Defense & Military
Bombardier Delivers Ninth Global Aircraft to US Air Force BACN Program
Bombardier Defense delivers ninth Global aircraft to US Air Force, enhancing battlefield communications with the BACN program and expanding operational capabilities.
Bombardier Defense Delivers Ninth Global Aircraft to U.S. Air Force: Expanding Critical Battlefield Communications Capabilities
The delivery of Bombardier Defense’s ninth Global aircraft to the United States Air Force for the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program marks a significant milestone in the evolution of military communications technology and defense industry partnerships. This latest handover, celebrated at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts in September 2025, continues a nearly two-decade collaboration between Bombardier and the U.S. military to provide a critical airborne communication gateway. The E-11A aircraft, often dubbed “Wi-Fi in the sky” by Air Force personnel, functions as a high-altitude communications relay platform, enabling interoperability between disparate military communication systems across air, land, sea, and space domains.
This ninth aircraft delivery highlights the ongoing expansion of the BACN fleet, which has grown from an urgent operational need, arising from communication challenges in mountainous terrain, into a cornerstone capability for modern joint and coalition military operations. The program’s track record, with over 15,500 missions and a mission availability rate exceeding 98 percent, underscores the strategic value of reliable battlefield communications in contemporary military settings. As the Air Force continues to modernize its communication capabilities to prepare for potential near-peer conflicts, the BACN program stands as an example of how commercial-off-the-shelf platforms can be effectively adapted for specialized military missions, bridging the gap between legacy systems and future networked warfare concepts.
Historical Context and Program Evolution
The BACN program originated from operational requirements identified during early 21st-century military campaigns, particularly in Afghanistan, where mountainous terrain severely limited line-of-sight communications between ground forces and supporting aircraft. The initial concept of airborne gateways in battlefield networks dates back to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiatives in the late 1990s, such as the Airborne Communications Node project, which later evolved into the Adaptive Joint C4ISR Node. These early efforts highlighted the need for systems capable of bridging communications between military platforms operating on incompatible radio frequencies and data link protocols.
Formal development of BACN began as a risk-reduction demonstration for the Tactical Airborne Objective Gateway program. The first flight tests in December 2005 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, using a NASA WB-57 Canberra aircraft, successfully demonstrated the system’s ability to relay communications between airborne and ground systems. The program gained momentum after its operational test during the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2006, validating its utility in complex scenarios.
BACN transitioned from concept to operational necessity in 2009, becoming a Joint Urgent Operational Need program to support Operation Enduring Freedom. The rapid nine-month development and deployment timeline reflected the Defense Department’s ability to respond quickly to warfighter needs. Initially reliant on NASA’s limited WB-57 fleet, the Air Force soon sought a dedicated platform, selecting the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet for its high-altitude performance and endurance. This strategic choice leveraged proven commercial Aviation technology, allowing for quicker, cost-effective adaptation to military requirements.
Throughout its history, BACN has achieved significant milestones, including 5,000 combat missions on the E-11A platform by November 2014. Operational feedback has been consistently positive, with commanders emphasizing BACN’s life-saving capabilities and its integration into standard mission planning and execution.
Technical Capabilities and Aircraft Specifications
The E-11A, based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, is extensively modified to support the BACN mission. It boasts a length of 99 feet 5 inches, a wingspan of 94 feet, and a height of 25 feet 6 inches, offering ample internal space for mission equipment. Its operational ceiling of 51,000 feet and range of 6,000 nautical miles enable it to fly above most terrain obstacles and threats, providing optimal line-of-sight coverage for communications relay.
The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 engines, each producing 14,750 pounds of thrust, allowing for takeoff from runways as short as 6,476 feet and missions lasting up to 12 hours. With a maximum takeoff weight of 99,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,617 kilograms, it can accommodate the BACN payload, crew, and supplies for extended missions.
Avionics include Bombardier’s Vision flight deck, four large displays, head-up display with enhanced and synthetic vision, and MultiScan weather radar. Navigation and communication systems are robust, supporting graphical flight planning, Controller Pilot Datalink Communications, and high-speed satellite links. The BACN payload, developed by Northrop Grumman, employs a digital message transformation system that translates between incompatible communication protocols, including Link 16, EPLRS, SADL, and IP-based networks, ensuring seamless interoperability across the battlespace.
