The News-Sentinel
Sunday, February 12, 2012 - 12:35 pm
In this week's Fort Report, Kevin Leininger of The News-Sentinel speaks with Col. David Augustine, commander of the 122nd Fighter Wing at Fort Wayne International Airport's Air National Guard base, about the base's proposed transition from A-10s to a new type of aircraft.
Source
Watch the video in a very better resolution on YouTube:
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Showing posts with label 163rd Fighter Squadron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 163rd Fighter Squadron. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air National Guard visits 122nd Fighter Wing
Released by 122nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs on their official Facebook page:
Chief Master Sgt. James Salway, 122nd Fighter Wing Command Chief, explains the loading process for 30mm rounds on the A-10 Warthog to Chief Master Sgt. Darrell Newman, Indiana Air National Guard Command Chief (left) and Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy, Air National Guard Command Chief on February 11, 2012 in Fort Wayne, Ind. Muncy and Newman came to the base to visit with Airmen and participate in a town hall meeting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Goeden)
Note: Pictured is A-10C 214.
Album
Chief Master Sgt. James Salway, 122nd Fighter Wing Command Chief, explains the loading process for 30mm rounds on the A-10 Warthog to Chief Master Sgt. Darrell Newman, Indiana Air National Guard Command Chief (left) and Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy, Air National Guard Command Chief on February 11, 2012 in Fort Wayne, Ind. Muncy and Newman came to the base to visit with Airmen and participate in a town hall meeting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Goeden)
Note: Pictured is A-10C 214.
Album
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
New 163rd Fighter Squadron A-10C shots on Facebook
On their official Facebook page, 122nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs released impressive shots of "Blacksnakes Hogs", taken by Jamie Hunter. Just some sample pics:
Album
Album
Friday, February 10, 2012
122nd Fighter Wing now on Facebook
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
Dear readers, please visit 122nd Fighter Wing's new-established official page on Facebook!
(Screenshot by Joachim Jacob)
Dear readers, please visit 122nd Fighter Wing's new-established official page on Facebook!
(Screenshot by Joachim Jacob)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Guard chief will fight to keep 122nd's fighter jets
By Brian Francisco, Washington editor
The Journal Gazette
Last updated: February 9, 2012 9:47 a.m.
Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger says the A-10s are "the best for us here." (Photo by Cathie Rowand, The Journal Gazette)
The head of the Indiana National Guard endorses the Pentagon's plan to reduce spending and retire aircraft. He just doesn't think Fort Wayne's Air National Guard base is a good place to do it.
Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger vowed Wednesday to try to keep A-10 jet fighters stationed at the 122nd Fighter Wing on Ferguson Road rather than trade them in for intelligence aircraft.
The Department of Defense seeks to mothball 102 of its 348 A-10s as part of $487 billion in military spending cuts required by the Budget Control Act.
"We are in support of that. We're not taking on the Air Force on that," Umbarger said Wednesday during a news conference at the local base.
"We just say, why would you reduce those A-10s at an Air National Guard base when it is so cost-effective? We can be there when you need us," he said.
As an aircraft that blasts tanks and provides close-air support to ground troops, "it's the last plane you'd want to cut. That's on the tactical side," said Umbarger, a self-described "infantry guy."
And with the 122nd Fighter Wing costing only 28 cents for every tax dollar spent at an active-duty Air Force base – largely because the base uses civilian airmen and flies out of neighboring Fort Wayne International Airport – "that ought to carry the day," Umbarger said.
"I believe this is a dialogue that needs to go on with the Air Force to keep the A-10 fighter wing here in Fort Wayne," Indiana's adjutant general said.
Under a proposal unveiled last week, the Air Force would trim $50 billion in spending by sidelining 286 aircraft of various types and reducing its ranks by nearly 10,000 people, including 5,100 in the Air National Guard.
The 122nd Fighter Wing and Guard bases in Selfridge, Mich., and Fort Smith, Ark., would lose their A-10 squadrons – at least 20 planes at each base – and replace them with other craft.
Fort Wayne would receive nine to 11 MC-12W Liberty planes starting in October 2013. The twin-engine turboprop, which carries a crew of four, is used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
"We are very thankful that we do have a mission of that type that will be here, and it's a very relevant mission," Umbarger said. "It's one that the Air Force is wanting to grow. We still feel like the A-10 mission is the best for us here."
He said the conversion likely would mean staffing cuts – "I do not think it will be large" – at the 122nd. About 1,200 people work there, 364 of them full time. Without the A-10s, the complex would no longer need to maintain the missiles, bombs and machine-gun rounds carried by the planes.
Col. David Augustine, the base commander, told reporters: "We've got an amazing infrastructure here for fighter airplanes. But should that (mission) turn, we could use that infrastructure for different airplanes."
The 189-acre base switched from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog, in the past three years.
"I thought that would give us a long and extended future to ultimately be able to compete for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter," Umbarger said about the next generation of jet fighters.
The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Wayne Base Community Council announced a letter-writing campaign Wednesday to keep the A-10 squadron. The letters are being sent to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Air Force Secretary Michael Donley.
"The business community recognizes the economic importance of the 122nd Fighter Wing in our community," Chamber CEO Mike Landram said in a statement. "We are asking for their immediate help."
Augustine said last week the federal government spent more than $58 million on the fighter wing in fiscal year 2011, including $43.7 million in pay and benefits. The White House is expected to release its fiscal year 2013 budget proposal Monday. Republicans as well as Democrats in Congress have said they will fight military cuts.
Umbarger noted the 122nd recently received an Outstanding Unit Award from the National Guard Bureau, the fifth time it has won the honor.
"It's kind of ironic," Umbarger said, considering the base might face another conversion.
Source
More related info:
By Brian Francisco, The Journal Gazette
The Journal Gazette
Last updated: February 8, 2012 4:13 p.m.
FORT WAYNE -- The head of the Indiana National Guard vowed Wednesday to try to keep an attack jet squadron based in Fort Wayne.
Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger told a group of media, local government officials and economic development leaders that the A-10 planes flown by the Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing are both cost-efficient and valuable weapons.
"It's not just about Fort Wayne. It makes total sense for our Air Force; it makes total sense for our nation" to retain the A-10s in Fort Wayne and at Air National Guard bases in Michigan and Arkansas, Umbarger said at the local base.
The Air Force announced Friday it will retire more than 100 A-10s, including those at the 122nd Fighter Wing, which would convert to a base that flies intelligence aircraft.
As an aircraft used to support ground troops, "it's the last plane you'd want to cut," Umbarger said about the A-10 jet. "That's on the tactical side."
And because the 122nd Fighter Wing costs only 28 cents for every dollar spent at an active-duty Air Force base -- largely because the local fighter wing flies out of the neighboring Fort Wayne International Airport – "that ought to carry the day," Umbarger said.
The Fort Wayne base has been named the recipient of an outstanding-unit award given by the National Guard, the fifth such honor for the 122nd Fighter Wing, he added.
"I believe this is a dialogue that needs to go on with the Air Force to keep the A-10 fighter wing here in Fort Wayne," Umbarger said.
Last week's Air Force announcement about realignment of bases and personnel was part of the Pentagon's plan to cut $487 billion in spending during the next 10 years. The amount was mandated by the Budget Control Act approved last summer by Congress.
Under the plan, the Air Force would trim $50 billion in spending and would reduce personnel by 10,000 people, including 5,100 who are in the Air National Guard.
As part of the cuts, more than 100 of the A-10 planes would be retired, including 20 at each of three Air National Guard bases – Fort Wayne; Selfridge, Mich., and Fort Smith, Ark.
The 122nd Fighter Wing is among four Guard bases – the others are in Connecticut, Mississippi and Texas – that would begin flying the MC-12.
