Iconic “Warthog” Returns Home to Hagerstown, Birthplace of the A-10 Thunderbolt II

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – A significant piece of aviation history, an Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog,” is set to make its final flight home to Hagerstown, Maryland, the very city where this renowned United States Air Force attack aircraft was manufactured. The aircraft, an A-10C with tail number 79-0087, has a long service history, having been part of the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard since its production in 1979. This veteran combat aircraft is embarking on its final mission, a return to its birthplace to serve as a permanent symbol for all the A-10s that originated from Hagerstown. It will become part of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum’s extensive collection, which already boasts the world’s largest assembly of Fairchild aircraft.

The historic arrival of the A-10 “087” is scheduled for Monday, September 22, at noon, at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. This aircraft’s journey began with its maiden flight from the Fairchild plant at the same airport in 1979, and its return forty-six years later marks the conclusion of its operational life. This landing is anticipated to be the last time an A-10 will touch down in Hagerstown, offering the public a unique opportunity to witness this commemorative event. The museum will open its doors to visitors at 10:00 AM, with the aircraft’s arrival anticipated two hours later. Admission to the event will be by donation, allowing all members of the community to participate in this historic occasion.

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum anticipates this homecoming to be an emotionally significant and historically important moment for both the museum and the wider community. The Fairchild-Republic factory in Hagerstown was responsible for producing over 700 A-10 aircraft between 1976 and 1984. The return of “087” signifies the culmination of decades of service by these aircraft in supporting American troops, bringing a piece of that legacy back to its origins.

Through a civilian museum loan program managed by the National Museum of the United States Air Force, “087” will be meticulously preserved and put on permanent display at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. This acquisition is seen as a fitting tribute to Fairchild’s manufacturing legacy, honoring the veterans who served with the A-10, and recognizing the thousands of workers who contributed to its design and construction.

Throughout its service life, “087” played a vital role in numerous overseas missions, including deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. The A-10 Thunderbolt II is widely regarded as one of the most effective attack aircraft ever produced, particularly by the infantry and ground troops it supported. Its design was specifically engineered to provide close air support, delivering devastating capabilities. The A-10’s exceptional durability and its ability to “loiter” over battlefields for extended periods made it an exceptionally reliable and trusted “flying tank,” significantly contributing to the safety and success of ground forces.

The 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard is currently transitioning from the A-10 platform, as the aircraft is being retired from service, to a new mission focused on cyber operations. It is understood that the A-10’s flight to Hagerstown on September 22 will be the final flight for the Wing’s last A-10 aircraft.

In addition to the A-10 Homecoming Event, the Hagerstown Aviation Museum is also hosting a special celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of Fairchild Aircraft. This three-day event, scheduled for September 12, 13, and 14, will feature vintage Fairchild aircraft, including a visiting A-10, a 1940s-style Hangar Dance, opportunities for Fairchild aircraft rides, a “Wings & Wheels” car and aircraft show, a classic car cruise-in, and various food and music vendors. Further details about this centennial celebration can be found on the museum’s website, hagerstownaviationmuseum.org/fairchild100/.

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing over a century of the region’s rich aviation history. Over the past three decades, the museum has developed into the world’s foremost repository of historic Fairchild aircraft, with its collection including notable examples such as the PT-19, XNQ, C-82, C-119 Flying Boxcar, and C-123K, among others. The museum’s archives are extensive, housing over fifteen thousand photographs, thousands of historical artifacts, personal items, films, and artworks. Visitors also have the opportunity to experience flight in the museum’s meticulously restored 1943 Fairchild PT-19 on scheduled dates. The museum’s regular operating hours are Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The museum’s operations are supported by the Richard A. Henson Foundation, which also sponsors the Richard A. Henson Aviation Education Center. Additional significant support comes from the Jone L. Bowman Family Foundation, the Nora Roberts Foundation, the Delaplaine Foundation, the Paul K. and Anna E. Shockey Family Foundation, the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation, Rider Jet Center, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and a number of individual donors. The continued success and expansion of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum relies heavily on community engagement and support. The museum is actively seeking volunteers, sponsors, donors, and advocates, particularly as it prepares for the significant A-10 arrival and its future expansion plans. Rider Jet Center, a sustaining sponsor, plays a role in supporting the museum’s flight operations.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Hagerstown Aviation Museum

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