Taking off!

A B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing lifts off of the runway as part of a training mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 9, 2013. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released)

An A-10 Thunderbolt from the 442nd Fighter Wing takes off of the runway during a training sortie at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 9, 2013. The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released)

Hawgsmoke 2010 under way in Idaho

by Tech. Sgt. John Orrell, National Guard Bureau

BOISE, Idaho (AFNS) -- Hawgsmoke 2010, the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II bombing, missile and tactical gunnery competition, has begun. This year's event, which takes place from Oct. 13 to 16, is being hosted by the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron, the 2008 competition's winning unit. The competition stages out of Gowen Air National Guard Base in Boise.

The competition is a chance for active duty, Guard and Reserve A-10 pilots and maintenance personnel to get together and share their experiences, said Col. James R. Compton, the commander of the Idaho Air National Guard's 124th Fighter Wing, the parent unit for the 190th FS.

"It's a great honor to host this competition," Colonel Compton said. "These are some of the finest warriors in the A-10 business."

"If you don't put them all together at one time in a venue like this, then you don't get any validation that (the combination) works," he said. "We are a very diverse organization and to put it all together here, we come to find out that we're not as different as we thought. It validates that we are all one team heading for one common goal."

Competition is also good for them, Colonel Compton said, because it builds camaraderie throughout the A-10 community.

"(Camaraderie) is very important to this type of a competition," he said. "(It) is really the glue that keeps us together."

Keeping the planes running during the competition are the maintenance crews from the competing wings.

"Much like the pilots, they are going to share (maintaining) different airplanes," Colonel Compton said. "That validates that we have one standard for the way we generate airplanes, and we get to watch them ... all working together as a team."

Senior Master Sgt. Ron Manker, the maintenance superintendent for Hawgsmoke, said the extra hands from the participating units are very helpful, since repairs had to be made for some teams to compete.

He added that most of them also have deployed or trained together in the past.

Colonel Compton said wing officials have been planning for this event for the last two years.

"The best thing about having this competition in Boise is we are going to see some of the premier bombing ranges," he said. "The pilots are going to be really impressed with the tactical scenarios we provided for them."

Newly deployed A-10 unit provides close air support

by Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- More than 200 pilots, maintainers and crew chiefs of the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 81st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron arrived May 11 here to provide close air support throughout Afghanistan.

They are taking over from the Airmen of the 184th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.

"The mission of the unit is to provide close air support for coalition forces," said Lt. Col. Ronald Stuewe, the commander of the 81st EFS.

"That is the bread and butter of (the A-10 Thunderbolt II) and the bread and butter of the mission here," he said. "That's what we train to do and that is what we are here to execute."

The two units are scheduled to be deployed here for four months, said Capt. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, the commander of the 81st EAMXS.

They are assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

The units brought with them most of the maintainers, aircrew flight equipment, intelligence, medical and support members assigned to their home station, Captain Fitzpatrick said.

Although this is the unit's first time here, the A-10 unit has deployed to other locations in the area of responsibility.

"We are glad to be here and ready to go. We've hit the ground running. We've had a great start to what seems like a fantastic deployment," Colonel Stuewe said.

Exercise offers A-10 crews chance to hone warfighting skills

by Casey E. Bain, U.S. Joint Forces Command

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Airmen are improving their warfighting skills as they train to conduct close-air-support missions for ground forces in preparation for deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during Exercise Green Flag East here.

The exercise is in partnership with the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., and with support from U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team.

A-10 Thunderbolt II aircrews from the 354th Fighter Squadron from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., are currently participating in the training.

"Green Flag East provides us with the environment that best replicates what we'll experience once deployed," said Maj. James Krischke, an A-10 pilot and 354th FS assistant director of operations. "I don't think people realize how carefully organized and orchestrated our military operations have become. Our goal is to minimize collateral damage and eliminate fratricide in combat. The Green Flag team provides our squadron with the opportunity to improve those skills we need to reach our goal before we deploy and fight."

Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team members helped Green Flag East staff members enhance joint close-air-support training for aircrews, joint terminal attack controllers, and joint fires observers for the past two years.

"Green Flag has done a remarkable job of providing a world-class CAS environment for the aircrews, JTACs, and JFOs that train here," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chris Olson, JFIIT lead at GFE. "Our job is to help integrate those assets and bridge the gaps between the services, both in terms of technology and tactics, techniques, and procedures, so they can improve their combat effectiveness while reducing the potential of fratricide and collateral damage on an ever-evolving battlefield."

Green Flag East staff members work with Joint Readiness Training Center officials to integrate joint assets for a realistic and rigorous training environment that replicates many of the same conditions found in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The joint training between Green Flag and JRTC is excellent," said Army Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Roten, a Joint Readiness Training Center training mentor and ground liaison officer for Green Flag East. "Anytime you get the chance to work with the Air Force it makes you a better warfighter for the Army. I will take the lessons that I learn from this exercise and apply them back at JRTC to help improve CAS integration for our Army fires supporters that are preparing to deploy downrange."

Green Flag East provides many opportunities for aircrews to train with resources and assets that they don't have readily available at their home station.

"There is so much that we want our aircrews to experience before they leave Green Flag," said Maj. Brendan O'Brien, director of operations for Green Flag East. "Their experience will include working with JTACs and JFOs in a realistic and dynamic air-to-ground environment; flying with and using advanced targeting pods and practicing with new technologies. We want our fighter pilots to be exposed to intense combat scenarios with realistic tactical problems to solve so they will leave here confident in the knowledge they've learned and ready for the challenges that lie ahead."

According to Green Flag East leaders, the opportunity for aircrews, JTACs, and Army JFOs to improve the coordination, synchronization, and execution of close-air-support in this near-real-world environment will help the joint team accomplish its mission and put bombs on target more effectively in the heat of battle.

"We take pride in providing the best possible predeployment combat training for our fighter crews, intelligence, maintenance, and logistics team to ensure they are prepared for the asymmetric fight they will face in theater," Major O'Brien said. "Green Flag East strives to be a premier training venue that replicates that fight and we do it as a joint team. Working with organizations like JRTC, JFIIT, and others allows us to provide the quality training that our fighter pilots and entire warfighting team needs and deserves."

Joint Readiness Training Center training mentors also realize the importance of working with aircrews at Green Flag East to improve air-ground integration between fighter pilots, JTACs, JFOs and brigade combat teams.

"CAS is such a combat multiplier for our maneuver forces," Sergeant Roten said. "We've got to learn how to fully take advantage of its capabilities before we actually need it on the battlefield - this exercise will really help us to improve that mission-essential air-ground integration that's vital to our team's success."

The benefits of this enhanced joint training are evident to many of the leaders and fighter pilots who train here.

"This is the only exercise that intentionally seeks to replicate the operational flow of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom," Major Krischke said. "We get the opportunity to work with many of the same assets that we will see in theater in just a few short months. It's a fundamental building-block approach to training aircrews that can't be found anywhere else."

When pigs fly... with ospreys

by 2nd Lt. Mark Lazane, 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs


A CV-22 Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron, prepares to take off as an A-10 Thunderbolt II flies overhead. The two aircraft flew together recently as part of training opportunity at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The 8th SOS is the only operational CV-22 squadron in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo /Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- What do you get when you cross an osprey with a warthog?

For a zoologist, the question may seem preposterous.

In Air Force terms, instead of an odd looking winged-swine hybrid, the result is immense firepower and unparalleled close-air support capability for the rapid infiltration and exfiltration of troops in the battlespace.

For the first time, the tilt-rotor CV-22 Osprey and the fixed-wing A-10 Thunderbolt II, often nicknamed the Warthog, teamed up for some high-flying training recently.

"It is like having a little angel flying on your wing," said Capt. Luke Sustman, a CV-22 evaluation pilot. "Having these (A-10) pilots out here gave them a perspective of what we do and how they help us."

