Defenders of Liberty 2011 Air Show

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs:



A Heritage Flight takes to the air in close formation at the 2011 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2011. The U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight (HF) program presents the evolution of USAF air power by flying today’s state-of-the-art fighter aircraft in close formation with vintage fighter aircraft. The air show HF consisted of a P-51 Mustang, an F-4 Phantom II and an A-10 Thunderbolt II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res






Chris and Christine Van Iderstine check out the cockpit of an A-10 Thunderbolt II at the 2011 Defenders of Liberty Air Show on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2011. The Van Iderstines joined thousands of visitors to Barksdale for the air show. Chris is a B-52 mechanic assigned to the 307th Maintenance Squadron. Christine is also an Air Force Reservist at Barksdale assigned to the 917th Fighter Group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res





Master Sgt. Jose Limon, a weapons expediter assigned to the 917th Fighter Group, explains the seven-barrel 30mm Gatling gun on an A-10 Thunderbolt II to visitors at the 2011 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2011. The Warthog as it is affectionately known, has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. Both the 307th Bomb Wing and 917th Fighter Group provided static displays for the air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res




Tech. Sgt. Marcus Gandy, a weapons loader with the 917th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducts a briefing about the 30mm gatling gun in an A-10 Thunderbolt II for a group of Boy Scouts from Troop 391, Hawkins, Texas, at the 2011 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2011. Both the 307th Bomb Wing and 917th Fighter Group provided static displays for the air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res






Capt. Ryan Young, a pilot assigned to the A-10 West Demonstration Team, from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, briefs visitors at the 2011 Defenders of Liberty Air Show about the seven-barrel 30mm Gatling gun on an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2011. Both the 307th Bomb Wing and 917th Fighter Group provided static displays for the air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Source

A-10 West Demo Team A-10C caught at D-M during Heritage Flight Conference 2011 training

At Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shots:



A-10C 80-0278 from A-10 West Demo Team, March 5, 2011. Please note: This aircraft doesn't have a chromed gun nozzle as usual for demo Hogs. In the past, it belonged to the 354th Fighter Squadron 'Bulldogs'. Nine-eleven "Let's Roll" logo just below the canopy. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0278 from A-10 West Demo Team, March 5, 2011. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0278 from A-10 West Demo Team, March 5, 2011. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0278 from A-10 West Demo Team, March 5, 2011. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Some more shots of A-10 West Demo Team participating in Aerospace and Arizona Days 2010 air show

On April 9, 2010, on his photostream on flickr Warthog News contributor James O'Rear from United States uploaded the following additional pictures. James called it "Close air support Heritage formation".



Formation of the two most recognizable aircraft to serve in the close air support CAS role: the Douglas A-1 Skyraider "The Proud American" and the Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II. Skyraider is NX965AD and Warthog is 80-0238. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size

Note: This shot is simply AWESOME!



Another shot of this heritage formation flight. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



Douglas A-1 Skyraider NX965AD, marked TC 26-965. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size

A-10 West Demo Team participated in Aerospace and Arizona Days 2010 air show

Released today by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



An A-10 Thunderbolt II flies overhead after simulating an attack on enemy forces during an aerial demonstration as part of Aerospace and Arizona Days here March 20, 2010. The demonstration was designed to show the excellent maneuverability of the A-10 at low air speeds and altitude and its highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alesia Goosic) Hi-res



An A-10 Thunderbolt II flies in formation with an A-1 Skyraider as part of the Heritage Flight during the Aerospace and Arizona Days air show here March 21, 2010. The Heritage Flight made its debut in 1997 to celebrate the Air Force's 50th birthday and is now part of air shows around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla) Hi-res

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

Heritage Flight Conference 2009 photo report

By Joachim Jacob, André Jans, Chris Janes, John Bezosky and Brian Emch / SoCal Airshow Review

(If I get permissions from other photographers, this report will be further updated with additional pictures. Latest update: 23 March 2009 [J.J.])

From March 4th to 8th, Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona, hosted Air Combat Command's annual Heritage Flight Conference. This event allows civilian and military pilots to train together in preparation for the spring and summer air show seasons.

The historic aircraft that flew in this year's HFC included the P-51 Mustang, A-1 Skyraider, F-4 Phantom II, P-40 Warhawk, and F-86 Sabre. The modern ACC flying demonstration aircraft included the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the F-15C Eagle, the F-15E Strike Eagle, the F-16C Fighting Falcon and the F-22A Raptor.

Approximately 300 people showed up on the designated flying days - Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The A-10C Thunderbolt II demo aircraft for the 2009 season are:

A-10 East Demonstration Team:
79-0213 and 79-0223, both from the 74th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia. 79-0223 is the 23rd FG flagship. As a demo aircraft, 79-0213 is also special-marked '23 FG'.

A-10 West Demonstration Team:
78-0712 and 79-0209, both from the 357th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. 78-0712 is the 355th FW flagship. As a demo aircraft, 79-0209 is also special-marked '355 FW'.

