titanium-rain

Commemorating the first flight of the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II on this day in 1972. A Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II of the Michigan Air National Guard's 107th Fighter Squadron, "Red Devils", from Selfridge ANG Base heads out to the ranges during the Hawgsmoke 2018 exercise held at Whiteman AFB. In addition to the internally mounted GAU-8/A Avenger 30 mm cannon, this aircraft is also equipped with two AGM-65 Maverick missiles. 

Today marks 50 years of BRRRT! Fifty years of close air support airpower continued through the men and women who work hard to keep them in the air and ready to execute the mission. Happy BRRRTday to everyone’s favorite aircraft, the A-10!

The first prototype Fairchild Republic YA-10A, 71-1369, landing at Edwards Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force)

10 May 1972: Chief test pilot Howard W. (“Sam”) Nelson made the first flight of the prototype Fairchild Republic YA-10A Thunderbolt II, 71-1369, at Edwards Air Force Base in the high desert of southern California.