Fighter Jets in Flight

Dynamic scenes of military fighter jets soaring through a bright blue sky, showcasing various aircraft such as F-16s and A-10s in action during air shows and missions.

Aerobytes, Jet Pitts Display, G-JPIT, Pitts S2S, Airshow

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off for the last Enhanced Air Policing mission of the deployment at 86th Air Base, Romania, July 18, 2022. The 510th EFS deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace. The multinational NATO Alliance currently hosts more than 100 combat aircraft on alert in the region, performing 24/7 patrols along the eastern borders.

221209-N-LM220-1041 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 9, 2022) An F/A-18 breaks away from formation above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II flies during the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Nov. 11, 2022. The NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is one of Pensacola's largest events, attracting 150,000-180,000 spectators during the two-day event.

four military fighter jets in cloudy blue sky

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard perform live fire exercises at the Grayling Air Gunnery Range, Michigan, June 8, 2022 during the Agile Rage 22 exercise. Agile Rage 22 provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

Six F-14A Tomcat and an A-6E Intruder aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) conduct an in-flight refueling with an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while en route to their target during Operation Desert Storm. CVW-1 is deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66).. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

General Dynamics F-16A.

110531-N-TU221-247PACIFIC OCEAN (May 31, 2011) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 drops inert ordnance during an air power demonstration over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

1st Lt. Kelsey Flannery, an F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, takes off for a training mission from South Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, Sept. 7, 2022. Flannery, who is the Air National Guard's first female F-35 pilot, made her first flight with the 158th after returning from three years of flight training.

DM-SC-89-05522. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Lindsay MAD” Johnson, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team pilot, flies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 25, 2023. During the performance, Johnson showcased different aerial maneuvers, including simulated gun runs, highlighting the capabilities of the A-10.

220809-N-AS200-4701 POINT MUGU, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2022) - E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes assigned to the "Wallbangers" Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 117 fly in formation over Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operations with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). CVW-9 deployed with a combination of fourth and fifth-generation platforms that predominantly represent the Airwing of the Future, executing more than 21,307 fixed-wing and helicopter flight hours comprising of 10,250 sorties, 8,437 launches and 8,487 aircraft arrestments.

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 4, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionally

U.S. Marine MV-22B Osprey aircrafts, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), participate in a ground threat reaction drill during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, March 30, 2023. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Eric Wilde, 22nd Airlift Squadron pilot, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker while operating a C-5M Super Galaxy over Northern California, April 28, 2022. The 22nd AS aircrew trained with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington.

A Canadian CF-18 Hornet conducts a fly over during a Multinational Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise as part of Justice Eagle 22 on Sept. 20, 2022, at Smardan Training Area, Romania. Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and we will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 4, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionally

A ground-to-air view of six Aermacchi M.B. 339PAN aircraft, from the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori aerobic team, as they begin to break out of echelon formation during a demonstration. Base: Hahn Air Base Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

060730-N-6074Y-103. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Parade of Heavies with a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender, left, C-17 Globemaster III, center, and C-5M Super Galaxy, all from the 60th Air Mobility Wing, fly in formation during the California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport in Sacramento, California, Oct. 1, 2022. Airmen representing various units from Travis Air Force Base participated in the event to educate, inspire and share the mission of Air Mobility Command.

A group of U.S Army Rangers, assigned to the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, in an UH-60 aircraft conduct a water jump into Lake Lanier at War Hill Park, Dawnsonville, Ga., May 5, 2022. The annual training event, hosted by the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, gives Rangers an opportunity to become proficient in water landings, while giving the local community a chance to see the Rangers train in the Lake Lanier area.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, provide support during the Chosin Few Memorial ceremony, on July 9, 2022, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Marines assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 41 served as color guard during the ceremony, while two F/A-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112, out of NASJRB Fort Worth, provided a flyover to commemorate the event.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 28, 2022. The A-10 is assigned to the A-10 Demonstration Team, which is a single-ship demonstration team that travels across the United States, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10 and the U.S. Air Force.