The E-11A requires only two pilots, a significant reduction in crew compared to legacy systems like the E-8 JSTARS. Its cabin, with a height of 6 feet 2 inches, width of 7 feet 1 inch, and length of 43 feet 3 inches, is optimized for both crew comfort and mission equipment.
“BACN’s revolutionary digital message transformation capability enables seamless communication between previously incompatible platforms, making it a cornerstone of joint and coalition operations.”
Contract Details and Financial Investment
The BACN program represents a substantial financial investment by the U.S. Air Force. In June 2021, Bombardier was awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract worth up to $465 million for up to six additional E-11A aircraft, with an initial $70 million order and options for five more. This structure allows procurement flexibility while supporting predictable production schedules. The eighth aircraft, delivered in November 2024, and the ninth, delivered in September 2025, are part of this multi-year strategy.
Northrop Grumman, as the BACN payload integrator, holds a separate Contracts valued at up to $3.6 billion through 2026, covering research, development, integration, operations, and sustainment for BACN payloads and associated systems. This ensures comprehensive lifecycle support for the BACN fleet.
Cost-effectiveness is a key feature of the BACN program. The E-11A replaces capabilities previously provided by larger, more crew-intensive aircraft, reducing personnel, training, and logistical demands. Bombardier’s modification facilities in Wichita, Kansas, and Tucson, Arizona, support the program, distributing economic impact across multiple states. Congressional appropriations have supported ongoing procurement, with the Air Force planning to field eight E-11A aircraft by 2026.
“The BACN program demonstrates how leveraging commercial platforms for military use can achieve significant cost savings and rapid capability delivery.”
Recent Delivery Milestones and Strategic Expansion
The September 2025 delivery of the ninth Global aircraft marks a key step in BACN’s transition from urgent need to enduring capability. With nine aircraft delivered, Bombardier and the Air Force have maintained a steady production cadence, ensuring the fleet can meet global operational demands. The latest aircraft, registered as 24-9049, incorporates technological improvements and operational lessons learned from previous deployments.
Fleet expansion is critical for maintaining near-continuous BACN coverage across multiple theaters. The Air Force’s goal of eight E-11A aircraft by 2026 reflects a careful balance of operational requirements and sustainment needs. BACN missions have surpassed 15,500 with a 98 percent availability rate, a testament to the system’s reliability in challenging environments.
The retirement of BACN-equipped EQ-4B Global Hawk UAVs and increased reliance on manned E-11A platforms reflects operational preferences for crewed solutions in complex scenarios. The establishment of the 18th Airborne Command and Control Squadron at Robins Air Force Base further supports geographic expansion and global coverage.
BACN’s transition to a permanent program of record ensures sustained funding and standardized procedures, moving the capability from an experimental solution to an integral part of Air Force operations.
Strategic Importance and Operational Impact
BACN’s strategic value lies in its ability to bridge communications between disparate platforms and units, addressing interoperability challenges in joint and coalition warfare. Commanders have repeatedly emphasized BACN’s life-saving impact, integrating its availability into mission planning and emphasizing its role in enhancing situational awareness and coordination.
The system’s high-altitude operation provides communication coverage even when ground-based infrastructure is compromised or unavailable, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions. BACN has enabled “comms-on-the-move” for humanitarian convoys and disaster response, demonstrating its versatility beyond traditional military operations.
Coalition interoperability is a core benefit, allowing allied forces to coordinate effectively despite differing equipment and protocols. BACN supports Joint All Domain Command and Control concepts, enabling integrated operations across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
“BACN is absolutely indispensable, its importance on the battlefield is matched only by ammunition and supplies.”
Industry Partnerships and Technological Innovation
The BACN program exemplifies effective public-private collaboration, leveraging Bombardier’s commercial aviation expertise and Northrop Grumman’s communications systems integration. This partnership has enabled rapid capability development and cost-effective adaptation of commercial platforms for military use.
