autoevolution
 

Skull Bangers A-10 Warthog Looks Majestic in the Colors of WWII Tank Killers

Exactly 75 years ago, the 190th Fighter Squadron became active as part of the Idaho Air National Guard's 124th Fighter Wing, so the guys who are now part of the unit are obviously in a celebratory mood. Proof of that: this specially-painted A-10 Thunderbolt II.
A-10 Thunderbolt II in World War II paint scheme 1 photo
Photo: USAF/Staff Sgt. Mercedee Wilds
Thunderbolts are the tool of the trade for this particular squadron, also known as the Skull Bangers. The machines first took to the sky in 1972, and have become known over the years as the Warthog, given their unique, aggressive look.

There are not many of these planes around, as just over 700 of them have been made, but each and everyone is frightening as hell. Created specifically to provide close air support for ground troops, the airplane relies on 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannons that can spit out in incredibly rapid succession over 1,100 rounds at enemy troops.

Thanks to the many hardpoints it is equipped with, the plane can also carry rockets, missiles, bombs, and other gear, from targeting pods to drop tanks.

The one you see here, captured on camera while in the air by Staff Sgt. Mercedee Wilds, is, as said, fielded by the 190th Fighter Squadron. The pic (click photo to enlarge) was taken while the airplane was traveling from the Air National Guard’s paint shop in Sioux City, Iowa, to its home at the Idaho Air National Guard at Gowen Field.

The plane exited the paint shop’s doors wrapped in a “World War II heritage paint scheme,“ chosen as a means to celebrate the squadron’s anniversary.

The colors are reminiscent of the ones used on the P-47 Thunderbolt, a fighter aircraft deployed during the war that made a name for itself in the hands of the pilots from the 405th Fighter Squadron, which would later become the 190th.

Just to give you a taste of what these guys were capable of during the war, it’s enough to say the 405th is responsible for destroying 122 German tanks and over 250 other vehicles during Operation Cobra in Normandy in 1944.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Daniel Patrascu
Daniel Patrascu profile photo

Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories