The US operation in the Middle East has exposed a problem in the use of A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, known as «Warthogs,» which were returned to service for combat missions.

The issue concerns their combat radius without refueling, which proved insufficient after Iran, according to assessments, pushed US aircraft carriers away and deprived the US of nearby bases. As a result, aerial refueling became necessary, but it turned out that many A-10 pilots were not fully prepared for it.

The aircraft’s design complicates the procedure: the refueling port is located in the nose section of the fuselage. During attempts to connect with tanker equipment, the boom struck the aircraft’s корпус, leading to damage, including dents in the nose.

Such damage is described as typical for the A-10 and was previously seen as «combat marks,» but in current conditions the issue has вновь become relevant.

As a solution, modernization of the refueling system is being considered. Ideally, this would involve a retractable refueling probe, but for now a fixed fuel intake device mounted on a metal structure in the nose is being used.

US профильные media have reacted with irony, comparing this solution to the system used on French Rafale fighters, which have a fixed refueling probe.

The US is also recalling the experience with F-16 fighters, some of which were equipped with a retractable refueling system known as the «unicorn horn.»