Bombardier’s role extends from aircraft provision to modification and ongoing support, while Northrop Grumman’s joint translator/forwarder technology underpins BACN’s core capabilities. The system’s open architecture allows for incremental upgrades and integration of new technologies, maintaining its relevance in evolving operational environments.
Innovation continues with the development of modular BACN pods for various platforms and the integration of automation and AI to reduce operator workload and improve reliability. These advancements ensure BACN remains at the forefront of military communications technology.
Future Outlook and Modernization Initiatives
BACN’s future is closely tied to broader trends in military communications and network-centric warfare. As the Air Force develops the Advanced Battle Management System and gatewayONE technology, BACN will remain operationally critical through at least 2026, with modernization efforts ensuring its continued relevance.
Incremental upgrades, enhanced protocol support, and integration of AI-driven automation position BACN to meet the demands of contested environments and great power competition. International interest in BACN-type capabilities may lead to expanded coalition applications, further enhancing global interoperability.
Ongoing innovation in commercial aviation and communications technology offers opportunities for future BACN platform improvements, supporting the program’s evolution alongside emerging military requirements.
Conclusion
The delivery of Bombardier Defense’s ninth Global aircraft for the BACN program is more than a procurement milestone, it marks the maturation of a critical military capability, born from urgent need and refined through years of operational experience. The enduring partnership between Bombardier, Northrop Grumman, and the U.S. Air Force highlights the value of public-private collaboration in delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions to complex defense challenges.
BACN’s strategic importance is reflected in its operational track record, enabling joint and coalition interoperability, real-time situational awareness, and reliable communications across the battlespace. As modernization initiatives continue and new technologies emerge, BACN is poised to remain a cornerstone of military communications, supporting both current operations and future networked warfare concepts.
FAQ
What is the BACN program?
The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program provides high-altitude, airborne communication relay platforms that enable interoperability between different military communication systems, supporting joint and coalition operations.
Why was the Bombardier Global 6000 chosen for BACN?
The Bombardier Global 6000 was selected for its high-altitude performance, long endurance, and reliability, allowing it to support extended missions and carry the specialized BACN payload efficiently.
How many BACN aircraft does the U.S. Air Force operate?
As of September 2025, the U.S. Air Force operates nine Bombardier Global aircraft configured for BACN missions, with plans to field eight E-11A aircraft by 2026 as part of its strategic expansion.
What makes BACN unique in military operations?
BACN’s ability to translate and relay communications between incompatible systems is unique, enabling seamless coordination among joint and coalition forces operating different equipment and protocols.
What are the future plans for BACN?
The Air Force plans to continue modernizing BACN capabilities while developing next-generation systems like gatewayONE, ensuring continued operational relevance through at least 2026 and potentially beyond.
Sources
Photo Credit: Bombardier
Defense & Military
Boeing Validates Stealth Performance of MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone
Boeing confirms the stealth capabilities of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone after extensive radar testing, marking a key milestone in its development.
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing.
On June 1, 2026, Boeing announced a major milestone for its uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, successfully validating the stealth performance of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat. According to an official press release from the aerospace manufacturers, the validation took place at its facilities in Brisbane, Queensland, marking a critical step forward in proving the drone’s survivability in contested airspace.
We at AirPro News recognize this development as a significant indicator of the maturing CCA market. The MQ-28, designed to operate as a “loyal wingman” alongside crewed fighter jets, relies on its low-observable characteristics to perform high-risk missions without endangering human pilots. By confirming its stealth capabilities, Boeing provides military customers with the objective data needed to assess detection risks, support certification decisions, and guide future tactical choices.
Validating the Ghost Bat’s Stealth Capabilities
Radar Cross Section Testing
The recent validation was achieved through comprehensive Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing. According to the company’s announcement, Boeing engineers analyzed the aircraft’s radar detectability from multiple angles inside a specialized test chamber. This rigorous evaluation included measurements across elevation (pitch), azimuth (nose to tail), and roll (rotation around the aircraft).
