A-10s over Kosovo

A-10s OVER KOSOVO
testimony to its unique allure and the affection felt by those
associated with it.
A-10 Thunderbolt II, . . . Warthog, ...Hog
USAF Photo
The nomenclature of the A-10 is often confusing because
the designations “A-10,” “OA-10,” and “A/OA-10” have been
used to identify essentially identical aircraft. In reality, the aircraft
designation reflects its assigned mission and the qualification
of its pilot. “A-10” normally identifies an aircraft dedicated
to the CAS mission, while “OA-10” refers to one used in
the airborne forward air controller (AFAC) role. Each unit’s aircraft
is then designated either A-10 or OA-10 as a reflection of
the weighting of that unit’s CAS and AFAC tasking. Fighter
squadrons (FS) must maintain an appropriate number of pilots
qualified in each of those missions in addition to those
qualified for CSAR, which is not directly related to either aircraft
designation. During Operation Allied Force (OAF),
Warthog squadrons were tasked for all three missions; and in
accordance with standard Air Force nomenclature, they were
identified as flying the “A/OA-10.” In this book, however, we
use the convention “A-10” for all Hogs, regardless of squadron,
tail number, or mission.
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