Posted on 02/20/2003 4:39:43 PM PST by Noslrac
Two Air Force planes from Whiteman clipped each other Wednesday afternoon over Cannon Gunnery Range in south central Missouri. They both returned safely to the base and neither pilot was injured.
The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs were flying a routine training mission when the incident happened. Planes fly over Cannon Gunnery Range on a daily basis.
Minor damage was reported on both planes. Until the inspection is complete, no one is aware of the cost to repair the planes.
"[The] planes will eventually be able to fly again," said Lt. Brian Bowman from Whiteman.
An ongoing investigation into the incident continues to try to determine the cause.
Each plane is estimated to be worth $9.8 million, according to the Air Force's Web site.
These planes are used for close air support of ground troops, according to the fact sheet from the Web site. Low speeds and low altitude help the plane hit targets, even in undesirable weather conditions.
During Desert Storm, 90 percent of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles were launched by A-10 aircraft.
According to the Web site, A-10 aircraft are easily fixed due to their interchangeable left and right parts. Global Positioning Systems are being installed on all aircraft. It is unclear whether these two aircraft possessed this technology.
Bowman could not comment any further on the accident.
So9
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.