Oldest USAFE A-10 performing CAS

Published April 9, 2008
By Capt. Toni Tones
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- For 17 consecutive years the Air Force has been conducting combat operations, flying its aircraft about five times the peacetime rate while forgoing any significant recapitalization.

This includes an A-10A Warthog, deployed here from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, which holds the honor of being the most enduring aircraft in the United States Air Forces in Europe's fleet.

Despite being more than 25 years old, Aircraft #V281 continues to perform its close air combat support mission in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, keeping U.S. and coalition forces safe.

"The aircraft is holding up very well...it's built to take a beating," said Senior Airman Ryan Conversi, 81st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief. "Age is an issue, but we learn something new all the time about how to keep them flying...matter of fact the aircraft's phase hours went from 400 to 500 hours...that's quite a bit of flying."

Aircraft V#281 rolled off the production line in July 1982 and was sent directly to RAF Bentwaters, England. The aircraft has been assigned to Europe since day one and is the flagship for the 81st Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem.

"The A-10 is very maintenance friendly," added Airman Conversi, describing the aircraft's design. "Its easy access cuts time for maintenance and functional checks and contributes to our high mission capability rate."

The squadron is currently undergoing the Precision Engagement upgrade which will enhance the avionics and precision weapon delivery capability of the A-10. Squadron leadership expects delivery of the first precision-model aircraft in Germany during May-June 2008 timeframe. Project completion will take approximately two years.

"The A-10 was specifically designed for close air support for ground forces and is a force multiplier in combat operations," said Lt. Col Timothy Hogan, 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander. "In terms of technological advancement, the advantages the pilots will gain from this weapons upgrade will mean leaps and bounds.

"There will be no physical differences except for the digital control panel and a combined stick and throttle. But what's important to note is the upgraded aircraft will have JDAM compatibility."

The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance tail kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurate, adverse weather "smart" munitions. JDAM enables multiple weapons to be directed against single or multiple targets on a single pass.

While the upgrades will prolong the Warthog's life, keeping the aging aircraft flying rests on the backs of the young Airmen who maintain them.

"In my five years of service, this is the only aircraft that I've worked on," said Airman Conversi. "And I'd like to keep it that way."