The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, dubbed the “Warthog” for its unglamorous appearance, came into the Air Force inventory in 1975. No one ever thought that it would still be such a valuable asset 35 years later. With upgrades through the years, it’s gained a reputation as one tough, highly maneuverable, low altitude attack aircraft.
The Warthog can survive direct hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles, even flying when hydraulic power is lost. Known as the “tank buster”, the Thunderbolt II has served in many conflicts including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Air Combat Command’s A-10 Demonstration Team, from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, will fly the 2020 demonstration in Dayton. Leading this year’s team and flying the demo is Captain Cody “ShIV” Wilton. The A-10 last appeared for a demo in Dayton in 2011.
“This is great news from the Air Force,” said Scott Buchanan, chairman of the United States Air & Trade Show Board of Trustees, producers of the show. “The A-10 is a rare, up-close-and-personal demonstration show spectators will absolutely love.”
The A-10 joins the 2020 lineup headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Also appearing will be Tora! Tora! Tora!, an eight-plane emotional reenactment of the bombing of Pearl Harbor complete with pyrotechnics; the AeroShell Aerobatic Team; Redline Airshows; and Kevin Coleman aerobatics.
Air show officials indicate additional attractions to the 2020 show will be announced in the months ahead.
2020 tickets are on sale now at the show's website, www.daytonairshow.com. Customers can enjoy print-at-home or print-to-mobile options on all website purchases.
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