Thunderbolts Receive Wing Modification

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Thunderbolts Receive Wing Modification
December 23, 2009
Air Force Print News|by Randy Roughton

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. - The A-10 Thunderbolt II will continue flying close-ground-support missions for the next two decades because of a reinforcement process wing replacement specialists call "Hog Up."

The phrase originated about a decade ago during an upgrade of the aircraft's avionics system, partially because of the A-10's "Warthog" nickname. Specialists in the 309th Maintenance Wing's Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Hill Air Force Base, Utah, install steel straps and stronger fittings to the wings that give the A-10 an additional 8,000 flying hours and extend the life of the aircraft for another 20 years, said Dave Roe, a 309th AMARG structural engineer.

"The modifications we're giving the wing will double its service life and allow it to carry the additional load the wings are expected to carry," Mr. Roe said. "By putting on these additional straps, we're basically beefing up the structure."

The A-10 is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for close-air support of ground forces. Its main use is for ground attack against tanks, armored vehicles and installations. The aircraft flies with a range of 800 miles and with high endurance and maneuverability at low speeds and altitudes that allow accurate targeting and weapon delivery.

"Nothing else in our inventory can do the job the A-10 can do, especially in close-ground support," Mr. Roe said. "It also has a long loiter time over friendlies or over the target if necessary."


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