The MC-12 is a twin-engine propeller craft designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The A-10, which dates to the 1970s, is best known as a "tank buster" that supports combat troops on the ground with missiles, bombs and an armor-piercing machine-gun cannon.
In response to last week's announcement, the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Wayne Base Community Council announced a letter-writing campaign Wednesday for Chamber members to show their support for keeping the A-10 squadron in town.
The letters will be sent to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Air Force Secretary Michael Donley.
"The business community recognizes the economic importance of the 122nd Fighter Wing in our community," Chamber CEO Mike Landram said in a statement. "We are asking for their immediate help."
Col. David Augustine, local base commander, said last week the federal government spent more than $58 million on the fighter wing in fiscal year 2011, including $43.7 million in pay and benefits.
The White House is expected to release its fiscal year 2013 budget proposal Monday. Many members of Congress have said they will resist military cuts recommended by Panetta.
For more on this story, see Thursday's print edition of The Journal Gazette or visit www.journalgazette.net after 3 a.m. Thursday.
Source
See also:
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Feb 8, 2012 18:33:07 EST
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The head of the Indiana National Guard thinks the Air Force is making a mistake in removing A-10 fighter jets from the Fort Wayne base and replacing them with reconnaissance aircraft.
The Journal Gazette reports that Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger told a news conference Wednesday he believes the Air Force should keep the A-10 Warthogs not only in Fort Wayne, but elsewhere. He says the A-10s are cost-efficient and valuable and make sense for the nation.
The 122nd Fighter Wing is among four Guard bases that would begin flying the MC-12 reconnaissance aircraft under a plan announced Friday.
The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Wayne Base Community Council announced a letter-writing campaign Wednesday to support keeping the A-10s.
Source
By Brian Francisco, Washington editor
The Journal Gazette
Last updated: February 8, 2012 4:09 p.m.
FORT WAYNE – Locally based airmen would shoot video instead of machine guns and missiles if a U.S. Air Force realignment plan materializes.
A proposal announced last week would retire about 20 A-10 Thunderbolt II jet fighters at Fort Wayne's Air National Guard base and replace them with half as many CW-12W Liberty twin-engine propeller planes used for surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance.
"I believe the typical fighter pilot would consider it a step down to have to become the pilot of an MC-12W," aircraft historian Robert F. Dorr said.
That's what the base commander, Col. David Augustine, hinted at last week when breaking the news of the proposed switch in aircraft. Augustine said he would rather the 122nd Fighter Wing keep the A-10, nicknamed the Warthog for its appearance, and extend its 65-year history as a fighter squadron.
Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, is scheduled to have a news conference this afternoon at the Ferguson Road base to discuss the conversion.
"I don't think you're going to see anybody quit because he's asked to change airplanes," Dorr said in phone interview from his home in Oakton, Va.
The MC-12 is a four-person craft equipped with a real-time video system, laser illuminator and other intelligence sensors. It has won praise for its work in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including spotting improvised explosive devices and intercepting enemy communications.
The first military planes, introduced in 2009, were retrofitted from a commercial version.
"It does perform an important counterinsurgency mission. It does perform the mission well," said Dorr, an Air Force veteran and Air Force Times columnist who has authored 70 books about such aircraft as the B-17 and Air Force One.
But the MC-12 might not fit with the Air Force's long-range plans, he said. While it has thrived on tracking insurgencies on the ground, Dorr said the Pentagon sees future conflicts as probably "a peer war" against "a near-equal, a modern nation-state" that has air power.
Under that scenario, a versatile jet fighter like the F-35 will be in more demand than low-flying surveillance planes or the A-10, which provides support for ground troops.
National security analyst John Pike isn't so sure.
"Hard to say what the next war will look like," Pike, director of Globalsecurity.org in Alexandria, Va., wrote in an email. "Can't guarantee the next enemy will be Red China or Iran. Hard to see us fighting any other modern nation state. So we are left fighting insurgencies, I guess."
After flying the F-16 fighter for two decades, the 122nd Fighter Wing switched to the A-10 in the past three years.
Base conversions can be disruptive for personnel who must adapt to changes in aircraft, training and deployments, Dorr said. About 1,200 people work at the base, 364 of them full time.
Pike said the MC-12 is smaller and simpler than the A-10, "but it does have a civilian counterpart so there is a bit more career development opportunity than with combat aircraft."
The conversion will be part of an Air Force budget that will go before Congress. A dozen Air National Guard bases would switch out their squadrons, and five more bases would lose at least four planes, according to the Air Force blueprint.
"You're going to run into a lot of trouble on Capitol Hill in Washington when you try to do that," Dorr said. "The National Guard has enormous political clout on Capitol Hill."
Source
Please note: Some more related older news articles will be added soon.
The Journal Gazette
Last updated: February 9, 2012 9:47 a.m.
Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger says the A-10s are "the best for us here." (Photo by Cathie Rowand, The Journal Gazette)
The head of the Indiana National Guard endorses the Pentagon's plan to reduce spending and retire aircraft. He just doesn't think Fort Wayne's Air National Guard base is a good place to do it.
Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger vowed Wednesday to try to keep A-10 jet fighters stationed at the 122nd Fighter Wing on Ferguson Road rather than trade them in for intelligence aircraft.
The Department of Defense seeks to mothball 102 of its 348 A-10s as part of $487 billion in military spending cuts required by the Budget Control Act.
"We are in support of that. We're not taking on the Air Force on that," Umbarger said Wednesday during a news conference at the local base.
"We just say, why would you reduce those A-10s at an Air National Guard base when it is so cost-effective? We can be there when you need us," he said.
As an aircraft that blasts tanks and provides close-air support to ground troops, "it's the last plane you'd want to cut. That's on the tactical side," said Umbarger, a self-described "infantry guy."
And with the 122nd Fighter Wing costing only 28 cents for every tax dollar spent at an active-duty Air Force base – largely because the base uses civilian airmen and flies out of neighboring Fort Wayne International Airport – "that ought to carry the day," Umbarger said.
"I believe this is a dialogue that needs to go on with the Air Force to keep the A-10 fighter wing here in Fort Wayne," Indiana's adjutant general said.
Under a proposal unveiled last week, the Air Force would trim $50 billion in spending by sidelining 286 aircraft of various types and reducing its ranks by nearly 10,000 people, including 5,100 in the Air National Guard.
The 122nd Fighter Wing and Guard bases in Selfridge, Mich., and Fort Smith, Ark., would lose their A-10 squadrons – at least 20 planes at each base – and replace them with other craft.
Fort Wayne would receive nine to 11 MC-12W Liberty planes starting in October 2013. The twin-engine turboprop, which carries a crew of four, is used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
"We are very thankful that we do have a mission of that type that will be here, and it's a very relevant mission," Umbarger said. "It's one that the Air Force is wanting to grow. We still feel like the A-10 mission is the best for us here."
He said the conversion likely would mean staffing cuts – "I do not think it will be large" – at the 122nd. About 1,200 people work there, 364 of them full time. Without the A-10s, the complex would no longer need to maintain the missiles, bombs and machine-gun rounds carried by the planes.
Col. David Augustine, the base commander, told reporters: "We've got an amazing infrastructure here for fighter airplanes. But should that (mission) turn, we could use that infrastructure for different airplanes."
The 189-acre base switched from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog, in the past three years.
"I thought that would give us a long and extended future to ultimately be able to compete for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter," Umbarger said about the next generation of jet fighters.
The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Wayne Base Community Council announced a letter-writing campaign Wednesday to keep the A-10 squadron. The letters are being sent to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Air Force Secretary Michael Donley.
"The business community recognizes the economic importance of the 122nd Fighter Wing in our community," Chamber CEO Mike Landram said in a statement. "We are asking for their immediate help."
Augustine said last week the federal government spent more than $58 million on the fighter wing in fiscal year 2011, including $43.7 million in pay and benefits. The White House is expected to release its fiscal year 2013 budget proposal Monday. Republicans as well as Democrats in Congress have said they will fight military cuts.
