52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron performs a balancing act

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Wilson
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Members of the 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron perform precise maintenance evaluations essential to ensuring flight controls are balanced on A/OA-10s based here.

A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs have excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and are highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Their wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. Using night vision goggles, A-10/OA-10 pilots can conduct their missions during darkness.