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It was also expensive to buy and operate, with a flyaway cost of $2 million in FY1965 ($19.3 million today), and operational costs over $900 per hour ($9,000 per hour today). [13] After a broad review of its tactical force structure, the USAF decided to adopt a low-cost aircraft to supplement the F-4 and F-111.
The Phantoms were replaced by the A-10 Thunderbolt II air-ground support aircraft, better known as the "Warthog". Idaho's A-10s were deployed during Operation Allied Force in 1999 when they flew combat missions over Kosovo and again in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
The A-10 engines now have a self-sustaining combustion section. When the gun is fired, the igniters come on to reduce the possibility of a flameout. [20] The average recoil force of the GAU-8/A is 10,000 pounds-force (45 kN), [5] [21] which is slightly more than the output of each of the A-10's two TF34 engines of 9,065 lbf (40.3 kN). [22]
"The coolest thing I've ever done in an airplane to this day is shooting the gun," the A-10 pilot and squadron commander said. Here's what a seasoned A-10 Warthog pilot says it feels like to fire ...
For over 40 years, the demo team has showcased the Warthog's combat capabilities during airshows. Johnson reflected on her time flying the iconic attack jet as the Air Force retires its A-10 fleet.
A USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft in flight. An attack aircraft, strike aircraft, or attack bomber is a tactical military aircraft that has a primary role of carrying out airstrikes with greater precision than bombers, and is prepared to encounter strong low-level air defenses while pressing the attack. [1]
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February 25 – An OV-10 Bronco (Bureau Number 155424) was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. The pilot, Major Joseph Small III, was captured and the observer, Captain David Spellacy, was killed. Major Small was released on March 6 and Captain Spellacy's body was recovered.