VFR at FL280

[MikeD]

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Crap, crossing the pond in an A-10, how long did that take? Yikes, my A** is sore just thinking about it. How long were you off the schedule to recover after a crossing like that? That sounds like it might be fun once, maybe twice, but considerably less fun to do too often.

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Depends which way you're going........@12 hours from Azores to the east coast. Get 48 hours off entering a combat zone.

 

[derg]

You're trying to "push" 190 at 180? Good gravy, man, A King Air can do that!

 

[MikeD]

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You're trying to "push" 190 at 180? Good gravy, man, A King Air can do that!

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Yup. It's worse in combat when you're loaded down with munitions.......loaded down being a relative term, since we couldn't carry that much.....gotta weigh ordnance load carrying capability over performance issues. While the TF-34 turbofans are extremely fuel efficient, they just lose so much power the higher you go, hence one of the biggest drawbacks to the A-10.

 

[derg]

Yeah, but you can lay down some "bad news" on the bad guys!

They probably all stood around and thought "Akbar! Akbar! Is he serious? He's flying at Vmca in a combat zone? Is the American infidel on a training sortie?"

****ZOT!!!****

 

[aviategw]

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I'm guessing that enormous tank under the A/C is for fuel...it certainly isn't to help the aerodynamics of the A-10.

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Yes

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Side question: Where did you carry your personal gear when you deployed and flew yourself over? I'm sure you had extra flightsuits, clothes, assorted crap that you took with you; where did it go? Some sort of pod under a pylon?

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Yes. You can't see it in the pic as it's in the shadow of the external fuel tank.

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Also, and I understand if you can't answer this one, but did you fly with any munitions on the A/C on the way over? I dunno, maybe some bullets in the gun, or a spare missile or two? Extra weight/vs defensive capabilities? Can't imagine the A-10 having to dogfight much, but I'm curious.

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We don't. Primarily for the reason of drag. Plus, that's one less thing we have to do.....getting armed/dearmed at takeoff and landing; especially if we go into a base that doesn't have these facilities.