A A-6E Intruder aircraft refuels an EA-6B Prowler aircraft during a demonstration of U.S. Navy aircraft being conducted for military officials from the People's Republic of China.

C-17 Globemaster IIIs assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing fly over Charleston, South Carolina for a mass generation exercise, Jan. 5, 2023. This mission generation exercise kicks off Mobility Guardian 23 and involved the launch of 24 C-17s for the largest-ever show-of-force formation flight over Charleston Harbor. After the flyover, the formation dispersed to sharpen agile combat employment concepts that leverage rapid mobility to maximize lethality.

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. (June 10, 2022) The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, practice performance maneuvers at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, June 10, 2022. The Blue Angels are in the St. Louis area for the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow, which takes place June 11-12 and marks the St. Louis-made F/A-18 Super Hornet making its debut and return to the area.

030225-F-3961R-004. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Country: Thailand (THA)

Nomads with the 58th Fighter Squadron and 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, return to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 30, 2022. Leadership with the 33rd FW directed the repositioning of aircraft to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to prepare for possible damaging winds caused by Hurricane Ian.

The A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team practices at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 24, 2023. The demonstration team performs at air shows around the country to display the capabilities of the A-10 and the U.S. Air Force.

General Dynamics F-16A.

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, and one KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, currently operating out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, conducts a low approach flyover over the Pirita Tee in Tallinn, Estonia, June 16, 2022. The two fighter jets are flying across the Baltic Sea region to demonstrate U.S. commitment and assurance to NATO Baltic Allies and partners.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, deploys flares at the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, Dec. 7, 2022. The 422 TES is a geographically separated unit of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Eglin AFB, Florida.

Mike Goulian, piloting his SR-22, performs aerobatics during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. Goulian has been competing in aerobatic contests for over 30 years and is a recognized expert in aviation. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

U.S. Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 fly three AV-8B Harrier II jets over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. In accordance with Force Design 2030, VMA-542 transitioned from the AV-8B Harrier II jet to the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet and redesignated as a Marine fighter-attack squadron. VMA-542 was a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Air Force special tactics operators assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing execute a military free fall jump from an MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 352nd SOW during open ocean personnel recovery training off the east coast of England, Aug. 23, 2022. Special tactics operators provide a quick reaction, rapidly-deployable force capable of establishing and providing positive control of the air-to-ground interface during special operations or conventional missions.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests. The service concluded with a Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft, seen here. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base.

Demonstration team "De Grasshoppers" with Alouette III helicopters during the Open Day at the Twenthe airbase.

Naval aircraft fly in formation during a flyover demonstration for military officials from the People's Republic of China visiting aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). The aircraft include, from foreground: F-14A Tomcat aircraft, A-7E Corsair II aircraft, A-6E Intruder aircraft, EA-6E Prowler aircraft and a combination of a A-6E Intruders and S-3A Viking aircraft. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 takes off from Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, during exercise Keen Sword 2023, Nov. 10, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Members from the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, travel aboard a C-17 Globemaster III from the 105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, in route to Alpena, Michigan June 4, 2022. This effort is in support of Agile Rage 22 which provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, flies during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

A C-130J-30 Super Hercules assigned to the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, West Virginia, drops simulated cargo Aug 11, 2022, at Camp Branch drop and landing zone Logan, W.Va. Air Delivery is one of many proficiencies Air National Guard units flying the Super Hercules must stay current to maintain mobility readiness.

High readiness forces of the Polish Army perform a jump from C-130 during Swift Response as part of Swift Response at Jekabpils, Latvia, May 9, 2022. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. It aims to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnerships.

Straight on long shot directly overhead as a Pararescueman from the 41st Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia , exits from HC-130 rescue aircraft to attempt to locate a simulated F-16 crash site and wounded pilot (Crash site and pilot not shown). Desert Rescue, is a premiere joint rescue exercise that facilitates improved search and rescue techniques for over 140 participants. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

green military fighter aircrafts in cloudy sky four green military fighter aircrafts in cloudy blue sky Copyright: xZoonar.com/ValeryxVoennyyx 7229548

Airmen from the 96th Airlift Squadron and 27th Aerial Port Squadron conduct air drops on Warrens drop zone at Fort McCoy Wis., June 29, 2022.The units are part of the 934th Airlift Wing at Minneapolis-St Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, Minn., operating C-130 Hercules aircraft.