Umbarger noted the 122nd recently received an Outstanding Unit Award from the National Guard Bureau, the fifth time it has won the honor.
"It's kind of ironic," Umbarger said, considering the base might face another conversion.
Source
More related info:
Indiana Guard leader seeks to keep jet fighters in Fort Wayne
By Brian Francisco, The Journal Gazette
The Journal Gazette
Last updated: February 8, 2012 4:13 p.m.
FORT WAYNE -- The head of the Indiana National Guard vowed Wednesday to try to keep an attack jet squadron based in Fort Wayne.
Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger told a group of media, local government officials and economic development leaders that the A-10 planes flown by the Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing are both cost-efficient and valuable weapons.
"It's not just about Fort Wayne. It makes total sense for our Air Force; it makes total sense for our nation" to retain the A-10s in Fort Wayne and at Air National Guard bases in Michigan and Arkansas, Umbarger said at the local base.
The Air Force announced Friday it will retire more than 100 A-10s, including those at the 122nd Fighter Wing, which would convert to a base that flies intelligence aircraft.
As an aircraft used to support ground troops, "it's the last plane you'd want to cut," Umbarger said about the A-10 jet. "That's on the tactical side."
And because the 122nd Fighter Wing costs only 28 cents for every dollar spent at an active-duty Air Force base -- largely because the local fighter wing flies out of the neighboring Fort Wayne International Airport – "that ought to carry the day," Umbarger said.
The Fort Wayne base has been named the recipient of an outstanding-unit award given by the National Guard, the fifth such honor for the 122nd Fighter Wing, he added.
"I believe this is a dialogue that needs to go on with the Air Force to keep the A-10 fighter wing here in Fort Wayne," Umbarger said.
Last week's Air Force announcement about realignment of bases and personnel was part of the Pentagon's plan to cut $487 billion in spending during the next 10 years. The amount was mandated by the Budget Control Act approved last summer by Congress.
Under the plan, the Air Force would trim $50 billion in spending and would reduce personnel by 10,000 people, including 5,100 who are in the Air National Guard.
As part of the cuts, more than 100 of the A-10 planes would be retired, including 20 at each of three Air National Guard bases – Fort Wayne; Selfridge, Mich., and Fort Smith, Ark.
The 122nd Fighter Wing is among four Guard bases – the others are in Connecticut, Mississippi and Texas – that would begin flying the MC-12.
The MC-12 is a twin-engine propeller craft designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The A-10, which dates to the 1970s, is best known as a "tank buster" that supports combat troops on the ground with missiles, bombs and an armor-piercing machine-gun cannon.
In response to last week's announcement, the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Wayne Base Community Council announced a letter-writing campaign Wednesday for Chamber members to show their support for keeping the A-10 squadron in town.
The letters will be sent to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Air Force Secretary Michael Donley.
"The business community recognizes the economic importance of the 122nd Fighter Wing in our community," Chamber CEO Mike Landram said in a statement. "We are asking for their immediate help."
Col. David Augustine, local base commander, said last week the federal government spent more than $58 million on the fighter wing in fiscal year 2011, including $43.7 million in pay and benefits.
The White House is expected to release its fiscal year 2013 budget proposal Monday. Many members of Congress have said they will resist military cuts recommended by Panetta.
For more on this story, see Thursday's print edition of The Journal Gazette or visit www.journalgazette.net after 3 a.m. Thursday.
Source
See also:
Guard general opposes A-10 removal at Ind. base
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Feb 8, 2012 18:33:07 EST
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The head of the Indiana National Guard thinks the Air Force is making a mistake in removing A-10 fighter jets from the Fort Wayne base and replacing them with reconnaissance aircraft.
The Journal Gazette reports that Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger told a news conference Wednesday he believes the Air Force should keep the A-10 Warthogs not only in Fort Wayne, but elsewhere. He says the A-10s are cost-efficient and valuable and make sense for the nation.
The 122nd Fighter Wing is among four Guard bases that would begin flying the MC-12 reconnaissance aircraft under a plan announced Friday.
The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Wayne Base Community Council announced a letter-writing campaign Wednesday to support keeping the A-10s.
Source
122nd's role to shift with new planes
By Brian Francisco, Washington editor
The Journal Gazette
Last updated: February 8, 2012 4:09 p.m.
FORT WAYNE – Locally based airmen would shoot video instead of machine guns and missiles if a U.S. Air Force realignment plan materializes.
A proposal announced last week would retire about 20 A-10 Thunderbolt II jet fighters at Fort Wayne's Air National Guard base and replace them with half as many CW-12W Liberty twin-engine propeller planes used for surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance.
"I believe the typical fighter pilot would consider it a step down to have to become the pilot of an MC-12W," aircraft historian Robert F. Dorr said.
That's what the base commander, Col. David Augustine, hinted at last week when breaking the news of the proposed switch in aircraft. Augustine said he would rather the 122nd Fighter Wing keep the A-10, nicknamed the Warthog for its appearance, and extend its 65-year history as a fighter squadron.
Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, is scheduled to have a news conference this afternoon at the Ferguson Road base to discuss the conversion.
"I don't think you're going to see anybody quit because he's asked to change airplanes," Dorr said in phone interview from his home in Oakton, Va.
The MC-12 is a four-person craft equipped with a real-time video system, laser illuminator and other intelligence sensors. It has won praise for its work in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including spotting improvised explosive devices and intercepting enemy communications.
The first military planes, introduced in 2009, were retrofitted from a commercial version.
"It does perform an important counterinsurgency mission. It does perform the mission well," said Dorr, an Air Force veteran and Air Force Times columnist who has authored 70 books about such aircraft as the B-17 and Air Force One.
But the MC-12 might not fit with the Air Force's long-range plans, he said. While it has thrived on tracking insurgencies on the ground, Dorr said the Pentagon sees future conflicts as probably "a peer war" against "a near-equal, a modern nation-state" that has air power.
Under that scenario, a versatile jet fighter like the F-35 will be in more demand than low-flying surveillance planes or the A-10, which provides support for ground troops.
National security analyst John Pike isn't so sure.
"Hard to say what the next war will look like," Pike, director of Globalsecurity.org in Alexandria, Va., wrote in an email. "Can't guarantee the next enemy will be Red China or Iran. Hard to see us fighting any other modern nation state. So we are left fighting insurgencies, I guess."
After flying the F-16 fighter for two decades, the 122nd Fighter Wing switched to the A-10 in the past three years.
Base conversions can be disruptive for personnel who must adapt to changes in aircraft, training and deployments, Dorr said. About 1,200 people work at the base, 364 of them full time.
Pike said the MC-12 is smaller and simpler than the A-10, "but it does have a civilian counterpart so there is a bit more career development opportunity than with combat aircraft."
The conversion will be part of an Air Force budget that will go before Congress. A dozen Air National Guard bases would switch out their squadrons, and five more bases would lose at least four planes, according to the Air Force blueprint.
"You're going to run into a lot of trouble on Capitol Hill in Washington when you try to do that," Dorr said. "The National Guard has enormous political clout on Capitol Hill."
Source
Please note: Some more related older news articles will be added soon.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Fort Wayne A-10 squadron on chopping block
MC-12s to transfer to Air National Guard base
Brian Francisco
The Journal Gazette
Last updated: February 3, 2012 3:41 p.m.
FORT WAYNE -- The commander of Fort Wayne's Air National Guard base announced Friday afternoon that the complex will lose its squadron of A-10 attack jets but replace them with surveillance planes.
Col. David Augustine told a news conference the 122nd Fighter Wing had been informed it will receive nine to 11 aircraft from other bases in 2013. The plane is the MC-12, a twin-engine turboprop used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The planes were first deployed in 2009.
