Last A-10 Warthog Tank Killer Leaves Europe - 2013

[Reality Check]

Click immediately below for an image of the last A-10 leaving Europe.
http://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/shared/me ... 59-101.JPG

by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/17/2013 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The last four A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron left Spangdahlem May 17, 2013.

Twenty-one aircraft relocated to the United States over the past few months due to the deliberate and comprehensive restructure planned by the U.S. Air Force that has lead to the inactivation of the 81st in June.

The loss of A-10s is a significant event for the United States here in Europe.

http://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/news/stor ... =123349025
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Below. A-10 Thunderbolt II, better known as the "warthog".

Above. A-10 Thunderbolt II, better known as the "warthog".
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Below. Reload and go.

Above. Reload and go.
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Below. Formation of the P-51D Mustang and the F-22 Raptor represent different generations of pure fighter, while the A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-15E Strike Eagle are both strike aircraft, though of course the F-15E is also a very potent air-to-air fighter in its own right.

Above. Formation of the P-51D Mustang and the F-22 Raptor represent different generations of pure fighter, while the A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-15E Strike Eagle are both strike aircraft, though of course the F-15E is also a very potent air-to-air fighter in its own right.
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Click Immediately below an A-10 in multi-role mode as a smart bomb, bomber and an air to air threat to both slow movers ( rotary aircraft ) and fast movers ( MIGs ). Not just another ugly, armored, airplane built around the largest Gatling gun to ever fly.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... ermany.jpg
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Click below to see how an A-10 turns tanks, into plow shares, and plows the field at the same time.
http://www.a10a.eu/wp-content/uploads/2 ... n_Run.jpeg
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Just how big is that gun between the pilots legs, anyway. Click-below.
420 rounds in 10 second burst. 11.4 inch shell, 1.5 lbs each. 3,250 feet per second.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... Type_1.jpg
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Ever see a Warthog smile. Click Below.
http://www.dalsgaard.eu/2010-10-07.Scre ... sgaard.jpg