As usual, all four demo jets have chromed gun muzzles.



A-10C 79-0213 from the 74th Fighter Squadron is temporary marked 23 FG only because it's the 2009 A-10 East Demo Team back-up aircraft. This close-up view is extracted from a formation flight shot, already posted in one of the news linked below. (U.S. Air Force photo by by Senior Airman Noah R. Johnson) Hi-res



A-10C 79-0223 from the 74th Fighter Squadron (marked 23 FG as 23rd Fighter Group flagship) lands after Saturday's demo. (Photo by André Jans) Full size



A-10 East pilot Capt. Johnnie "Dusty" Green prepares for take-off for Friday's demo in A-10C 79-0213. Crew inscriptions: Pilot Lt Col Rob Sweet, DCC SSGT Eric Oberg, ACC SrA Travis Roseman. (Photo by André Jans)



One of the 'Flying Tigers' special-decorated travel pods besides A-10C 79-0223. (Photo by André Jans)



Capt. Paul "Harb" Brown from A-10 West after his Friday's demo. (Photo by André Jans)



Proud A-10 West crew chief A1C Maura Gillis. Her Hog is in the background. (Photo by André Jans) Full size



One of the two A-10 East aircraft with some 355th Fighter Wing A-10s in shelters in the background. (Photo by André Jans) Full size



A-10C 78-0712 from the 357th Fighter Squadron flies in formation with an A-1 Skyraider during Sunday's demo. (Photo by Chris Janes) Full size



A-10C from the 74th Fighter Squadron flies in formation with F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-4 Phantom and P-40 Warhawk during Sunday's demo. (Photo by Chris Janes) Full size



A-10 West pilot Capt. Paul "Harb" Brown putting A-10C 78-0712 from the 357th Fighter Squadron thru the paces during Sunday's demo. (Photo by Chris Janes) Full size



A-10 East pilot Capt. Johnnie "Dusty" Green after his Sunday's demo in A-10C 79-0223, the 23rd Fighter Group's flagship. Crew inscriptions: Pilot: Col Michael O'Dowd DCC: SSgt David Clifford ACC: SrA Ken Butler; Canopy rail inscription: Tiger One. Col. Michael S. O'Dowd (called 'Tiger One') is the current 23rd Fighter Group commander (since July 27th, 2007). (Photo by Chris Janes) Full size



Saturday morning: A-10Cs 79-0223, 79-0209 and 78-0712 on the ramp. (Photo by John Bezosky) Hi-res



Saturday, about noon: All four demo A-10Cs for the 2009 airshow season are lined-up on the ramp. From left: 79-0213 and 79-0223 from A-10 East, 79-0209 and 78-0712 from A-10 West. Visible far left in the background are the two demo F-22A Raptors. (Photo by John Bezosky) Hi-res



Saturday, about noon: A-10C 78-0712 on the ramp. Hi-res



Saturday afternoon: A-10C 79-0213 is parked while A-10C 79-0209 leaves the ramp for the runway. (Photo by John Bezosky) Hi-res



Saturday afternoon, one hour later: A P-40 Warhawk is towed while A-10C 78-0712 sits in the background. Hi-res



Warthog Row on Friday. From left: A-10Cs 79-0213, 79-0223, 79-0209 and 78-0712. (Copyright 2009 / Brian Emch) Full size



The Warthog's business end. A-10C 79-0213. (Copyright 2009 / Brian Emch) Full size



A-10C 79-0223 and P-40 Warhawk during Friday's demo. (Copyright 2009 / Brian Emch) Hi-res



A-10C 79-0213 going inverted during Saturday's demo. (Copyright 2009 / Brian Emch) Full size



A-10C 79-0213 banks over Irvington during Saturday's demo. (Copyright 2009 / Brian Emch) Full size



A-10C 79-0209 in formation flight with F-4 Phantom II and F-15E Strike Eagle during Saturday's demo. (Copyright 2009 / Brian Emch) Hi-res



Same formation, seconds later. (Copyright 2009 / Brian Emch) Hi-res

Special thanks to André Jans (The Netherlands), Chris Janes (Tucson, Arizona), John Bezosky (Tucson, Arizona) and Brian Emch (Antelope Valley, California) for sharing their pictures!

See also:
D-M hosts Heritage Flight Conference
A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Teams Schedule for 2009 (First Update)
Up-close tours for base personnel scheduled during annual Heritage Flight"
A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Teams Schedule for 2009
A-10 East Coast Demo Team prepares for 2009 season

D-M hosts Heritage Flight Conference

by Staff Sgt. Jake Richmond
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/11/2009 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- State of the art and historic military aircraft from around the country came here March 4-8 for Air Combat Command's annual Heritage Flight Conference.

The Heritage Flight Conference allows civilian and military pilots to train together in preparation for the spring and summer air show seasons. Heritage formations, during which modern and historic fighters fly together, are a popular highlight event at air shows throughout the United States and Canada.

