[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

The A-10 was originally a US Army owned and operated aircraft.

Incorrect. The Army was never involved. The A-10 has been an Air Force plane since its inception; the genesis of the AX program, to replace the A-1, occurred in June of 1966. First flight was in May of 1972 and first A-10 delivery was to Davis-Monthan in October 1975. The A-10 was selected over Northrops' A-9.

[Mark Felton]

hhmmm...you're right. My mistake. I recall some squabbling between Army and Air Force over employment of the A-10, and some discussion of switching service to improve communications with ground troops etc...but it was 20 years ago, and I wasn't involved in any of those programs.

Thanks