"This in itself is good news for the community in fact that the base will not close as speculated," Augustine said about new reports that five bases, including Fort Wayne's, would lose their A-10 squadrons as part of $487 billion in budget cuts planned by the Pentagon.
But Augustine said he would urge that the Air Force keep the A-10 squadron at the 122nd Fighter Wing rather than convert to the MC-12.
"We believe the decision does not leverage the efficiency the National Guard offers, especially in light that the unit was requested to transition to the A-10 just three years ago."
The base has flown fighter jets since 1947. It has nearly 20 of the A-10 jets, nicknamed the Warthog.
Augustine said he did not know how a conversion to the MC-12 would affect personnel at the base, where more than 1,200 people work.
Five bases that fly the A-10 Warthog fighter jet, including Fort Wayne's, are slated to lose those squadrons.
Indiana congressmen sent a strongly-worded letter to Gen. Norton A. Schwartz on Friday, saying that the 122nd Fighter Wing is "essential" to the Indiana National Guard and that any cuts would have a deep impact on northeast Indiana.
The letter signed by Rep. Marlin Stutzman, Rep. Dan Burton, Rept. Mike Pence, Rept. Larry Buschon and Rept. Todd Young, posed a number of questions and demanded information about what lies ahead.
It asked whether Fort Wayne will get acceptable replacements, F-22s or F-35s, or "existing legacy aircraft"?
It also asked whether the Air Force has considered that the A-10 squadron had a precision-engagement upgrade in 2008 and whether that the recent $2.25 billion "investment" in the A-10 had been weighed in the decision.
The congressmen said that the A-10 "excels at ground attack, not just bombing" and asked whether any other plane, including the F-35, can beat this "cheap and durable aircraft" in withstanding fire from the ground.
"Should the A-10 squadron be eliminated in the 122nd Fighter Wing," they ask, "will it be replaced with alternative air missions? If so, what budgetary and operational criteria will be used to determine the 122nd Fighter Wing's missions going forward and when?"
Local organizations have already expressed willingness to battle on behalf of the Air National Guard.
Spokesmen for the Fort Wayne Base Community Council, the Northeast Indiana Defense Industry Association and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce said Thursday they will promote the performance and efficiency of the air base to federal officials.
"The Guard can do essentially what the Air Force can do for about 28 cents on the dollar," said Rob Young, president of the Base Community Council, a support group for military families. "I think that is a great starting point. It's a great value for American taxpayers."
Raytheon operations director Bruce Menshy, chairman of the Defense Industry Association, said, "We'll certainly be supportive of the Guard and its mission here and its ability to perform that mission in an efficient way."
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Landram said he sent a letter supporting the 122nd Fighter Wing to government officials.
"We recognize the economic impact the base has on our community and are working to ensure it stays put," Landram said in a news release.
The Defense Department is proposing to do away with other planes and ships as well as trimming troop levels by 80,000 soldiers and 20,000 Marines.
Federal lawmakers from both political parties are already protesting the Pentagon's intention to start up the independent Base Realignment and Closures Commission for the first time since 2005.
Anne Gregory of The Journal Gazette contributed to this story.
Source
Please note:
This news article has been shared on Indiana Guardsman, but there's still no official info on 122nd Fighter Wing's public website.
Brian Francisco
The Journal Gazette
Last updated: February 3, 2012 3:41 p.m.
FORT WAYNE -- The commander of Fort Wayne's Air National Guard base announced Friday afternoon that the complex will lose its squadron of A-10 attack jets but replace them with surveillance planes.
Col. David Augustine told a news conference the 122nd Fighter Wing had been informed it will receive nine to 11 aircraft from other bases in 2013. The plane is the MC-12, a twin-engine turboprop used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The planes were first deployed in 2009.
"This in itself is good news for the community in fact that the base will not close as speculated," Augustine said about new reports that five bases, including Fort Wayne's, would lose their A-10 squadrons as part of $487 billion in budget cuts planned by the Pentagon.
But Augustine said he would urge that the Air Force keep the A-10 squadron at the 122nd Fighter Wing rather than convert to the MC-12.
"We believe the decision does not leverage the efficiency the National Guard offers, especially in light that the unit was requested to transition to the A-10 just three years ago."
The base has flown fighter jets since 1947. It has nearly 20 of the A-10 jets, nicknamed the Warthog.
Augustine said he did not know how a conversion to the MC-12 would affect personnel at the base, where more than 1,200 people work.
Five bases that fly the A-10 Warthog fighter jet, including Fort Wayne's, are slated to lose those squadrons.
Indiana congressmen sent a strongly-worded letter to Gen. Norton A. Schwartz on Friday, saying that the 122nd Fighter Wing is "essential" to the Indiana National Guard and that any cuts would have a deep impact on northeast Indiana.
The letter signed by Rep. Marlin Stutzman, Rep. Dan Burton, Rept. Mike Pence, Rept. Larry Buschon and Rept. Todd Young, posed a number of questions and demanded information about what lies ahead.
It asked whether Fort Wayne will get acceptable replacements, F-22s or F-35s, or "existing legacy aircraft"?
It also asked whether the Air Force has considered that the A-10 squadron had a precision-engagement upgrade in 2008 and whether that the recent $2.25 billion "investment" in the A-10 had been weighed in the decision.
The congressmen said that the A-10 "excels at ground attack, not just bombing" and asked whether any other plane, including the F-35, can beat this "cheap and durable aircraft" in withstanding fire from the ground.
"Should the A-10 squadron be eliminated in the 122nd Fighter Wing," they ask, "will it be replaced with alternative air missions? If so, what budgetary and operational criteria will be used to determine the 122nd Fighter Wing's missions going forward and when?"
Local organizations have already expressed willingness to battle on behalf of the Air National Guard.
Spokesmen for the Fort Wayne Base Community Council, the Northeast Indiana Defense Industry Association and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce said Thursday they will promote the performance and efficiency of the air base to federal officials.
"The Guard can do essentially what the Air Force can do for about 28 cents on the dollar," said Rob Young, president of the Base Community Council, a support group for military families. "I think that is a great starting point. It's a great value for American taxpayers."
Raytheon operations director Bruce Menshy, chairman of the Defense Industry Association, said, "We'll certainly be supportive of the Guard and its mission here and its ability to perform that mission in an efficient way."
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Landram said he sent a letter supporting the 122nd Fighter Wing to government officials.
"We recognize the economic impact the base has on our community and are working to ensure it stays put," Landram said in a news release.
The Defense Department is proposing to do away with other planes and ships as well as trimming troop levels by 80,000 soldiers and 20,000 Marines.
Federal lawmakers from both political parties are already protesting the Pentagon's intention to start up the independent Base Realignment and Closures Commission for the first time since 2005.
Anne Gregory of The Journal Gazette contributed to this story.
Source
Please note:
This news article has been shared on Indiana Guardsman, but there's still no official info on 122nd Fighter Wing's public website.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
122nd Fighter Wing in Jeopardy Because of $500 Billion in Defense Cuts?
By Scott Sarvay and Ryan Elijah
Indiana's NewsCenter
February 1, 2012 Updated Feb 1, 2012 at 12:31 PM EST
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) – Announced at the beginning of the month, the U.S. Air Force was asked to reduce its budget at the request of President Barack Obama in his new military strategy plan.
While there has been no official word given to the base, an Air Force source told The Military Times that Fort Wayne's National Guard Airbase is one of three bases that will be cut.
The Fort Wayne National Guard Airbase which is home to the 122nd Fighter Wing retired their wing of F-16s in 2010 for a wing of A-10s.
The base employs nearly one thousand workers and is estimated to bring in nearly $60-million to the local economy.
A-10 "Warthogs" are considered the workhorses in the war on terror and work closely in support of ground forces. The military source says the military will shift focus to F-35's, which can fly more missions.
