WWII-Inspired Paint Scheme For A-10 Demo Jet Unveiled – Why It’s A Mustang Instead Of A Thunderbolt

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A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team - WWII Heritage Paint Scheme - AirshowStuff

The A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team has unveiled the special paint scheme that we reported on earlier this month! A video posted by the team shows part of the painting process and the finished aircraft taking to the skies. Several photos of the jet were also shared on Air Force social media pages.

The “Hun Hunter” heritage scheme pays tribute to WWII-era P-51 Mustang. Some fans questioned why an A-10 unit would take inspiration from a Mustang instead of a P-47 Thunderbolt, the A-10s namesake and spiritual predecessor. Demo Team Superintendent MSgt Derek Allen explained that the tribute is directed to Col. Henry Brown, a P-51 pilot during the war who was credited with 14 air to air kills and 13 ground kills. He was the highest scoring ace in the 355th Fighter Group, which eventually became the modern 355th Wing that the demonstration team belongs to.

You won’t have to wait long to see the aircraft! It is expected to debut this weekend at the Wings Over Wine Country Air Show in Santa Rosa, CA. You’ll have even more chances to see it this year too, because the A-10 team has added two more appearances this season.

Remember to check out our airshow calendar for dates and scheduled appearances by the major US military jet teams, and also check our forums for community discussions!

All photos used courtesy of the US Air Force

  1. PeterTx52

    while the current 355th is related to the WW2 355th that doesn’t mean that the A-10 should be painted like a Mustang.

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