
Low flying Thunderbolts over Latvia.
According to the information released by the Latvian Ministry of Defense, NATO air assets, namely the A-10 Thunderbolts deployed as a part of the Theater Security Package, are going to use the country’s airspace to conduct low-level flying.
The release issued by the Latvian authorities asks the public not to be worried about the low-flying Hogs. The missions are going to take place only on specific, agreed dates and times, starting from Jun. 8, 2015.
The low-level flying is to be carried out outside the firing ranges – this is the reason why the event is so unusual. It was said that the training’s purpose is to maintain and refine the pilots’ skills and combat readiness.
All the information pertaining the operations are going to be available on the Internet. It was already said that the sorties would take place in seven districts, namely: Rūjiena, Smiltene, Aluksne – Gulbene, Balvi – Vilani, Madona – Plavinas, Jēkabpils and Preiļi – Līvāni.
According to the Ministry, the Warthog training operations within the Latvian airspace are a part of the Operation Atlantic Resolve, undertaken by NATO in the light of the Ukrainian crisis. The low-level training operations are going to be organized in a way that will not pose a threat to the public.
Whats up with the probe covering the IFR receptacle?
Looks like they are doing some testing.
That is the test A-10C at Eglin AFB, not an operational jet as related to this article. It has several sensors mounted on its fuselage, including the data probe on the nose.
Busy mission(s) for an airframe that allegedly has no further combat value. After all, former SecDef Hagel stated:
Then again, could it be that the core mission – again quoting the former SecDef – is actually in the “here and now” in that;
Naaaah, can’t be
BRRRRRRRRT