The KC-135s were furnished by the 155th Air Refueling Wing based out of Lincoln, Neb., and the 137th Air Refueling Wing stationed in Oklahoma City.

Once on the ground the group toured the Snowbird Operations building and was given a briefing on the 188th's upcoming deployment and aircraft upgrades. The group also viewed the munitions area, the flightline and the "Boneyard," where many of the military's aging aircraft are retired.



A-10 79-0216 or 80-0216 from the 188th Fighter Wing receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the skies of Arizona during a deployment to Davis-Monthan AFB August 5, 2009. The tanker, provided by the 155th Air Refueling Wing in Lincoln, Neb., carried local civic and military leaders to Davis-Monthan, where they received a tour of the facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen) Hi-res



A-10 78-0636 from the 188th Fighter Wing taxies down the Snowbird ramp during a deployment to Davis-Monthan AFN July 30, 2009. The deployment helped the 188th prepare for an upcoming AEF deployment to Afghanistan (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis L. Brambl) Hi-res



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



Maintenance personnel from the 188th Fighter Wing load weapons on an A-10 Thunderbolt II on the Snowbird flightline during a deployment to Davis-Monthan AFB July 29, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis L. Brambl) Hi-res



Maintenance personnel from the 188th Fighter Wing load weapons on an A-10 Thunderbolt II on the Snowbird flightline during a deployment to Davis-Monthan AFB July 29, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis L. Brambl) Hi-res



Maj. Gen. William Wofford, Arkansas adjutant general, talks with members of the 188th Fighter Wing during a civic tour to Davis-Monthan AFB August 5, 2009. The purpose of the tour was to observe the training of 188th personnel in preparation for the unit's upcoming AEF deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Stephen Hornsey) Hi-res



Tech Sgt. Michael Sharum, a crew chief with the 188th Fighter Wing conducts a preflight inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II on the Snowbird flightline during a deployment to Davis-Monthan AFB July 29, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis L. Brambl) Hi-res



Tech Sgt. Lonnie Nicholson, a crew chief with the 188th Fighter Wing conducts a preflight inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt on the Snowbird flightline during a deployment to Davis-Monthan AFB July 29, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis L. Brambl) Full size

Source

See also:
Unit Prepped For Mission(Southwest Times Record, August 9, 2009)
188th Fighter Wing Trains in Tucson for A-10 Deployment
188th Fighter Wing Training For Deployment
Arizona Training A Gas For 188th
A-10 attack jets from Arkansas to train over Tucson this week

Why does the world "Fear the hog"?

Posted 8/24/2009
by 1st Lt. James Runner
52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

8/24/2009 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit began 2008 with a five-month deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where it generated more than 1,300 combat sorties expending more than 65,000 30 mm bullets in direct support of the war on terrorism.

Later in the year, the 81st AMU took charge of a depot-level repair on main landing gears for 13th Air Expeditionary Force aircraft from Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The 81st AMU, with the support of other units in the 52nd Maintenance Group, inducted, repaired and re-deployed the Moody assets down range. The Moody aircraft were downrange crushing enemy positions within hours of their Spangdahlem Air Base departure.

Then, in honor of the 60th Anniversary of NATO, the 81st AMU received a short-notice tasking to deploy to Bulgaria. The Weapons Training Deployment to Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, challenged the 81st AMU's response time by mobilizing enough maintenance people and short-tons of equipment to a nearly bare base.

The Bulgaria WTD was an important step in solidifying positive relations with its NATO brethren.

The unit supported 116 training sorties in a 10-day flying window with only eight C-Model aircraft. Training included close air support, combat search and rescue, and full scale weapon deliveries. This unique opportunity also afforded some members of the 81st Fighter Squadron the chance to fly dissimilar air-to-air combat missions against Mig-29s and Mig-21s. The 81st FS employed 440 BDU-33s, 12 GBU-12s, and 120 rockets, and fired 20,690 rounds of earth-pounding, tank-busting 30 mm ammunition during the deployment.