While specific RCS figures and the radar bands utilized during the testing remain classified, Boeing noted that the confirmed low RCS effectively reduces the distance at which enemy radar systems can detect and engage the MQ-28. This capability is essential for the platform to operate effectively in highly contested environments.
“The combination of a highly capable platform, stealth features, advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence provides unprecedented ability for air forces to extend their mission effectiveness and operational flexibility.”
Program Milestones and Expanding Capabilities
Recent Flight and Weapons Tests
The MQ-28 program has advanced rapidly since its inaugural flight in February 2021. Based on historical program data and industry reports, the aircraft has accumulated over 150 test flights. The stealth validation follows a series of critical milestones achieved over the past year.
In early 2026, the MQ-28 completed its first operational flights outside of Australia. These tests took place over the Point Mugu Sea Range at Naval Base Ventura County in California, aiming to validate autonomous operations and demonstrate interoperability with allied forces. Prior to this, in December 2025, Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) successfully completed an air-to-air weapon engagement, where an MQ-28 fired an AIM-120 missile to destroy a fighter-class target drone. Furthermore, operational viability demonstrations were completed in September 2025.
Aircraft Specifications and Role
Developed primarily by Boeing Australia in partnership with the RAAF, the MQ-28 is the first military-aircraft to be designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia in over 50 years. The aircraft measures 38 feet (11.7 meters) in length and boasts a range of over 2,000 nautical miles.
It features a modular “missionized” nose, allowing ground crews to rapidly swap payloads based on mission requirements. Its primary roles include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, and tactical early warning, complementing existing crewed assets like the F/A-18F Super Hornet and E-7A Wedgetail.
AirPro News analysis
The defense aviation sector is currently experiencing a massive shift toward autonomous and semi-autonomous uncrewed systems. As next-generation crewed fighter jets become increasingly expensive to produce and maintain, global air forces are prioritizing “affordable combat mass.”
We observe that drones like the MQ-28 Ghost Bat offer a highly cost-effective method to multiply force capabilities and increase fleet size. By absorbing risks in dangerous environments, these platforms protect human pilots while maintaining air superiority. The recent testing in California, combined with this newly validated stealth performance, strongly positions the MQ-28 for the international export market. It presents a compelling option for allied nations seeking to modernize their air combat strategies with interoperable, low-observable drone technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the MQ-28 Ghost Bat?
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) developed by Boeing Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force. It is designed to act as a “loyal wingman,” flying alongside and supporting crewed military aircraft using advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence.
Why is stealth validation important for the MQ-28?
Stealth validation, achieved through Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing, confirms the aircraft’s low-observable design. This reduces the distance at which enemy radar can detect the drone, significantly enhancing its survivability in hostile and contested airspace.
What are the specifications of the MQ-28?
The aircraft is 38 feet (11.7 meters) long, has a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles, and features a modular nose for rapid payload swapping to suit various mission profiles.
Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
USAF Launches EPAWSS Speedline to Accelerate F-15E Modernization
The USAF establishes an EPAWSS Speedline at Warner Robins to rapidly upgrade F-15E Strike Eagles with advanced electronic warfare systems starting June 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
Air Force Launches EPAWSS Speedline to Accelerate F-15E Modernization
On May 26, 2026, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) announced the establishment of a dedicated “Speedline” facility at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC) in Georgia. This new initiative is designed to rapidly accelerate the installation of the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) on the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E Strike Eagle fleet.
According to the official press release, the Speedline facility is slated to receive its first F-15E aircraft for installation in June 2026. By decoupling these critical electronic warfare upgrades from standard Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) schedules, the Air Force aims to field advanced defensive capabilities much faster than previously possible.
We note that this shift in maintenance strategy allows the military to upgrade jets up to five to seven years ahead of their routine maintenance cycles. This collaborative effort between the AFLCMC’s F-15 System Program Office and the WR-ALC is expected to significantly boost fleet readiness against modern electromagnetic threats.
Breaking the Maintenance Bottleneck
Operational Independence
Historically, major system upgrades for fighter aircraft have been tied to their routine depot maintenance schedules, which can create bottlenecks for fielding urgent technology. The AFLCMC’s new Speedline operates entirely independently of the standard PDM line.
