The 'Warthog' Will Appear At More Than 20 Air Shows This Year

The Aerial Events office at U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command has announced that the A-10 Warthog will be appearing at 20 or more air shows in 2017 to participate in Heritage Flight performances (no aerobatic demos).

The A-10 is returning to air shows to help the Air Force establish a visible presence at a larger number of shows, including smaller shows that might not otherwise be in a position to host a USAF aircraft.

ACC also announced that all of its single-ship demo and Heritage Flight schedules for the 2017 air show season are nearly complete and will be released "soon."

According to the Air Force, the A-10 Thunderbolt II is 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.

The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., in October 1975. The upgraded A-10C reached initial operation capability in September 2007. Specifically designed for close air support, its combination of large and varied ordnance load, long loiter time, accurate weapons delivery, austere field capability, and survivability has proven invaluable to the United States and its allies.

The aircraft has participated in operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Provide Comfort, Desert Fox, Noble Anvil, Deny Flight, Deliberate Guard, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

(Images provided by the U.S. Air Force)

FMI: http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104490/a-10-thunderbolt-ii.aspx