The 122nd Fighter Wing released this statement to Indiana's NewsCenter Wednesday morning:
"The Governor, Adjutant General, Congressional Delegation, Base Community Council and myself are ready to engage to ensure the 122nd Fighter Wing is positioned for the future. The Air National Guard is an extremely efficient fighting force costing our nation only 28 cents on the dollar when compared to our active duty counterparts. In this challenging time when budgets are driving national security decisions, it is only right that efficient solutions are prioritized in this debate. In the case of the 122nd Fighter Wing, as we await the final USAF recommendation for us, we will continue to protect our ground forces in combat via the world's premiere Close Air Support platform, the A-10 Warthog."
- Col David L Augustine, 122nd Fighter Wing Commander
Indiana's NewsCenter is investigating the story and will have updates as information becomes available.
Associated video:
Source
Indiana's NewsCenter
February 1, 2012 Updated Feb 1, 2012 at 12:31 PM EST
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) – Announced at the beginning of the month, the U.S. Air Force was asked to reduce its budget at the request of President Barack Obama in his new military strategy plan.
While there has been no official word given to the base, an Air Force source told The Military Times that Fort Wayne's National Guard Airbase is one of three bases that will be cut.
The Fort Wayne National Guard Airbase which is home to the 122nd Fighter Wing retired their wing of F-16s in 2010 for a wing of A-10s.
The base employs nearly one thousand workers and is estimated to bring in nearly $60-million to the local economy.
A-10 "Warthogs" are considered the workhorses in the war on terror and work closely in support of ground forces. The military source says the military will shift focus to F-35's, which can fly more missions.
The 122nd Fighter Wing released this statement to Indiana's NewsCenter Wednesday morning:
"The Governor, Adjutant General, Congressional Delegation, Base Community Council and myself are ready to engage to ensure the 122nd Fighter Wing is positioned for the future. The Air National Guard is an extremely efficient fighting force costing our nation only 28 cents on the dollar when compared to our active duty counterparts. In this challenging time when budgets are driving national security decisions, it is only right that efficient solutions are prioritized in this debate. In the case of the 122nd Fighter Wing, as we await the final USAF recommendation for us, we will continue to protect our ground forces in combat via the world's premiere Close Air Support platform, the A-10 Warthog."
- Col David L Augustine, 122nd Fighter Wing Commander
Indiana's NewsCenter is investigating the story and will have updates as information becomes available.
Associated video:
Source
Monday, January 16, 2012
163th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at D-M January 14, 2012
At Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shots:
Three more A-10Cs from the 163rd Fighter Squadron "Blacksnakes", 122nd Fighter Wing (Indiana ANG), Fort Wayne IAP, arrive at D-M. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 79-0095 still only with tail number. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A closer look on A-10C 79-0095. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 79-0162 still only with tail and bow number. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 80-0152 already with IN tail code, and the last three digits also painted on the right main gear well. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
Ohio ANG KC-135 Stratotanker arriving just prior to "Blacksnakes" A-10Cs. Probably their supporting tanker. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
Full size
Loadout configuration:
Station 1: empty
Station 2: SUU-25 Flare Dispenser
Station 3: LAU-117 launch rail (for a single AGM-65 or CATM-65 Maverick)
Station 4: Triple Ejector Rack (TER) with a LAU-131 Rocket Pod on the bottom
Station 5: MXU-648 baggage pod
Station 6: empty
Station 7: MXU-648 baggage pod
Station 8: Triple Ejector Rack (TER) with a LAU-131 Rocket Pod on the bottom
Station 9: LAU-117 launch rail (for a single AGM-65 or CATM-65 Maverick)
Station 10: AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod
Station 11: empty
Note: mounting a LAU-131 Rocket Pod to a TER (designed for "dumb" and practice bombs) is unusual and a very rare view. Maybe they did that to ferry the pods to their TDY location. But as mentioned in Jake Melampy's book "The Modern Hog Guide - The A-10 Warthog Exposed", in the 1980's it was not uncommon to see them hanging from the bottom of a TER mounted on stations 4/8 and 5/7 (See page 114).
See also:
163th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at D-M January 10, 2012
Note: According to a comment from Anonymous, they are on a training TDY as part of "Operation Snowbird". Logged so far by Ned's pictures are:
A-10C 78-0679 (10 January arrival)
A-10C 78-0692 (10 January arrival)
A-10C 79-0095 (14 January arrival)
A-10C 79-0162 (14 January arrival)
A-10C 80-0152 (14 January arrival)
A-10C 80-0244 (10 January arrival)
Please note: Photo captions will be further updated soon.
Please also note: In a couple of days I will post an A-10C aircraft inventory update of the 163rd Fighter Squadron "Blacksnakes". I've already logged 15 aircraft. Anybody who can/will tell me the serial numbers of the remaining others? I would be very grateful for any support.
Three more A-10Cs from the 163rd Fighter Squadron "Blacksnakes", 122nd Fighter Wing (Indiana ANG), Fort Wayne IAP, arrive at D-M. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 79-0095 still only with tail number. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A closer look on A-10C 79-0095. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 79-0162 still only with tail and bow number. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 80-0152 already with IN tail code, and the last three digits also painted on the right main gear well. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
Ohio ANG KC-135 Stratotanker arriving just prior to "Blacksnakes" A-10Cs. Probably their supporting tanker. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
Full size
Loadout configuration:
Station 1: empty
Station 2: SUU-25 Flare Dispenser
Station 3: LAU-117 launch rail (for a single AGM-65 or CATM-65 Maverick)
Station 4: Triple Ejector Rack (TER) with a LAU-131 Rocket Pod on the bottom
Station 5: MXU-648 baggage pod
Station 6: empty
Station 7: MXU-648 baggage pod
Station 8: Triple Ejector Rack (TER) with a LAU-131 Rocket Pod on the bottom
Station 9: LAU-117 launch rail (for a single AGM-65 or CATM-65 Maverick)
Station 10: AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod
Station 11: empty
Note: mounting a LAU-131 Rocket Pod to a TER (designed for "dumb" and practice bombs) is unusual and a very rare view. Maybe they did that to ferry the pods to their TDY location. But as mentioned in Jake Melampy's book "The Modern Hog Guide - The A-10 Warthog Exposed", in the 1980's it was not uncommon to see them hanging from the bottom of a TER mounted on stations 4/8 and 5/7 (See page 114).
See also:
163th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at D-M January 10, 2012
Note: According to a comment from Anonymous, they are on a training TDY as part of "Operation Snowbird". Logged so far by Ned's pictures are:
A-10C 78-0679 (10 January arrival)
A-10C 78-0692 (10 January arrival)
A-10C 79-0095 (14 January arrival)
A-10C 79-0162 (14 January arrival)
A-10C 80-0152 (14 January arrival)
A-10C 80-0244 (10 January arrival)
Please note: Photo captions will be further updated soon.
Please also note: In a couple of days I will post an A-10C aircraft inventory update of the 163rd Fighter Squadron "Blacksnakes". I've already logged 15 aircraft. Anybody who can/will tell me the serial numbers of the remaining others? I would be very grateful for any support.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
163th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at D-M January 10, 2012
At Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shots:
ICE 11 flight of three A-10Cs from the 163th FS "Blacksnakes" over Davis-Monthan AFB. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 78-0679. Note: Litening AT pod on Station 10, two MXU-648 Baggage pods, a rocket pod on station 4 and a possible rocket pod on Station 2.
(Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 78-0692. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 80-0244. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
Please note: Loadout info will be updated soon.
Question: What did the "Blacksnakes" at D-M?
ICE 11 flight of three A-10Cs from the 163th FS "Blacksnakes" over Davis-Monthan AFB. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 78-0679. Note: Litening AT pod on Station 10, two MXU-648 Baggage pods, a rocket pod on station 4 and a possible rocket pod on Station 2.
(Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 78-0692. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
A-10C 80-0244. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size
Please note: Loadout info will be updated soon.
Question: What did the "Blacksnakes" at D-M?
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Video: 163rd Fighter Squadron's A-10C flyover at Notre Dame Stadium
An inside look at the Air Force A-10 flyover at Notre Dame Stadium. From Irish Connection on und.com.
Please note:
I've got notification about this event already in late September. And so I hope, I can present now an official short version of the original clip. Source The pilots were Lt. Col. Robert "Fr8 Train" Fraine (piloting A-10C 79-0213 with "Blacksnakes" nose art) and 1st Lieutenant Jason Brown. The flyover has been orchestrated by Lt. Col. David "Slide" Rulli.
Question:
Anybody who can tell me the date of this event?
By the way:
According to Wikipedia, Notre Dame Stadium is the home football stadium for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. The stadium is located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States, just north of the city of South Bend.
Please note:
I've got notification about this event already in late September. And so I hope, I can present now an official short version of the original clip. Source The pilots were Lt. Col. Robert "Fr8 Train" Fraine (piloting A-10C 79-0213 with "Blacksnakes" nose art) and 1st Lieutenant Jason Brown. The flyover has been orchestrated by Lt. Col. David "Slide" Rulli.
Question:
Anybody who can tell me the date of this event?
By the way:
According to Wikipedia, Notre Dame Stadium is the home football stadium for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. The stadium is located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States, just north of the city of South Bend.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
122nd Celebrates Their Heritage
Rendered picture of the planned Baer Field Heritage Park.
By Maureen Mespell and Megan Trent
Indiana's NewsCenter
July 21, 2011
UPDATE: FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - Construction has officially begun on Baer Field Heritage Park.
Elected officials joined past and present members of the military in picking up shovels during the ground breaking ceremony at the 122nd Fighter Wing Thursday.
When completed late this fall, the park will be open to the community and showcase aircraft flown out of the 122nd from 1947 to present day.
Adjutant General for the Indiana Army and Air National Guard, Major General Marty Umbarger, says, "This fighter wing is renowned throughout in the Air National Guard of the Nation for it's many deployments. So, today we broke ground on Heritage so that we can show every one of the aircraft over the years, from World War II to modern times, that's been flown here."
State Senator Tom Wyss was once a member of the 122nd Fighter Wing when he was in the Air Guard. He says, "This is pretty exciting for me, because it represents a long period of time and thousands of people who have been out here. I think this will be a way to honor them in the future, and I'm very proud that I was once a member out here."
Associated video:
Source
Groundbreaking for Air Guard's Baer Field Heritage Park project, Fort Wayne, Ind.
posted on July 22, 2011 10:12 AM
Story by Sgt. John Crosby, Indiana National Guard
July 21, 2011
Indiana National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger and Air Guard 122nd Fighter Wing Commander Col. David Augustine broke ground Thursday, July 21, 2011, on their planned Baer Field Heritage Park in Fort Wayne, Ind. The park will be in the area currently a parking lot in front of the 122nd Fighter Wing base and will provide a way to honor the past and provide access of the base's history to residents.
In addition to the ground breaking, the Indiana State Armory Board donated a $4,000 check to help build the memorial park.
The park will include a variety of military aircraft, including the currently displayed F-100, F-4, F-84 and F-16. He said the base is working to secure a few more planes as well as a decommissioned Humvee.
In a national emergency, the 122nd Fighter Wing may be ordered to active duty by the president of the United States. The primary federal mission of the 122nd Fighter Wing is to provide combat ready A-10C aircraft, combat support units, and personnel for active duty in support of war and contingency operations.
The 122nd FW is available on orders from the Governor of Indiana to assist local authorities in the event of a disaster, disturbance or other emergency. The units of the 122nd FW are capable of supporting rescue and relief operations, aiding in recovery from natural disaster, along with protecting the citizens of Indiana and their property.
122nd Fighter Wing Completes 500 Flying Hours In A-10 Thunderbolt II
The 122nd Fighter Wing has its first A-10 Thunderbolt II commonly known as the "Warthog" complete Phase Maintenance, a complete overhaul of an aircraft, where items are thoroughly checked, replaced, and repaired. This is the first of the aircraft to receive this level of maintenance since converting to the A-10 platform earlier this year. The work is done by a team of specialists to quickly bring the aircraft up to operational readiness. (Indiana Air National Guard photo by SSgt. Stephen Bush)
Note: Pictured is A-10C 80-0152, still without nose art.
By Maureen Mespell
Indiana's NewsCenter
July 22, 2011
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) – The 122nd Fighter Wing completed the first comprehensive inspection and repair of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
The inspection and repair of the aircraft is preformed every 500 flying hours and includes the aircraft systems and parts needing scheduled maintenance. Total time for the inspection and repair was forty working days. The A-10 flew three missions after inspection and repair and is "CODE 1" Fully Mission Capable.
The 122nd Fighter Wing has its first A-10 Thunderbolt II commonly known as the "Warthog" complete Phase Maintenance, a complete overhaul of an aircraft, where items are thoroughly checked, replaced, and repaired. This is the first of the aircraft to receive this level of maintenance since converting to the A-10 platform earlier this year. The work is done by a team of specialists to quickly bring the aircraft up to operational readiness. Col. David L. Augustine addresses the team of specialist responsible for the Phase Maintenance. (Indiana Air National Guard photo by SSgt. Stephen Bush)
The 122nd Fighter Wing has its first A-10 Thunderbolt II commonly known as the "Warthog" complete Phase Maintenance, a complete overhaul of an aircraft, where items are thoroughly checked, replaced, and repaired. This is the first of the aircraft to receive this level of maintenance since converting to the A-10 platform earlier this year. The work is done by a team of specialists to quickly bring the aircraft up to operational readiness. Master Sgt. Dee Schwarzkopf, Phase Team Work Lead of the 122nd Maintenance Group signs the final form to bring the jet out of Phase. (Indiana Air National Guard photo by SSgt. Stephen Bush)
Source
Sunday, July 10, 2011
A-10C 80-0217 from Osan is now a 122nd Fighter Wing jet
For related pictures and background info please check the well-recommended Warthog Territory Forums for topic Proud New Papa. It's first-hand info, posted by Weasel Keeper (WTF user name), the dedicated crew chief. Please note: The "Hog's" tail already got the new IN tailcode but it still wears Osan's checkertail paint on the rudder. Very impressive.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
163rd Fighter Squadron gets two more jets from Osan
According to the well-recommended Warthog Territory Forums, two more "Hogs" from the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing (PACAF), Osan AB, Republic of Korea, joined the 163rd Fighter Squadron 'Blacksnakes', 122nd Fighter Wing (Indiana Air National Guard), Fort Wayne:
A-10C 80-0177 with "Lisa Marie II" ladder door art.
A-10C 80-0217 with "NEVER FORGETT" ladder door art, related to the 9-11 terrorist attacks against New York's World Trade Center and other targets.
Source
A-10C 80-0177 with "Lisa Marie II" ladder door art.
A-10C 80-0217 with "NEVER FORGETT" ladder door art, related to the 9-11 terrorist attacks against New York's World Trade Center and other targets.
Source
Monday, June 20, 2011
Feedback to my latest 163rd Fighter Squadron 'Blacksnakes' info
A-10C 82-0661 (20661 below the wind shield). (Courtesy photo) Full size
Yesterday, from a new personal contact who asked me to remain anonymous I got the following very interesting info:
Two fonts are used. Military block and Bermuda Script.
The emblem on the rudder is adapted from the Indiana State Flag.
The eye is a light lime green color.
The black paint on the mouth extends to the Ram Air Scoop for the gun.
The nostrils are painted black over the forward gun sights.
The "Blacksnakes" on the nacelle is centered on the outer nacelle door, and parallel to the ground when stationary.