DM-ST-86-08399. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Egyptian Air Force MiG-21 aircraft participates in a live-fire demonstration during BRIGHT STAR '82, a combined exercise involving the armed forces of the US, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, and Oman. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Country: Egypt (EGY)

Ground-to-air silhouetted view of a C-130 Hercules aircraft dropping a pallet containing two 55-gallon drums of water, over the Fuji Drop Zone by parachute. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-86-05117. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84-7 Country: Philippines (PHL)

A ground-to-air left underside view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft firing a missile while over the target range at Crow Valley. The A-10 is participating in the air combat training exercise COPE THUNDER '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '83-1 Country: Philippines (PHL)

England, West Sussex, Chichester, Goodwood, P-51 Mustang (Merlin Engine) operated by Boutlbee Flight Academy, Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX MK732 Royal Netherlands Air Force. Hawker Hurricane MkIIb AG244 in the colours of the Rhodesian Air Force carying out flypast at the Battle of Britain celebration 15 September 2015. Flying into the sunshine.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 9, 2022) Two E-2D Hawkeyes, assigned to the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, fly over the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, fly in formation April 23, 2022, at the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana. U.S. Air Force Col. Michael D. Stohler, commander of the 122nd Fighter Wing, flew his last military flight during a regularly scheduled drill.

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender approaches another KC-10 for aerial refueling over Northern California, May 26, 2022. Aircrew members performed an Integrated Mission Sortie as part of a training to enhance refuel capabilities and increase global mobility.

A formation of aircraft assigned to Carrier Wing Eleven (CVW-11) is shown during a fly-by of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) as part of a fire power demonstration. The units involved are Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95), Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135), Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22), Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94), Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) and Ship Anti-Submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29). Country: Western Pacific

A KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft from the 71st Air Refueling Squadron flies a mission during Proud Shield '92, a Strategic Air Command bombing and navigation competition. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, and an FG-1D Corsair fly in a U.S. Navy Legacy Flight formation during the 2022 Atlantic City Airshow at Atlantic City, New Jersey, Aug. 24, 2022. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Haden Fullam, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies over Tyler, Texas, July 1, 2022. Fullam flew a capability demonstration of the A-10 Thunderbolt II as part of an airshow. During the performance, Fullam showcased different aerial maneuvers, including simulated weapons delivery, highlighting the combat capabilities of the A-10.

DN-ST-87-08179. Base: Naval Air Station Patuxent River State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-130 Hercules aircraft refuels an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during Teamwork '92, a multinational NATO exercise involving 45,000 troops, 170 ships and 300 aircraft from 11 nations in maritime and air operations in the North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea and amphibious and land-based operations along the Norwegian coastline. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM WORK '92 Country: Norwegian Sea

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 4, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionally

A C-130J-30 Super Hercules assigned to the 130th Airlift Wing drops simulated cargo at Camp Branch drop and landing zone Logan, West Virginia, July 14, 2022. Airmen from the 130th Air Transportation Function recovered the training loads after the air delivery training. Air Delivery is one of many proficiencies Air National Guard units flying the Super Hercules must stay current to maintain mobility readiness.

060911-N-8604L-741. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 4, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionally

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots compete in Hawgsmoke 2022 at Saylor Creek in Idaho, Sept 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, military aircraft, military aircraft, Royal Jordanian Navy air show, low-level flight, Aqaba, Aqaba, Jordan, Asia

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 28, 2022. The A-10 is assigned to the A-10 Demonstration Team, which is a single-ship demonstration team that travels across the United States, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10 and the U.S. Air Force.

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress "Sally B" with a B-25 Mitchell during the Liberation Flying Party on Rotterdam-Zestienhoven.

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 11, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionall

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