The affinity for their sister aircraft was mutual.

"Impressive," said Capt. Andrew Hood, an A-10 pilot from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., after his inaugural flight aboard a CV-22. "The Osprey definitely revolutionizes the way we fight."

Captain Hood was one of a handful of A-10 pilots aboard the Osprey as the two air frames flew and practiced with one another. Representatives from the 8th Special Operations Squadron invited several A-10 pilots to fly in the Osprey to experience the unique airframe and to learn about its unique capabilities.

According to Captain Hood, one advantage of the Osprey is that it is far superior to traditional helicopters when it comes to escorting a rescue aircraft to its intended destination, either to drop off or pick up individuals in the fight.

One large advantage the CV-22 has over traditional rotary wing assets is the speed at which it is able to operate.

"Most of the time, helicopters go kind of slow," Captain Hood said. "The CV-22 is almost as fast as we are. It's able to get to its destination a lot faster (than traditional rotary wing aircraft)."

"The CV-22 can go twice as fast and twice as far as rotary wing assets," said Tech. Sgt Erik Davis, a CV-22 flight engineer.

"Speed is a huge usage boost because the A-10 doesn't have to stay exposed as long when it's providing escort," said Maj. Mike Holder, a CV-22 evaluation pilot and the mission commander.

The 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field is currently the only operational CV-22 squadron in the Air Force. Because of their uniqueness, they continually look for ways to practice and familiarize themselves with other aircraft.

"We are validating everything we talk about on the ground," said Major Holder. "It's very exciting to be on the cutting edge of technology for the Air Force."

As someone who has flown helicopters in two branches of the military, Major Holder understands the benefits of having an airframe such as the CV-22 Osprey.

"We're defining tactics rather than refining them," said Major Holder, an Army AH-1 Cobra and AH-64 Apache pilot prior to joining the Air Force. "We expect to do a lot more (inter-airframe training)."

The training, although historic, was business as usual for Sergeant Davis.

"This is another capability that we've shown we can do," Sergeant Davis said. "We feel pretty confident in our training with them, but there are a lot of steps we have to take."

Major Holder is confident his aircraft could survive if called upon at any time.

"I feel we are 100 percent ready to deploy right now if needed," he said. "We recently completed our initial operating training exercise and (the aircraft) flew great. I'm excited to fly the Osprey."

The "Hog" drops in on history

by Master Sgt. Joy Josephson. 46th Test Wing

Maj. Matthew Domsalla, flying an A-10C Thunderbolt II Nov. 5, makes the first ever drop of a Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition, or LJDAM, from an A-10. This test proved a successful integration of the munition with the A-10, allowing for an outstanding precision targeting capability that will help Air Force aircrews continue to provide effective air support to coalition ground troops. Major Domsalla is with the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Joy Josephson)

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog and known for its close-air support superiority and the ability to carry large and varied ordnance, is now on its way to delivering a new capability to the warfighter.

A pilot from the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with support from people with the 46th Test Wing, Boeing and a host of other units, flew a quick yet historic mission early in November. For the first time, a guided bomb unit-54, the Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition, or LJDAM, was dropped from an A-10C.

"There is a strong need to destroy moving targets in the AOR," said Capt. Kirt Cassell, the lead A-10C flight test engineer. "The Laser JDAM has shown to be very effective at destroying moving targets on other (aircraft) and Air Combat Command (officials) wanted to bring that capability to the A-10C for an upcoming deployment."

Captain Cassell and team members from the 40th FTS began planning this test mission in early October. That's a short timeline for a test mission, according to Captain Cassell. Plus, the team was challenged with ensuring the LJDAM worked correctly. To do this, the plan was to drop the bomb on a GPS target and then lase the weapon to another target downrange.

"The test was very successful!" Captain Cassell said. "The weapon functioned properly and released successfully, impacting the target almost exactly where the laser spot was located. We were able to demonstrate that the GBU-54 can successfully be integrated and dropped from the A-10C."

