"Air Force Gen. Dan Caine stated that a task force including A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft 'audaciously penetrated enemy territory in broad daylight' to rescue the F-15E pilot. This was an incredibly dangerous mission, as the task force faced Iranian fire while locating and retrieving the downed pilot."
"During the engagement, one A-10 aircraft was hit by enemy fire. The pilot flew it into friendly airspace but determined that they wouldn't be able to land it. The pilot ejected as the plane went down and was recovered safely."
"Caine emphasized that a 'Sandy' has one mission: get to the survivor, bring the rescue force forward, and put themselves between that survivor on the ground and the enemy. The 'Sandy' role originated during the Vietnam War as the call sign for A-1 Skyraiders leading combat search-and-rescue missions."
A-10 Warthogs were involved in rescue missions to retrieve downed American airmen in Iran, flying in 'Sandy' roles to support search and rescue. Despite plans to retire the aircraft, they engaged in close-in battles at low altitudes. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine detailed the mission, highlighting the audacity of the task force that penetrated enemy territory in daylight. The A-10s suppressed enemy fire while retrieving the pilot of a downed F-15E. One A-10 was hit but the pilot ejected and was safely recovered. The Air Force considers A-10s obsolete for future conflicts with China.
Read at www.businessinsider.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]