Fairchild YA-10B Thunderbolt II, 73-1664 / A10-0001, Air Force Flight Test Center Museum - AFFTC
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 73-1664
Construction Number: A10-0001
Military Unit: AFFTC
Model Fairchild YA-10B Thunderbolt II
Operator: Air Force Flight Test Center Museum - AFFTC
Airport: Edwards AFB (EDW / KEDW), USA - California
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 07/05/1993
Date Submitted: 05/08/2009
This Thunderbolt was the first production A-10A, she was returned to the Republic factory in March 1979 for conversion to a prototype two-seat variant. The modifications took about three months and when complete, the aircraft was redesignated N/AW-10, the N/AW standing for Night/Adverse Weather. This unique A-10 had a modified forward fuselage to accomodate a second cockpit equipped with dual controls for the Electronic Warfare Officer. The canopy was changed from the standard clam-shell type to one that was side-opening. The aircraft was equipped with an upgraded Head-Up Display (HUD), Forward Looking InfraRed, Low Light Television, laser ranging device, terrain following radar, inertial navigation system, radar altimeter and an electronic moving map display. This variant retained the massive GAU-8A 30mm gun, but could only accomodate a smaller ammunition drum of 750 rounds. Flight testing of the N/AW-10 began on the 23 October 1979 at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, she flew a total of 48.6 hours over the course of 28 missions, about one third of which were conducted at night. The program ended in cancellation on the 4 December 1979. The USAF investigated the conversion of a number of A-10As into a two-seat trainer to be known as the A-10B, however this program was cancelled before any airframes were modified. This one-of-a-kind aeroplane was photographed in a rather sorry-looking state whilst in open storage pending the opening of the AFFTC Museum at Edwards AFB.
Picture ID:1185629