The A-10C Demonstration Team has declared that 2024 will mark the conclusion of its illustrious journey. This decision is intricately tied to the ongoing divestment of the A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, which will gradually retire over the next three to five years.
The first step towards this transition occurred on February 12, 2024, when the 354th Fighter Squadron bid farewell to its aircraft, with the tail number 82-648, which was sent to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), known as the Boneyard, for long-term storage at Davis-Monthan AFB.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, designed by Fairchild Republic in the 1970s, has etched its name in aviation history. Its effectiveness in close air support missions has elevated it to legend status among military aircraft.
The decision to divest the A-10s aligns with the US Air Force’s strategic shift towards modernization and the acquisition of aircraft better suited for operations in contested environments against near-peer adversaries, such as the F-35 Lightning II.
Fans and enthusiasts can still catch the A-10C Demonstration Team in action during its final season. With 18 scheduled shows remaining across the United States from March 23 to October 5, 2024, spectators can witness the culmination of over four decades of aerial prowess.