More Hogs in Europe - Some Close Ups Added 5 Aug 16

[Tiger331]

There seem to be a fair few A-10C Warthogs in Europe these days. After hosting the Red Devils from Selfridge AB in Michigan earlier in the summer, we now have the 303rd FS AFRC from Whiteman AB in town. Yesterday they conducted their 'austere base' qualifications by operating off a section of one of the main highways in N.E. Estonia before undertaking some local range work. The weather/lighting conditions were less than optimal but I managed to take one or two photos that may be of interest:

Managed to get over to Amari AB yesterday…..another challenging day with photographs with several squalls moving through at critical times. In the end had to content myself with taking some detail shots which hopefully you will find of interest.

7 of the 8 aircraft from 303FS parked on the ramp at Amari - Note the aircraft in the foreground 79-122 is the 'Flagship' jet and has 'shadow' titling on the nose (Pilot/Crewchief names etc)..all the others bore standard black lettering.

Business End of the Mighty Warthog !

The 303rd FS 'Flagship' 79-122 (note the shadow tail codes etc)

Close up of the tail markings on 79-122

Cockpit Access Door - 'Nose Art' from 79-122

Hi-Viz Wing and Sqn Badges on '79-122'

'Standard' tail markings on 79-107

That great set of Warthog teeth and eyes that first appeared on one aircraft last year and became so popular the Unit decided to apply it to all.

Cockpit access door 'nose art on 79-107

Standard fit on almost all of the 303rd FS A-10Cs was as follows:

Outer Starboard pylon (Station 1) - Twin LAU with one drill AIM-9L fitted

Station 2 - Litening Pod

Station 9 - AGM-65 Maverick Drill Round - Some were Grey/Green (as shown) - others were uniform (overall) Grey

Stations 4&8 - TERs (Some fitted with 25Kg practice bombs)

Hope you like the additional photos

[Duncan B]

There's nothing quite like the mighty Hog is there. Thanks for posting the photos.

Duncan B

[Latinbear]

Those are great! Even if the conditions weren't optimal for photography I think the fact you were there to witness them made for a memorable occasion.

Cheers for sharing them.

[JaseBlade]

Nice shots. I wonder if these are the same ones that were at RAF Leeming for exercise Jaded Thunder a couple of weeks back?

[Richard E]

Nice shots. I wonder if these are the same ones that were at RAF Leeming for exercise Jaded Thunder a couple of weeks back?

Yes, I think they are.

[Tiger331]

BUMP with some additional material from yesterday

[Parabat]

Some superb shots, you can tell these were taken by a modeler! Very nice pics, they will certainly help me out when I come to tackling my Warthog, thanks for sharing.

[Tiger331]

Some superb shots, you can tell these were taken by a modeler! Very nice pics, they will certainly help me out when I come to tackling my Warthog, thanks for sharing.

You got it…….I took quite a few other detailed shots so if there are any other requests, just shout and I will upload them. Sadly I could not take any of the cockpit interior due to the inclement weather but any airframe shots, I can gladly share.

[nuuumannn]

Kewl! Awesome shots.