The Bezmer Air Base community also benefited greatly from this Saber deployment, as they spent some of their off-duty time cleaning an orphanage overtaken by years of vegetation. The orphanage now stands out as a place that can provide a safe environment where the children can play. The orphanage headmaster was in tears as she thanked every person who made the facility look 20 years younger. The 81st AMU and 81st played soccer and games with local teams and impacted the lives of many orphans.

The 81st AMU and 81st FS continually overcome many obstacles at homestation; the least of which are manpower reductions and a limited number of available aircraft.

The decrease of available aircraft is due to the ongoing C-Model upgrade of the A-10. For the past 15 months, Spangdahlem's A-10 aircraft have been flown to a Belgian depot facility as an "A Model" and they have returned to the unit as "C-Models," with upgraded avionics systems. This "face lift," makes a 29-year-old aircraft fight like one straight off the assembly line. The upgrades make the A-10s stationed here the most advanced and war capable in the Air Force inventory.

In addition, spring and summer bring ample opportunities to support air shows and flyovers. The 81st AMU has provided the aircraft to support static displays for Royal Air Force Cadets; Serbian distinguished visitors; Luxembourg royalty;U.S. Military Attaché to Bulgaria; and Army distinguished visitors from Austria, Germany, and America.

The 81st AMU also supported Memorial Day flyovers to Hamm, Luxembourg; and Ardennes, Belgium; and have gone to air shows at Volkel; Beuchel; Radom, Poland; and Royal International Air Tattoo, England. The 81st AMU has been occupied during the past year providing the 81st FS with quality aircraft to fly.

The men and women of the 81st AMU take pride in seeing the daily launch and recovery of Spangdahlem A-10 aircraft.

From combat missions in Afghanistan to training missions in Bulgaria, the 81st AMU continues to maintain a weapon system that many yearn to take their pictures with, all while battling our nation's adversaries.

Thanks to all the hard work and dedication of the exceptional men and women of the 81st AMU, America's enemies will "Fear the hog!"

Source

Aero-TV: Wartime WartHog -- The A-10 Thunderbolt II

During the EAA AirVenture 2009 at Oshkosh, Hog driver Major Paul Brown from the A-10 West Demo Team was interviewed by Paul Plack from Aero-TV. Click the next picture to watch the embedded video (Running time 9:38):


August 21, 2009
Aero-News Network

When You Want the "Prettiest" Tank-Killer In The World, You Want A WartHog!

To those who look upon the A-10 for the first time, there is a sense that they're not looking at an airplane -- but the box it came in. BUT, to those who need to kill heavy enemy armament and do it in a serious way, the A-10 suddenly becomes one of the prettiest sights you ever saw... especially if said enemy armament is aimed your way.

The Air forces notes that A-10 Thunderbolt IIs have excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and are highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings with 1.5-mile visibility. Their wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. Using night vision goggles, A-10 pilots can conduct their missions during darkness.

The Thunderbolt II can employ a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units, laser guided bombs, joint direct attack munitions or JDAM), wind corrected munitions dispenser or WCMD, AGM-65 Maverick and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, rockets, illumination flares, and the GAU-8/A 30mm cannon, capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute to defeat a wide variety of targets including tanks. In other words... when you care enough to send the very best... an A-10 will often be the one delivering the goods.







Source

81st Fighter Squadron A-10 caught at Buechel AB

By Joachim Jacob

Updated 22 August 2009, 24 August 2009, 25 August 2009, 26 August 2009

A-10 81-0960 (still with old antenna behind the cockpit) from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, participated as single Hog on Spotter Day 2009 (Fototag 2009) at Buechel AB (Fliegerhorst Büchel), Germany, hosted by JaBoG 33 (Jagdbombergeschwader 33). Buechel AB is located 8 miles northwest of Cochem, a city along the Mosel River valley.

Related photos are provided by Warthog News contributors Oliver Jonischkeit and Philipp Jakob Schumacher, both from Germany.



