Length: 8.75 inches
Width: 9.75 inches
October 1975 saw delivery of the first USAF A-10a and deployment in March 1976. Built
specifically for close ground support the pilot is protected by titanium armor while being
covered by a bubble canopy giving a commanding view. The Warthog has everything
needed to survive, dual engines; self-sealing fuel cells; redundant flight control systems
protected by titanium armor; a 30 mm seven-barrel Gatling gun; a wide array of bombs
and missiles. This plane packs a heavy punch and can stay on scene a long time to
deliver.
In the Gulf War, A-10s had a mission capable rate of 95.7 percent, flew 8,100 sorties and
launched 90 percent of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles and were vital assets during
Operation Desert Storm and Operation Noble Anvil.
On October 1, 1981 as part of Alaska Air Command the 343rd Composite Wing replaced
the 5010th as the host unit for Eielson AFB, situated 26 miles north of Fairbanks Alaska.
Eielson AFB was named in honor of the polar pilot Carl B. Eielson. On June 4, 1984 the
unit was re-designated 343rd TFW. The operational squadron of the 343rd was the 18th
TFS “Ice Hawgs” flying the Fairchild-Republic A-10A Warthog. In 1991 the 18th TFS
transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. In June 1991 the Pacific Air Force’s flying
training exercise Cope Thunder was held at Eielson AFB due to the fact that Mount
Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted forcing the move from Clark AFB. The move was
made permanent and in 1993 the 343rd was inactivated and personnel and equipment
were transferred to the 354th FW.