General Background

A-10 was the first USAF aircraft designed specifically for “Close Air Support ” (CAS) . It can be described as the outcome of the experience gained in the Vietnam War and the threats of the Soviet Union armor forces during the Cold War era. The first A-10A “Thunderbolt II” was delivered October 1975 and deployment in March 1976.

A-10's pilot is protected by titanium armor around his seat and the canopy isa large bubble canopy which provides all-round vision. The aircraft is designed with dual engines and the self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam . Extra titanium is used to protect some flight control system parts of the aircraft. All these insure the plane and pilot's safety from enemy fires.

The Aircraft

Members of the 81st again deployed to Aviano Air Base in October 1998, supporting NATO air presence during the crisis in Kosovo, Yugoslavia. The 81st FS returned to Aviano Air Base in January 1999 for a regular contingency rotation, but then stayed to support Operation Allied Force. The squadron supported air operations from Aviano Air Base until 11 April 1999, when it moved to Gioia del Colle, Italy. From there, the unit flew more than 1,400 combat missions throughout Operation Allied Force and led the first large force packages in A-10 history. The 81st also led the first two successful combat search and rescue task force missions, which involved coordinating all rescue assets resulting in the rescue of downed F-117 and F-16 pilots.