We Interviewed The A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Pilot Who Told Us Why The “Warthog” Still Rocks

[rangerrebew]

We Interviewed The A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Pilot Who Told Us Why The “Warthog” Still Rocks
August 28, 2019 Zachary Allen Airshows,

We met Major Cody “ShIV” Wilton, commander of the A-10C Thunderbolt II demonstration team who continues to showcase the raw power of the most unique jet in the USAF inventory.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II has been a mainstay in the USAF for well over 40 years, and has no retirement date in sight. The A-10C (aka “Warthog” or “Hog” or “Hawg”) is showcased at air shows across the world, and the man behind the controls is Major Cody “ShIV” Wilton, the commander of the A-10C Thunderbolt II demonstration team. Fortunate enough to get extremely up close and personal with the jets and the team as they arrived for the Pocono Raceway Air Show in Pennsylvania, Major Wilton talked to The Aviationist about the pros of the A-10, and why it’s such a vital jet to the USAF.

https://theaviationist.com/2019/08/28/we-interviewed-the-a-10-thunderbolt-ii-demo-pilot-who-told-us-why-the-warthog-still-rocks/

[PeteS in CA]

The Precision Engagement Modification Program updated A-10 and OA-10 aircraft to the A-10C with a new flight computer, and new glass displays and controls.

I hope that means that despite the combiner supports looking the same, the PU (= HUD) is not the same CRT display design I tested and aligned in 1979 and 1980. That would be a maintenance nightmare of obsolete parts.

[Bigun]

The M(ilitary)I(ndustrial)C(omplex) doesn't like things that have been around as long as the A-10.  Harder to rip off the treasury with long-lived things that work.

[Elderberry]

Boeing Wins $999M Air Force Deal for A-10 Wing Replacements

Zacks•August 22, 2019

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-wins-999m-air-force-125212886.html

The Boeing Company BA recently secured a contract, with a ceiling amount of $999 million for A-10 wing replacements. Per the terms, the company will deliver 112 new A-10 wing assemblies and up to 15 wing kits for the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft. The contract was awarded by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, UT.

Work related to the deal is expected to get completed by Aug 23, 2030, and will be performed across multiple subcontractor locations in the United States along with one subcontractor location in South Korea.

A Brief Note on the A-10 Thunderbolt II

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, manufactured by Northrop Grumman NOC, is the U.S. Air Force’s primary low-altitude close air support aircraft. These aircraft have Night Vision Imaging Systems and a large bubble canopy, which provide pilots all-around vision. The Thunderbolt II can employ a wide range of conventional munitions to defeat various targets, including tanks.

[PeteS in CA]

The M(ilitary)I(ndustrial)C(omplex) doesn't like things that have been around as long as the A-10.  Harder to rip off the treasury with long-lived things that work.

It has been USAF brass who have been trying to kill off the A-10, ever since the late 1970s when it was still in production. They were more fascinated with strategic bombers or fighters.

[PeteS in CA]

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, manufactured by Northrop Grumman NOC ...

Ummmmmmm ... no. The A-10 Thunderbolt II was manufactured by Fairchild Republic, from 1976 through 1984. The "Thunderbolt II" name was given as a nod to Republic's P-47 Thunderbolt which, while a capable fighter, was also famous for its close air support in WW2. Grumman took over support of the A-10 program in 1987, some 3 years after production ceased.