The 163 FS on the vertical stab is just longer than the navigation lights directly aft, and only appears on this aircraft. The others in the Wing do not carry this addition.
The 163rd is a Fighter Squadron attached to the 122nd Fighter Wing.
The rather colorful eagle and flag emblem and the one on the ladder door are not on the 122FW aircraft. Those emblems are from another Air Force base in Arizona.
If the program is like real life, the tongue will be the most difficult part. Since the gun is off center, using a projector makes the right side bigger, so we had to improvise it. You shouldn't have that problem.
Aircraft coloring: upper half is color code 36320, lower half is 36375, the dark gray marking on bottom, 163 FS on the vertical stab, and used for scale lines is 36118.
Since I'm not familiar with the program your skin is being used on, I cannot tell what details you may have on the sides of the aircraft. The included photos should help you with all the finer details.
The 163rd and 122nd emblems are available on the internet. I verified this by searching Google.
The aircraft you created was 82661. Note that the nose has 20661 painted on it.
I was impressed with the detail you did have. It took me a little bit to research your latest update. The photos included were edited to remove faces. Some of the information I included you have already had. I wasn't sure if you were cropping it from pictures (since the dirt marks seem to fall in the same places), and thought if you edited it onto a 'cleaner' aircraft you could make it work.
Left side view. (Courtesy photo)
Right side view. (Courtesy photo)
Front view. (Courtesy photo)
163rd Fighter Squadron insignia. (Courtesy photo)
122nd Fighter Wing insignia. (Courtesy photo)
Blacksnakes insignia. (Courtesy photo)
Last three digits insignia of 692 (A-10C 78-0692). (Courtesy photo)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
163rd Fighter Squadron 'Blacksnakes' skin for the DCS A-10C Warthog 3D-model
Yesterday, Tom Weiss from the United States asked me for exchanging banners on both of our websites. I agreed. But the more interesting point is: Thomas is a simmer and also a skin maker, including DCS A-10C Warthog. Here are pictures of his latest skin for A-10Cs from the 163rd Fighter Squadron, 122nd Fighter Wing (Indiana Air National Guard), Fort Wayne.
The nose section - five blocks with over 20 contact points to align.
Source
On his website, Thomas wrote:
A-10C of the 163rd Fighter Wing "Blacksnakes" is a skin that present a whole series of new challenges to make as it covers most of the nose of area in the A-10C template in a rather irregular fashion with the head of a snake. Initially I had only as a source a photo of the first USAF A-10 aircraft where they tried out this new nose markings but later on I found some other photos after they had adopted it and applied to other aircraft in the Squadron, these allowed me to get a better sense on how to apply it to the DCS A-10C model.
One thing I've learned after so many skins is to start a new project without any hurry in finishing it - because it is a question of trial and error to apply the markings correctly, specially in the nose area where a whole lot of weird things tend to happen because of the curvature, not to mention where some errors made in the making of the model show up and can't be simply ignored, you have to work around them.
It took me three sets of drawings to get the eyes and the mouth right - of course it cannot be the same as in real life because the model has some subtle differences from the real thing that make it impossible to make it exactly the same thing.
But nevertheless I tried to make it look as close as possible similar to the real one.
I must admit it has a more 'happy' face than a 'threatening' one.
And I still need to finish the snake mouth area ...
The weathering uses the template I made originally for the Swampfoxes - which has evolved with each skin so that it does not look the same - I have a Europe skin to make and then I'll make some more worn out skins - for this I'll need to make another template.
I'll try to release it in a few days time.
BTW: For his latest A-10C skin, Tom used the pictures posted by me on: 163rd Fighter Squadron 'Blacksnakes' A-10C update Please visit Tom's website.
For some more skins made by Tom Weiss see also:
Arkansas...
A-10C Ferris camo with a Hog nose
A-10C Europe 1 skin
The nose section - five blocks with over 20 contact points to align.
Source
On his website, Thomas wrote:
A-10C of the 163rd Fighter Wing "Blacksnakes" is a skin that present a whole series of new challenges to make as it covers most of the nose of area in the A-10C template in a rather irregular fashion with the head of a snake. Initially I had only as a source a photo of the first USAF A-10 aircraft where they tried out this new nose markings but later on I found some other photos after they had adopted it and applied to other aircraft in the Squadron, these allowed me to get a better sense on how to apply it to the DCS A-10C model.
One thing I've learned after so many skins is to start a new project without any hurry in finishing it - because it is a question of trial and error to apply the markings correctly, specially in the nose area where a whole lot of weird things tend to happen because of the curvature, not to mention where some errors made in the making of the model show up and can't be simply ignored, you have to work around them.
It took me three sets of drawings to get the eyes and the mouth right - of course it cannot be the same as in real life because the model has some subtle differences from the real thing that make it impossible to make it exactly the same thing.
But nevertheless I tried to make it look as close as possible similar to the real one.
I must admit it has a more 'happy' face than a 'threatening' one.
And I still need to finish the snake mouth area ...
The weathering uses the template I made originally for the Swampfoxes - which has evolved with each skin so that it does not look the same - I have a Europe skin to make and then I'll make some more worn out skins - for this I'll need to make another template.
I'll try to release it in a few days time.
BTW: For his latest A-10C skin, Tom used the pictures posted by me on: 163rd Fighter Squadron 'Blacksnakes' A-10C update Please visit Tom's website.
For some more skins made by Tom Weiss see also:
Arkansas...
A-10C Ferris camo with a Hog nose
A-10C Europe 1 skin
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Airman filmed for the big screen at baseball games
Released by 122nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs:
Airman 1st Class Sharane Watson is filmed in front of an A-10 Warthog on April 16, 2011 in Ft. Wayne, Ind. Watson was filmed by the Ft. Wayne Tincaps, a local minor league baseball team. She introduced the national anthem and the footage will be played on the big screen at the team's home games. (Photo by USAF Staff Sgt. Justin Goeden) Hi-res
Airman 1st Class Sharane Watson is filmed in front of an A-10 Warthog on April 16, 2011 in Ft. Wayne, Ind. Watson was filmed by the Ft. Wayne Tincaps, a local minor league baseball team. She introduced the national anthem and the footage will be played on the big screen at the team's home games. (Photo by USAF Staff Sgt. Justin Goeden) Hi-res
Monday, May 23, 2011
163rd Fighter Squadron 'Blacksnakes' A-10C update
By Joachim Jacob
(Updated May 30, 2011)
Already in February this year, from Ray Steup and Shane Henderson, both from the United States, I've got their kind permissions to post their unique shots of A-10Cs from the 163rd Fighter Squadron 'Blacksnakes', 122nd Fighter Wing (Indiana Air National Guard), Fort Wayne, already uploaded on flickr. And now, I will finally post this very interesting photo stuff.
Identified so far by known pictures are the following 163rd FS "Hogs":
78-0658 (Still only with IN tail code)
Aircraft history: 78-0658 (A10-0278) 103rd FS, 111th FW (PA)
79-0213 (Wearing full unit markings and nose art)
Aircraft history: 79-0213 (A10-0477) 74th TFS, 23rd TFW (EL); Desert Storm; to AMARC as AC0468 28 Sep 2005; returned to service; 23rd FG, 23rd Wg (FT)
80-0230 (Still only with IN tail code)
Aircraft history: 80-0230 (A10-0580) to AMARC as AC0232 27 Sep 2000; returned to service 21 Nov 2000; back to AMARC as AC0327 7 Nov 2002; returned to service; 103rd FS, 111th FW (PA)
81-0944 (Still only with IN tail code)
Aircraft history: 81-0944 (A10-0639) 190th FS, 124th Wg (ID)
82-0661 (Wearing full unit markings and nose art, marked 163 FS as the 163rd Fighter Squadron's boss bird)
Aircraft history: 82-0661 (A10-0709) 353rd TFS, 354th TFW (MB); Desert Storm; to AMARC as AC0265 15 May 2001; returned to service 19 Jul 2001; back to AMARC as AC0472 17 Jan 2006; returned to service; 23rd FG, 23rd Wg (FT)
Update May 30, 2011:
Jared Soergel told me via e-mail: I logged two more serials earlier this month via tails passed to a tanker (radio logs from 10 May): SANDY 1 (A-10C, 80-0152) and SANDY 2 (A-10C, 78-0692). In addition to the serials you have posted (plus the two above), I have heard that 78-0598, 78-0679, 80-0168 are the other a/c.
