Airshow Pics...

**Mr. MacDougall** · 27th September 07, 10:20 AM

Have you lot heard about the effort to convert the A-10 into a fire-fighting platform? It was being run by a company in California, though they seem to have abandoned it for the moment, largely due to the lack of support from the Government.

**acstoon** · 27th September 07, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. MacDougall

Have you lot heard about the effort to convert the A-10 into a fire-fighting platform? It was being run by a company in California, though they seem to have abandoned it for the moment, largely due to the lack of support from the Government.

Yes... they bring that idea up, every time the USAF announce the 'Hog's retirement.
Of course, they seem to announce THAT every other year, until someone realizes there is no viable replacement.

**Mr. MacDougall** · 27th September 07, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by acstoon

until someone realizes there is no viable replacement.

Didn't stop the Navy from retiring the Tomcat.

**James MacMillan** · 27th September 07, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by demobud

Early in my demo career I was contracting for the CoE at the Airforce Bombing range at Stumpy Point NC. They practiced both bombing and gunning there and the approach for the A10 gunnery targets was right over the admin building (the shack). I was in there "taking care of business" one morning when the mornings first flight came over to do their thing. When those guns went off, it shook the whole building, needless to say I bailed out of the head, pants flapping around my knees to the ultimate amusement of the four civilian contractors who had asked the tower to request the pilot let off rounds over the shack. It was a gag they tried to pull on most contractors who came to do work there. It is an impressive sight and sound though. I really enjoyed working there.

At least they didn't send you in search of 12 feet of flight line - - or batteries for the CG-U-11....

**Mr. MacDougall** · 27th September 07, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by James MacMillan

At least they didn't send you in search of 12 feet of flight line - - or batteries for the CG-U-11....

Or the bulkhead stretcher. Or set you on mail bouy watch....

**demobud** · 28th September 07, 06:42 AM

Oh, I was sent in search of a skyhook and a left handed Crescent wrench, but that was when I was much younger and more gullible.

One of the best was on my very first blasting job, just after we had finished loading charges my boss looked at me and asked "Did you bring your running shoes?", to which I replied "No, why?". He answered, "We need someone to light the fuse."

**MacWage** · 28th September 07, 07:14 AM

The A-10 is one of the planes they SHOULD put back in production.

(Yes, I also think the USN mismanaged the F-14 to the point the remaining airframes were in rough shape and rather old. A condition they (USN) should never have gotten into in the first place.)

I HOPE the USAF realizes the mistake and sees the A-10 as one of the elements in present "terror war" tactics, which it is and NOTHING can replace that is ANYTHING like its job.