Maj. Matthew Domsalla piloted the historic mission. He's been flying the A-10 for more than eight years and knows that this added capability will make the A-10C even more lethal and more valuable to warfighters needing some firepower assistance.

"The LJDAM provides the pilot the ability to update the targeting if the target moves while the weapon is in flight," he said.

The A-10C has already demonstrated tremendous capability in supporting the war on terrorism. According to Lt. Col. Evan Dertien, the 40th Flight Test Squadron commander, putting this bomb on the aircraft "will give the A-10 an outstanding precision targeting capability that will help the Air Force continue to provide precision engagement."

And while making Air Force history is a great feeling for the 40th team, Colonel Dertien says the rewards of a successful test are more far reaching.

"When the weapons are proven in combat and you get feedback from the deployed flying units that a capability worked as expected and made a difference in the fight, that's the big payoff," he said.

The next step for the A-10C and LJDAM is to undergo operational tests to develop tactics and techniques for employing the weapon. If those tests prove to go as well as the first, Eglin's test team may have their feedback as early as January. The goal is to have this new precision capability deployed to the area of operations by early 2009.

Hawgsmoke to continue despite A-10 inspections

Editor Note: For my Milcom monitor readers in the mid-west, you will have an interesting monitoring activity in your neighborhood mid-month.



Twenty-five to 30 A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, like these, will participate in Hawgsmoke 2008 in Salina, Kan., Oct. 15 to 18, despite an Air Force time-compliance technical order issued Oct. 3 to inspect for wing cracks on 130 of the service's almost 400 A-10 aircraft. Hawgsmoke is an Air Force A-10 bombing and gunnery competition held every two years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Bill Huntington)

by Maj. David Kurle
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

10/8/2008 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) -- "Hawgsmoke 2008," an A-10 Thunderbolt II bombing and gunnery competition scheduled Oct. 15 to 18 in Salina, Kan., will continue despite an Air Force directive to sideline some of the aircraft.

Air Force officials issued a time-compliance technical order Oct. 3, requiring immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks on about 130 of the Air Force's some 400 operational A-10s.

The TCTO was prompted by an increase in fatigue-related wing cracks currently occurring in A-10 aircraft Air Force-wide. The inspections will occur on A-10s with thin-skin wings, installed during original manufacture, to ensure the operational safety of the aircraft.

"After talking to most of the other A-10 wings in the Air Force, we have more than enough teams committed to competing at Hawgsmoke to continue with the event," said Col. Mark Clemons, 442nd Fighter Wing commander. "We are really looking forward to Hawgsmoke and would like to thank the community of Salina for its outstanding support throughout the planning stages.

"Safety is paramount, and this TCTO will ensure we provide the safest possible aircraft to our A-10 pilots," he said. "We have plenty of aircraft to support Hawgsmoke and maintain the 442nd Fighter Wing's combat readiness."

The 442nd FW, an Air Force Reserve Command unit based here, is hosting Hawgsmoke. The event pits A-10 pilots and maintainers from across the Air Force against each other to determine a single-unit "Hawgsmoke Champion." The competition got its name from the A-10's nickname, "warthog."

While wing officials originally expected about 70 A-10 aircraft to attend the event, the inspections have reduced that number to 25 to 30 airplanes. Organizers expect as many as 14 teams of pilots will compete.

"The TCTO inspections have forced us to reduce the number of aircraft, but we are still expecting 250 to 300 people," said Lt. Col. Brian Borgen, Hawgsmoke coordinator. "We will basically share the limited number of aircraft among the pilots from all the teams."

The inspections are necessary to correct A-10 wing cracks, specifically on aircraft with thin-skin wings. This risk is of great concern to Air Force officials and represents a systemic problem for the aging Air Force fleet.

The A-10 is a ground-attack aircraft designed to support ground forces in combat. It can carry 16,000 pounds of ordnance and is equipped with a 30-mm cannon capable of punching through tank armor.

It is not known how long the inspections will take.

Inspections ordered for A-10 Thunderbolt IIs

Air Force officials have issued a time compliance technical order requiring immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks for a portion of the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet. This action impacts approximately 130 A-10 aircraft with thin-skin wings installed during original manufacture and is being taken to ensure the continued operational safety of the aircraft.

Such action has become necessary due to an increase in fatigue-related wing cracks currently occurring in aircraft assigned to Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and Air Force Materiel Command.

The inspections are a necessary step in addressing the risk associated with A-10 wing cracking, specifically those aircraft with thin-skin wings. This risk is of great concern to Air Force leaders and is representative of a systemic problem for the aging Air Force fleet.

Taking immediate action is necessary for the safety of aircrews and to bring the A-10 fleet back to health. Accordingly, AFMC officials are working closely with those in ACC and the other combat Air Force major commands to address all of the thin-skinned winged A-10s, with a priority focus being on the A-10s currently in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The A-10 is a valuable asset to joint warfighters because of its unique capabilities. It can deliver precision guided weapons at high altitudes, as well as surgical close-air support at low altitudes. The inspections, however, will not impact on-going or future operational combat missions.

Reserve pilots utilize A-10s in support of Total Force Integration

by Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao, 23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- Air Force Reserve Command pilots recently took flight in an A-10 Thunderbolt II here in support of an Air Force-wide initiative designed to integrate reservists, guardsmen and civilians with active-duty Airmen.

The Total Force Integration initiative, which was established by Air Force officials at Moody Air Force Base in September 2007, is designed to join all Airmen and their civilian counterparts to more efficiently complete the mission.

Two pilots from the 442nd Fighter Wing, Det. 1, took flight in a 23rd Fighter Group A-10 for the first time since completing conversion training.

Moody AFB's reservists operate under their own command structure and report to the 442nd FW, an Air Force Reserve Command A-10 unit at Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Nellis AFB, Nev., Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, and Holloman AFB, N.M., are also currently participating in the TFI effort.

"This was the first time we were able to fly the A-10C since completing conversion training," said Lt. Col. Mickey Moore, 442nd FW, Det. 1 director of operations. "We are getting back into the flying business so that our pilots will be re-familiarized with the aircraft."

The recent flights marked a return to flying operations for the unit after a transitional period where the initial cadre focused on building the groundwork for the new Reserve organization.

Capt. LaRue Russell, the 442nd FW, Det. 1 director of training, was the first pilot to fly an integrated sortie here, launched by another reservist, crew chief Senior Airman Tracey Robson.

"It was very enjoyable to fly the C-model A-10 again," Captain Russell said. "The biggest challenges were remembering the things I learned about flying the A-10C and knocking the rust off."

The unit will continue to train and build on its experiences with the A-10C, said Col. Greg Eckfeld, the 442nd FW Det. 1 commander.

"We want to build a cadre of experience, both pilot and maintenance professionals," he said. "Our pilots are expected to continuously train and instruct Moody (AFB) pilots."

The pilots will fly at least six to nine times a month, fully integrating into the active-duty flight schedules.

"We have a different flying hour program," Colonel Moore said. "Our schedule does not take time away from the active-duty flying program."

On top of fully integrating the pilots into the active-duty flying schedule, the unit will be bringing approximately 200 additional maintainers to Moody' AFBs flightline.

"We're very motivated to be successful and help support the (23rd FG) mission," Colonel Eckfeld said. "The integration has been smooth, and the next step is waiting for the other Reserve maintainers and pilots to arrive."

New wings to secure A-10 longevity

by Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke, Air Combat Command Public Affairs

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., fly a training mission over the Barry Goldwater Range in Arizona. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jesse Shipps)

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- New wings are the answer to Air Force concerns on the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II, an airframe flying since 1975.

Air Force officials awarded a contract to Boeing last year requiring 242 new A-10 wings constructed and delivered to depots for installment on the thin-skinned airframes by 2011.