And so, if Jared is right, we have the following additional "Hogs":
78-0598
Aircraft history: 78-0598 (A10-0218) 75th FS, 23rd FG, 23rd Wg (FT
78-0679
Aircraft history: 78-0679 (A10-0299) 23rd FG, 23rd Wg (FT)
78-0692
Aircraft history: 78-0692 (A10-0312) 103rd FS, 111th FW (PA)
80-0152
Aircraft history: 80-0152 (A10-0502) 75th TFS, 23rd TFW (EL); Desert Storm (flew as a 76th TFS replacement bird); 103rd FS, 111th FW (PA)
80-0168
Aircraft history: 80-0168 (A10-0518) to AMARC as AC0216 5 Jun 2000; returned to service 1 Aug 2000; seen at Langley airshow 29 Apr 2007; 355th FW (DM)
And here are the pictures:
A-10C 78-0658 on final approach to runway 23, March 17, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 78-0658 flies down runway 23 March 17, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 80-0230 on final approach to runway 23, March 17, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 80-0230 on final approach to runway 23, March 17, 2011 (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 79-0213, May 13, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS, May 13, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS, lifts off runway 32 at Fort Wayne International on Sunday afternoon. Call sign, "Sniper 1." (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS. September 10, 2010. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS. September 10, 2010. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
This was really a lucky shot to be able to capture both a "new" A-10 with one of the 163rd F-16's in the background. Good stuff! September 10, 2010. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
Captured from a video clip, A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS, takes off on runway 5 at Fort Wayne. Full size
All of the following pictures were taken on September 11, 2010.
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
Displayed in the hangar was A-10C 80-0168, still marked 355 FW. It wears the nose art only on the left side. Note the "Let's Roll" logo. Crew inscriptions are: Plt Maj Jesse Jahn, Dcc SSgt Joseph Ulskajes (???), Acc SrA Gregory Mitchell.
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson)
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
Also displayed in the hangar was A-10C 79-0213:
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
Note: Special thanks to Ray and Shane for sharing their pictures on Warthog News. BTW: 163rd Fighter Squadron A-10C shots are still very rare on the public web. Anyone who can/will provide any more related photos and serial numbers? I would be very grateful for any support.
See also:
122nd Fighter Wing
163rd Fighter Squadron
Blacksnakes
(Graphic by Berry Munden)
122FW/163FS Exclusive...
Gotta GITA (According to this source, on April 8, 2010, the 122nd FW received their first A-10A from D-M that will be used for maintenance and load training. 80-0168 landed code 1 after a 9 hour flight.)
(Updated May 30, 2011)
Already in February this year, from Ray Steup and Shane Henderson, both from the United States, I've got their kind permissions to post their unique shots of A-10Cs from the 163rd Fighter Squadron 'Blacksnakes', 122nd Fighter Wing (Indiana Air National Guard), Fort Wayne, already uploaded on flickr. And now, I will finally post this very interesting photo stuff.
Identified so far by known pictures are the following 163rd FS "Hogs":
78-0658 (Still only with IN tail code)
Aircraft history: 78-0658 (A10-0278) 103rd FS, 111th FW (PA)
79-0213 (Wearing full unit markings and nose art)
Aircraft history: 79-0213 (A10-0477) 74th TFS, 23rd TFW (EL); Desert Storm; to AMARC as AC0468 28 Sep 2005; returned to service; 23rd FG, 23rd Wg (FT)
80-0230 (Still only with IN tail code)
Aircraft history: 80-0230 (A10-0580) to AMARC as AC0232 27 Sep 2000; returned to service 21 Nov 2000; back to AMARC as AC0327 7 Nov 2002; returned to service; 103rd FS, 111th FW (PA)
81-0944 (Still only with IN tail code)
Aircraft history: 81-0944 (A10-0639) 190th FS, 124th Wg (ID)
82-0661 (Wearing full unit markings and nose art, marked 163 FS as the 163rd Fighter Squadron's boss bird)
Aircraft history: 82-0661 (A10-0709) 353rd TFS, 354th TFW (MB); Desert Storm; to AMARC as AC0265 15 May 2001; returned to service 19 Jul 2001; back to AMARC as AC0472 17 Jan 2006; returned to service; 23rd FG, 23rd Wg (FT)
Update May 30, 2011:
Jared Soergel told me via e-mail: I logged two more serials earlier this month via tails passed to a tanker (radio logs from 10 May): SANDY 1 (A-10C, 80-0152) and SANDY 2 (A-10C, 78-0692). In addition to the serials you have posted (plus the two above), I have heard that 78-0598, 78-0679, 80-0168 are the other a/c.
And so, if Jared is right, we have the following additional "Hogs":
78-0598
Aircraft history: 78-0598 (A10-0218) 75th FS, 23rd FG, 23rd Wg (FT
78-0679
Aircraft history: 78-0679 (A10-0299) 23rd FG, 23rd Wg (FT)
78-0692
Aircraft history: 78-0692 (A10-0312) 103rd FS, 111th FW (PA)
80-0152
Aircraft history: 80-0152 (A10-0502) 75th TFS, 23rd TFW (EL); Desert Storm (flew as a 76th TFS replacement bird); 103rd FS, 111th FW (PA)
80-0168
Aircraft history: 80-0168 (A10-0518) to AMARC as AC0216 5 Jun 2000; returned to service 1 Aug 2000; seen at Langley airshow 29 Apr 2007; 355th FW (DM)
And here are the pictures:
A-10C 78-0658 on final approach to runway 23, March 17, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 78-0658 flies down runway 23 March 17, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 80-0230 on final approach to runway 23, March 17, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 80-0230 on final approach to runway 23, March 17, 2011 (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 79-0213, May 13, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS, May 13, 2011. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS, lifts off runway 32 at Fort Wayne International on Sunday afternoon. Call sign, "Sniper 1." (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS. September 10, 2010. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS. September 10, 2010. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
This was really a lucky shot to be able to capture both a "new" A-10 with one of the 163rd F-16's in the background. Good stuff! September 10, 2010. (Photo by Ray Steup) Full size
Captured from a video clip, A-10C 82-0661, marked 163 FS, takes off on runway 5 at Fort Wayne. Full size
All of the following pictures were taken on September 11, 2010.
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
Displayed in the hangar was A-10C 80-0168, still marked 355 FW. It wears the nose art only on the left side. Note the "Let's Roll" logo. Crew inscriptions are: Plt Maj Jesse Jahn, Dcc SSgt Joseph Ulskajes (???), Acc SrA Gregory Mitchell.
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson)
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
Also displayed in the hangar was A-10C 79-0213:
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
(Photo by Shane Henderson) Full size
Note: Special thanks to Ray and Shane for sharing their pictures on Warthog News. BTW: 163rd Fighter Squadron A-10C shots are still very rare on the public web. Anyone who can/will provide any more related photos and serial numbers? I would be very grateful for any support.
See also:
122nd Fighter Wing
163rd Fighter Squadron
Blacksnakes
(Graphic by Berry Munden)
122FW/163FS Exclusive...
Gotta GITA (According to this source, on April 8, 2010, the 122nd FW received their first A-10A from D-M that will be used for maintenance and load training. 80-0168 landed code 1 after a 9 hour flight.)
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