A-10 81-0960 during take-off back to Spandahlem AB. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit) Hi-res



A-10 81-0960 on static display. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit) Hi-res



A-10 81-0960 on static display. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit) Hi-res



A-10 81-0960 on static display. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit) Hi-res



A-10 81-0960 on static display. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit) Hi-res



A-10 81-0960 on static display. (Photo by Oliver Jonischkeit)



A-10 81-0960 during take-off. (Photo by Philipp Jakob Schumacher) Full size



A-10 81-0960 during take-off. (Photo by Philipp Jakob Schumacher) Full size



A-10 81-0960 on static display. (Photo by Philipp Jakob Schumacher) Full size



A-10 81-0960 on static display. (Photo by Philipp Jakob Schumacher) Full size



CATM-65 Maverick on station 9. (Photo by Philipp Jakob Schumacher) Full size



Spotters in action. They are doing a great job to document aircraft movements... (Photo by Philipp Jakob Schumacher) Full size

On August 22, 2009, I got permission from Norbert Sloot from Germany to post the following shot:



A-10 81-0960 during take-off. (Photo by Norbert Sloot) Full size

On August 23, 2009, I got three additional shots from Frederik Bösing, also from Germany:



A-10 81-0960 on static display. (Photo by Frederik Bösing) Hi-res



A-10 81-0960 on static display. (Photo by Frederik Bösing) Hi-res



A-10 81-0960 during take-off. (Photo by Frederik Bösing) Hi-res

On August 25, 2009, I got permission to post two additional shots from Michael Tischer, also from Germany:



A-10 81-0960 climbs out, and the pilot looks on the photographer. (Photo by Michael Tischer) Full size



A-10 81-0960 climbs finally out. (Photo by Michael Tischer) Full size

On August 26, 2009, I got one more from Michael:



A-10 81-0960 departs. (Photo by Michael Tischer) Full size

Welcome to Norbert Sloot, Frederik Bösing and Michael Tischer as latest Warthog News contributors!

Three 81st Fighter Squadron A-10s caught at RAF Lakenheath

By Joachim Jacob

The following pictures, taken August 13, 2009, at RAF Lakenheath, U.K., were first-published August 15, 2009, on UK Airshow Review in the topic Tankbusters & Eagles at Lakenheath Thursday 13/8

From Mark Handley, the photographer, I got permission to post his very interesting shots on my blog.



A-10 81-0952 whit new antenna behind the cockpit. All unit markings are removed, related panels are painted over. Looks like this jet will also return back to Continental United States (CONUS) with unknown future. (Photo by Mark Handley) Full size



Close-up of A-10 81-0952. The panel with the former squadron insignia just below the new antenna is painted over. No painted over panel just below the windshield, possibly because there were no former crew insignias. (Photo by Mark Handley) Full size



A-10 81-0956 still with old antenna behind the cockpit. (Photo by Mark Handley) Full size



A-10 81-0992 with new antenna behind the cockpit. (Photo by Mark Handley) Full size

Related info:
Two 81st Fighter Squadron A-10s depart Lajes Field enroute to CONUS

DCS: A-10C Warthog

SimHQ Exclusive First "In-game" Screenshots

by Doug "guod" Atkinson

Preview
August 17, 2009

Starting in early 2010 we will be seeing more and more of the work-in-progress flight simulation, DCS: A-10C Warthog from Eagle Dynamics. Here are the very first in-game screens of the new sim. Included are four cockpit images and a huge, wallpaper-sized image of the Warthog in flight. The amount of detail already achieved in the development process is very evident!

Click on an image below and it will open the full-sized, original file in a new window. These are full-quality images and range in size from 425 kb to over a megabyte each.

Source



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Moody welcomes home 23rd AMXS Airmen

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

Posted 8/15/2009 Updated 8/17/2009



8/15/2009 - During the early morning hours, a Boeing 757 is seen parked on the flightline, as Airmen from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit anxiously wait to be reunited family members and friends after returning from a six-month deployment here Aug. 15. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)



(Left) Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, speaks to a crowd comprised of Airmen from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit who returned from a six-month deployment, as well as their family members and friends, here Aug. 15. During the commander's speech, (right) Tech. Sgt. Ronald Sprading, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintainer and his family, are surprised with the news that he has been selected for the Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion and will be promoted to the rank of master sergeant. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)

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