Catch a glimpse, or take a closer look at L39’s and Warthogs at SnF 2022

The Warthog’s are here at SnF 2022.

There is no shortage of variety in the designated areas at SnF2022, whether it’s the dizzying array of Light Sport Aircraft, a showcase selection from the seasoned manufacturers, and of course an opportunity to marvel at the historic warbirds, and Military aircraft on display in the “Heavy Aircraft Parking” area.  Veteran SnF visitors can probably navigate themselves directly as if flying a NDB, however, those unfamiliar with the lay of the land may get a better fix on their destination by heading to sectors E3, E4, F3 on the SnF 2022 Event Map. 

Beginning at the “numbers”, specifically the “5” on runway 5/23 and approximately halfway up its 5,005ft length, you will find an assortment of “heavy” and military aircraft. While the runway is “only” 150ft wide, the sheer scale at ground level is evident when you look at the numbers in relation to the SnF visitor casually strolling northbound!  The things you don’t think twice about as you line-up to begin your takeoff roll.

That aside, there are a selection of somewhat modern L39’s in formation at the east side of the runway and sporting some colorful paint jobs to boot; check out those tails!!  Venturing further north, you will find Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II’s aka the “Warthog.”  The Warthog is an attack aircraft that first flew in 1972, and is still actively in use today.  The USAF continues to recognize the value of this tough venerable aircraft, and recently completed “re-winging” the last of their 173 A-10 Thunderbolt II’s that will keep them flying into the late 2030’s!!  

The A-10 Thunderbolt II’s may not look as imposing as other arsenal in the USAF lineup, but it is a tough airplane as experienced by then Capt now Col Kim “KC” Campbell whose A-10 was struck by a surface to air missile (SAM) over Baghdad in April 2003 while providing close air support for ground forces, and resulted in the loss of both hydraulic systems and unresponsive control inputs.  The loss of hydraulics meant “KC” had no brakes, no speed brakes, and no steering, but following a visual check by her wing man and additional troubleshooting on her own KC, using the manual “cranks and cables” limped back to base with the battle-damaged A-10, and is one of the few to manually land the A10.  If you can catch the A-10 demo team at an airshow, that would be a great opportunity to observe some of the “maneuvering capabilities” of this workhorse!

FMI: www.flysnf.org