Not all 356 of the Air Force's A-10s require new wings because more than 100 airframes were constructed in the 1980s with "thick skin," giving them a stronger structure, said Master Sgt. Steven Grimes, A-10 maintenance liaison for Air Combat Command.

Those aircraft are rated for 16,000 flying hours, which is estimated to keep them airworthy sometime into 2030, according to Sergeant Grimes. The original thin-skinned A-10s were designed for 8,000 hours and were extended beyond that in the 1990s with depot repairs.

Based on the rate flying hours accumulate, the extension is expected to expire in 2011, which is when the new wings are scheduled to be installed. The new wings will extend the thin-skinned A-10 fleet to 16,000 hours, keeping them flying until about 2030.

Replacing the wings saves the Air Force "a great deal of money over a long period of time," said Lt. Col. Ralph Hansen, ACC A-10 program element monitor and pilot. The value of the Boeing contract is more than $1 billion between 2007 and 2018. Colonel Hansen said that equates to about $4 million per aircraft, a price far below what it would cost to recapitalize the A-10.

"You can't buy a business jet for that price," he said.

Maintaining the old wings would require repeated removal, inspection and installation of beef-up straps at A-10 depots, said Tony Mizar, an A-10 depot mechanic and maintenance scheduler.

According to Sergeant Grimes, continually repairing old wings, as opposed to replacing them, would cost approximately $1.3 billion more than the Boeing contract.

The A-10 was designed and produced by Fairchild Republic, which discontinued aircraft production in 1984. This created complications in reproduction of the wings because there are limited extant engineer drawings, said Sergeant Grimes.

For this reason Boeing engineers have developed a three-phase process for the contract, said Jennifer Hogan, Boeing spokeswoman. The first phase is in progress now. It involves modeling the wing and scanning it to duplicate the 3-D model of existing wings. Colonel Hansen said the new wing will be no different from the current wings and will be transparent to pilots and maintainers. The one exception is "incorporation of reliability, maintainability and (production) improvements learned over the years," said Ms. Hogan.

The second phase is manufacture and assembly, and the third phase, set for 2011, is full-rate production and installation on the aircraft.

Wing installations will occur during regularly scheduled depot inductions which will preserve the mission capable rates, said 1st Lt. Nancy Dias, A-10 wing replacement program manager. The wings will fly 10,000 hours, or approximately 25 years, without inspection.

The A-10 is a valuable asset to the Air Force and Army because of its unique capabilities, said Colonel Hansen. It can deliver precision guided weapons at high altitudes, as well as surgical close air support at low altitudes. It's also the only fighter wielding the renowned 30mm cannon, capable of firing about 65 rounds a second. Colonel Hansen said the 30mm Gatling gun is the commanders' weapon of choice because it can be used much closer to friendly forces than bombs, and it is four times more powerful than the 20mm cannon (on other fighters).

A-10s also are undergoing modernization. The old airframe is midway through a major upgrade to a more capable A-10C by loading it with newer capabilities. It boasts the latest technology of smart weapons: GPS guided bombs, and all weather capability.

Furthermore, the sturdy airframe design enables the A-10 to operate from austere airfields and take battle damage without degrading capability.

Examples of its survivability include self-sealing fuel cells protected by foam, manual flight control systems that back up hydraulic controls, armor and a ballistic tub surrounding the cockpit.

"I've seen A-10s with very large holes in them that have survived just fine," said Colonel Hansen.

A-10 makes wheels-up landing

An A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on the runway after making an emergency landing March 25 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The A-10 touched down with its landing gear in the up position after declaring an in-flight emergency. The pilot was not harmed. The aircraft, assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody AFB, Ga., was participating in a Green Flag sortie out of Nellis AFB, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo/Brad White)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II made an emergency landing here without its landing gear March 25.

The aircraft was participating in a Green Flag sortie out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

The plane, which had one person aboard, is assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody AFB, Ga.