This operational independence provides the F-15 System Program Office and WR-ALC the flexibility to install the EPAWSS on aircraft that are not due for routine maintenance for another five to seven years. By treating the electronic warfare upgrade as a standalone priority, the Air Force can modernize its fleet at a pace dictated by tactical necessity rather than logistical routine.
Understanding the EPAWSS Upgrade
Replacing Cold War-Era Technology
The Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System is a next-generation, all-digital electronic warfare suite. Based on the provided research data, it is designed to replace the legacy Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS), which relies on Cold War-era analog equipment.
Developed by prime contractor BAE Systems, with Boeing serving as the prime contractor for integration, EPAWSS provides fully integrated radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection solutions. The system allows the aircraft to detect, identify, and defeat surface and airborne threats in highly contested, dense signal environments.
Financial and Production Milestones
The U.S. Air Force officially cleared EPAWSS for full-rate production in early 2025. Concurrently, the Air Force awarded a $615.8 million contract to Boeing to cover the installation of these systems. Shortly after this award, the first fully equipped F-15E was delivered to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in the modernization of the 4th-generation fleet.
Strategic Importance and Lethality
Expanding the F-15E’s Capabilities
The integration of EPAWSS is not merely a defensive measure; it is a comprehensive upgrade to the aircraft’s survivability and lethality. In the official AFLCMC release, military leadership emphasized the strategic necessity of the system.
“The F-15E Strike Eagle remains a cornerstone of our tactical airpower and deep strike capabilities. The integration of advanced electronic warfare suites, such as the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System, ensures the F-15E will not just survive, but actively disrupt and dismantle adversary kill chains in the most highly contested, electromagnetically dense environments.”
, Lt. Col. Matthew Heil, F-15 Program Office, EPAWSS Materiel Leader
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the creation of the EPAWSS Speedline reflects a broader Department of Defense trend toward agile logistics and sustainment. By separating critical combat upgrades from time-consuming depot maintenance, the military is demonstrating a commitment to fielding new technologies to the warfighter at a much faster pace.
Furthermore, as the U.S. Air Force continues to develop and field 5th-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22, alongside future 6th-generation platforms, maintaining the survivability of 4th-generation “workhorse” aircraft is a strategic priority. EPAWSS ensures that older airframes like the F-15E can safely and effectively operate alongside stealth fighters in modern, highly contested combat scenarios, bridging the gap between legacy platforms and future air dominance initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EPAWSS Speedline?
The EPAWSS Speedline is a dedicated installation facility at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex designed to rapidly equip F-15E Strike Eagles with the new Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System, independent of standard maintenance schedules.
When will the first aircraft be upgraded at the Speedline?
According to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the facility is slated to receive its first F-15E aircraft for installation in June 2026.
Who are the primary contractors for EPAWSS?
BAE Systems is the prime contractor that developed the EPAWSS, while Boeing serves as the prime contractor for the system’s integration and installation on the F-15E.
Sources
Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Codie Trimble
Defense & Military
Final A-10 Engine Build Marks End of Davis-Monthan Maintenance Era
Davis-Monthan AFB completes last A-10 engine build as USAF extends aircraft service life through 2030, ending a 50-year maintenance mission.
This article is based on an official press release from Air Combat Command.
On May 21, 2026, Airmen at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona officially completed their final A-10 Thunderbolt II engine build. According to an official release from Air Combat Command, this milestone marks the end of a decades-long maintenance mission for the 355th Component Maintenance Squadron (CMS) and serves as a symbolic closing chapter for the base’s 50-year legacy with the iconic close-air-support aircraft.
While the U.S. Air-Forces recently announced a partial extension of the A-10’s operational life through 2030, the formal training and heavy maintenance pipelines, including the dedicated Davis-Monthan engine shop, are officially shutting down. As the military transitions to future platforms, the completion of this final General Electric TF34 turbofan engine represents the end of an era for the maintainers who kept the “Warthog” flying.
We at AirPro News have reviewed the official military releases and supplementary research to provide a comprehensive look at what this final build means for the U.S. Air Force, the maintainers on the ground, and the future of the A-10 fleet.