The historic aircraft that flew in this year's HFC included the P-51 Mustang, A-1 Sky Raider, F-4 Phantom II, P-40 Warhawk, and F-86 Sabre. The modern ACC flying demonstration aircraft included the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the F-15 Eagle, the F-15E Strike Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-22A Raptor.

Approximately 300 people showed up on the designated flying days, March 6-8, and watched the demonstration flights from bleachers set up on the flight line.



A-10C 79-0213 (marked 23 FG), an F-4 Phantom II, and a P-40 Warhawk fly in formation during the Heritage Flight Conference at Davis-Monthan AFB on March 7th, 2009. Pilots of old and new aircraft come to the HFC every year to practice demonstration flights together before the air show season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah R. Johnson) Hi-res



A-10C 78-0712 (marked 355 FW) flies in formation with an A-1 Skyraider at the Heritage Flight Conference at Davis-Monthan AFB on March 7th, 2009. The Skyraider, which was employed in combat in Vietnam and Korea, is one of the A-10's attack aircraft predecessors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Valerie Smith) Hi-res



A-10C 79-0213 (marked 23 FG) flies in formation with an F-4 Phantom II, a P-40 Warhawk, and an F-16C Fighting Falcon during the Heritage Flight Conference at Davis-Monthan AFB on March 7th, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Valerie Smith) Hi-res

Source

A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Teams Schedule for 2009 (First Update)

ACC Aerial Events Schedule (released by HQ ACC/A3TA, Aerial Events Branch), updated on 24th February, 2009:

March 14-15: Brownsville, TX; Air Show; A-10 East
March 21-22: Luke AFB, AZ; Open House; A-10 West
March 28: Riverside, CA; Air Show; A-10 West
March 28-29: MacDill AFB, FL; Open House; A-10 East

April 4-5: Tuscaloosa, AL; Air Show; A-10 East
April 11: Burnet, TX; Air Show; A-10 West
April 18-19: Beale AFB, CA; Open House; A-10 West
April 25-26: Vidalia, GA; A-10 East

May 2-3: Temple, TX; Air Show; A-10 West
May 9-10: Branson, MO; Air Show; A-10 East
May 15-17: Andrews AFB, MD; Joint Services Open House; A-10 East
May 16: Baltimore, MD; Preakness Horse; A-10 East
May 16-17: Chino, CA; Air Show; A-10 West
May 23-24: Columbia, MO; Air Show; A-10 West
May 23-24: Jones Beach, NY; Air Show; A-10 East
May 25: Columbia, MO; Parade; A-10 West
May 30-31: Rochester, NY; Air Show; A-10 East
May 30-31: Ellsworth AFB, SD; Open House; A-10 West

June 6: Whiteman AFB, MO; Open House; A-10 West
June 6-7: Indianapolis, IN; Air Show; A-10 East
June 13-14: Ocean City, MD; Air Show; A-10 East
June 20-21: Davenport, IA; Air Show; A-10 West
June 27-28: Baraboo, WI; Air Show; A-10 West
June 27-28: Fort Drum, NY; Air Show; A-10 East

Source

See also:
A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Teams Schedule for 2009

To photographers:
Feel free to submit your private A-10 demo teams shots to the "Warthog News". I would be very grateful for any support.

Related links:
A-10 East Coast Demonstration Team
A-10 West Demonstration Team

Over the year, I will further update any related info, given either by Air Combat Command (ACC) or by Air Show Buzz

Up-close tours for base personnel scheduled during annual Heritage Flight

by 1st Lt. Mary Pekas
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/25/2009 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- When modern and historic military aircraft from around the country come together here March 4 through 8 during the annual Air Combat Command Heritage Flight Conference, base personnel will have the opportunity to see the various jets up close.

From 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the flightline will be open to DOD ID-cardholders. Escorts will take groups to see the rows of demo aircraft. Flying will begin at 10 a.m.

This year's historic aircraft flying in the Heritage Flight Conference include the P-51 Mustang, the A-1 Sky Raider [Skyraider, as edited by J.J.], the F-4 Phantom II, the P-40 Warhawk, and the F-86 Sabre. ACC flying demonstration aircraft include the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the F-15 Eagle, the F-15E Strike Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-22A Raptor.

The Heritage Flight Conference allows civilian and military pilots to train together in preparation for the spring and summer air show seasons. Heritage formations, during which modern and historic fighters fly together, are a popular highlight event at air shows throughout the United States and Canada.

Source

Associated picture:



A-10 Thunderbolt II 82-0662 (marked 355 FW) from the A-10 West Demonstration Team flies in formation with a P-51 Mustang, March 7, at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona during the 2008 Heritage Flight Conference. The Heritage Flight Conference allows civilian and military pilots to train together in preparation for the spring and summer air show seasons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christina D. Kinsey) Hi-res