The pilot safely exited the aircraft unharmed and was evaluated by flight surgeons here before being released.

"Edwards (AFB) is uniquely suited to handle these kinds of in-flight emergencies," said base officials. "Not only do we have first responders who are well-prepared and equipped to work these incidents, (the base) has the benefit of an enormous lakebed, which can provide a soft landing for any aircraft in distress."

Although a lakebed landing was an option, the A-10 performed a landing on the base's primary landing strip, Runway 22, officials said.

A board of officers will investigate the incident.

Maintenance unit achieves milestone with upgrade of 100th A-10

By Bill Orndorff, 309th Maintenance Wing


HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFMCNS) — An upgraded A-10C, which took off in early January for Moody Air Force Base, Ga., represents another production milestone for the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here.

Aircraft 80-0172 is the 100th A-10 to go through the Precision Engagement Program, started in the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group in July 2006. On average, the 571st technicians are upgrading each A-10 aircraft to the new A-10C configuration in less than 90 days.

"The 571st mechanics are successfully executing the A-10 Precision Engagement program," said Greg Hoffman 571st AMXS director. "While our overall modification time has been reduced, the increase in positive feedback from our warfighting customers has been our biggest success. Without giving them a quality aircraft to carry out their mission, we would have failed. The program was a challenge from the start, but with the support of Team Hill, to include our Lockheed Martin prime contractor, we have been able to get better each day.

The upgrade to the 100th aircraft, first built in 1980, will extend its service life for at least another 20 years. The aircraft was in the Pope AFB, N.C., inventory before the modification and transfers to Moody AFB as part of the base realignment and closure recommendations.

Precision Engagement evolved by merging several smaller, funded programs, into one large modification. The combination saved money for development, testing and installation previously done separately. The A-10C has a number of avionics and weapons system upgrades, designed to extend its service life until 2028.

The modification includes a totally redesigned main instrument panel, smart weapons capabilities, and aircraft DC power upgrades. The A-10C cockpit receives two 5-by-5-inch multifunction color displays, a hands-on stick and throttle system with a modified F-15E right throttle grip, and a modified F-16 control stick grip. Other cockpit items include an upfront controller, new armament heads up display control panel, and a redesigned main instrument panel.

Modified aircraft can now carry both the LITENING II and Sniper laser targeting pods, and have Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser capabilities. The direct current power will be doubled and a more powerful computer will be added to the Low Altitude Safety and Targeting Enhancement system.

The A-10C has proven itself a formidable asset in the war on terror, Mr. Hoffman noted, as the Air National Guard's 175th Fighter Wing from Baltimore, Md., deployed the modified aircraft to Iraq in September. Within hours of arrival, the new systems were put to the test by successfully destroying an insurgent safe house with a GPS-guided munitions system.

"You just can't get more proof that what you have done matters than to see the true end result of your efforts," Mr. Hoffman said.

Last A-10s Leaves Pope AFB

USAF Photo

The last three A-10 attack jets at Pope Air Force Base flew out Wednesday morning for their new home in Georgia. The jets, part of the 23rd Fighter Group, are relocating to Moody Air Force Base near Valdosta, Ga. The move is part of the federal Base Realignment and Closure law. The group's airplanes have been flying at Moody since September. The move is taking about 1,000 airmen away from Pope.

Last Flight of an A-10 at Pope is Scheduled

The 23rd Fighter Group expects its last A-10 attack jet flight at Pope Air Force Base to be on Dec. 19. The group is moving to Moody Air Force Base at Valdosta, Ga. The 2005 Base Closure and Realignment law mandated the move. The group's airplanes have been flying at Moody since September. Most airplanes are being upgraded before arriving at Moody. The move is taking about 1,000 airmen away from Pope

A-10s depart Eielson

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 355th Fighter Squadron lands after the last flight at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 31. The first two A-10s arrived at Eielson Dec. 18, 1981; the last two A-10s are set to leave Aug. 15 for Moody AFB, Ga., and Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Snyder)