A Historic Final Build for the 355th CMS
A standard A-10 engine build is a rigorous, multi-stage operation that typically takes 30 days to complete. The process involves meticulous inspection, repair, rebuilding, and testing of the General Electric TF34 turbofan engines that power the A-10C Thunderbolt II. According to military reports, a single crew of five maintainers usually handles the entire process for a given engine.
Hands-On Participation
For this historic final build, the 355th CMS broke from tradition. Every member of the shop participated, ensuring that all personnel had the opportunity to put their hands on the final engine throughout its diagnostic runs and final inspection. The final engine test was successfully conducted in the test cell on April 30, 2026, verifying its performance and flight readiness.
The process officially concluded on May 21, 2026, when Tech. Sgt. Logan Lamb, a 355th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector, stamped the final inspection form. Wing leadership and the 355th CMS gathered to celebrate the completion, reflecting on the gravity of their work.
“Some, if not all these engines have saved lives on the ground through close air support missions, and some have carried pilots home while the other engine was damaged. All members of the shop put eyes and hands on this engine throughout the build, testing, diagnostic runs and final inspection. Typically, only one crew of five would work on any one engine, but this engine has been touched by everyone.”
The Warthog’s Legacy and Future Operations
Davis-Monthan AFB has served as the primary hub for A-10 operations and training for nearly 50 years. However, the base began divesting its A-10 fleet in February 2024, sending the first aircraft to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, commonly known as the “Boneyard.” On April 3, 2026, the 357th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan graduated its final class of A-10 pilots, permanently closing the formal training pipeline for the aircraft.
Service Extension Through 2030
Despite the closures at Davis-Monthan, the A-10 will continue to fly. On April 20, 2026, Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink announced that the Air Force will extend the service life of the remaining A-10 fleet through 2030, reversing a previous plan to retire the aircraft by 2029. According to defense reports, this decision was heavily influenced by the A-10’s recent combat performance in Operation Epic Fury, a U.S. campaign against Iran in late March and April 2026, where the aircraft successfully struck naval vessels and provided critical close air support.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to extend the A-10’s service life through 2030 while simultaneously closing its primary heavy maintenance and training facilities presents a unique logistical scenario. The Air Force is utilizing what it calls a “fleet management strategy.” Because the Davis-Monthan engine shop and the pilot “schoolhouse” are now closed, operational squadrons at bases like Moody AFB and Whiteman AFB will be operating on borrowed time. They will have to rely entirely on existing experienced personnel, stockpiled parts, and the durability of engines like the one just completed by the 355th CMS to sustain operations until the final retirement date. This strategy underscores the military’s confidence in the robust engineering of the TF34 engines and the meticulous groundwork laid by aerospace Propulsion Airmen over the past decades.
The Unsung Heroes of Aerospace Propulsion
The longevity and survivability of the A-10 Thunderbolt II are directly tied to the expertise of aerospace propulsion Airmen. These maintainers are responsible for ensuring the aircraft remains lethal and capable of returning pilots home safely, even after taking heavy fire.
Their daily responsibilities include conducting borescope inspections to identify internal engine issues early and prevent catastrophic failures. They also manage test cell operations, running the engines in a controlled environment while monitoring critical readings from a control cab to verify performance before the engine is ever attached to an airframe.
“I think the legacy of the A-10 is going to be remembered for generations. The A-10 will be missed here in Arizona.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What engine does the A-10 Thunderbolt II use?
The A-10 is powered by twin General Electric TF34 turbofan engines. These engines are renowned for their durability and ability to sustain damage while still bringing pilots home safely.
Why is the A-10’s service life being extended to 2030?
Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink announced the extension on April 20, 2026, following the aircraft’s highly successful combat performance during Operation Epic Fury in early 2026. The extension reverses previous plans to retire the fleet by 2029.
Is Davis-Monthan AFB still training A-10 pilots?
No. The 357th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan graduated its final class of A-10 pilots on April 3, 2026, officially closing the formal training pipeline for the aircraft.
Sources: Air Combat Command
Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Ornelas Jr.
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