The "Hog" at Aviation Nation 2012

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Updated November 20 and 21, 2012

Team Nellis Public Affairs released the following two official photos:


An A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off to perform an aerial demonstration during Aviation Nation Nov. 11, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has excellent maneuverabilty at low air speeds and altitudes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal) Hi-res


Aviation Nation 2012 depicts the history of American aviation and salutes the recent accomplishments of America's military in operations around the globe through numerous military and civilian ground displays Nov. 10, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Aviation Nation is the largest free public event in Nevada. (U.S. Air Force Photo By Senior Airman Daniel Hughes) Hi-res

Note: This incredible aerial shot shows A-10C 80-0176 from the 66th Weapons Squadron on static display between a F-22 Raptor and a F-15C Eagle.

Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shot:

A-10C 80-0176 on static display. This "Hog" is new to the 66th Weapons Squadron due to a plane swap with Davis-Monthan. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Update November 20, 2012:

Warthog News contributor Ken Middleton from the United States took the following shots, already posted on his Facebook album Aviation Nation 2012. Ken wrote: 80-0176 "WA" was on static; and 80-0242 "OT" billboard jet, and 79-0171 "OT" flew in the demo, but used the far runway and the shots are just fair.


A-10C 80-0176, captured nicely under the condition of late day sun and clouds. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size


Front view of A-10C 80-0176. Note the fascinating air intake cover with the inscription 757th AMXS THUNDER, owned by the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size


A-10C 80-0176. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size


A-10C 79-0171 from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) takes off for an aerial demonstration. Dramatic shot with retracting landing gears and the Nellis tower in the background. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size


Overhead shot of A-10C 79-0171 during an aerial demonstration. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size


A-10C 80-0242 from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), marked "53 WG" as the 53rd Wing's flagship (or boss bird) takes off for an aerial demonstration. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size


Overhead shot of A-10C 80-0242 during an aerial demonstration. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size


A-10C 80-0242 during an aerial demonstration. The smoke comes from pyrotechnics on the ground. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size

Note: Although based at Nellis AFB, the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron "Green Bats" comes under the command of the 53rd Wing (ACC) at Eglin AFB, Florida.

Update November 21, 2012:

Yesterday, via Facebook I asked Ken for a close-up shot of the impressive air intake covers on A-10C 80-0176. And here it comes:


This 757th AMXS air intake cover artwork is really phantastic. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size

Note: According to an official 57th Wing fact sheet, 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron accomplishes intermediate-level maintenance on aircraft and support equipment components, maintaining avionics, laser guided weapons systems, pneudraulics, fuel systems, engines, measurement/diagnostic equipment, electro-environmental, and egress systems. Squadron AMUs are Eagle (F-15C/D), Strike (F-15E), Thunder (A-10), and Flanker (F-15C/D). Source