In 2018, the A-10 Thunderbolt II demonstration team will fly a full aerobatic demonstration in addition to performing in Heritage Flight demonstrations
According to The International Council of Air Shows Facebook page, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team will once again display the capabilities of the beloved “Hog” (as the A-10 is dubbed by its aircrews) at approximately 14 shows throughout the 2018 air show season.
The A-10 Demonstration Team last flew in 2011. Since then, when it has participated in air shows, the A-10 has been either a static display aircraft or flown exclusively with the Air Force Heritage Flight program (in 2012 and 2017).
In fact, as we have previously reported the A-10 West Heritage Flight Team (WHFT) performed at its first air show after nearly five years of inactivation on Mar. 25-26, 2017.
“The A-10 belongs right there with the warbirds, as it is legendary itself,” said Master Sgt. Mark Aube, A-10 WHFT maintenance superintendent. “While talking with the air show guests, I found that everyone was eager to see the tank buster in action.”
In addition to its two A-10C Thunderbolt IIs, the team is complete with three pilots, two crew chiefs, an avionics technician, an engines technician, and an aircraft electrical and environmental specialist.
“It’s great to have the A-10 back on the air show circuit as a part of the Heritage Flight,” said Maj. Daniel Levy, 357th Fighter Squadron and A-10 WHFT pilot. “The Warthog has flown close air support for American and allied forces almost every day for the past 15 years. It’s the perfect mix of old and new.”
Instead in 2018, the Warthog will fly a full aerobatic demonstration in addition to performing in Heritage Flight demonstrations.
Conceived for close air support (CAS), the A-10’s unique combination of high and low-speed maneuverability has made it a popular air show demonstration aircraft for many years.
Beginning next year, the A-10 Demo Team – based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (AFB) in Arizona – will be flown by Captain Cody Wilton.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Mya M. Crosby / U.S. Air Force