22.The Business End
Unquestionably, the Warthog is among the most frightening aircraft anyone have ever seen. For the opponent, a little car-sized cannon is terrible news. Our focus isn't on weapons and canons here. Following this legacy, since World War II fighter planes have been painted with snarling animals on their jaws. Is there anything we can say? Making a strong impression on the opponent was crucial to let them know our aims. There are custom-painted A-10 Warthogs. I really thank you for all you do. In the next shot, teeth are visible... This seem really different.
Indeed among the most powerful aircraft in military history is the A-10 Thunderbolt II, sometimes known as the "Warthog." The bespoke paint work this picture exhibits accentuates its commanding presence even more. Inspired by a long-standing military aviation tradition spanning World War II, the nose art—which shows a snarling shark mouth—adds an element of fear as well as a morale boost for the pilots and ground workers.
On this A-10, the paint scheme transcends simple ornamentation. Designed to induce terror into the hearts of adversaries even before the famed GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon is operational, it is a psychological warfare technique. With the shark's teeth exactly aligned with the gun barrel of the aircraft, the artwork's remarkable attention to detail creates the impression that the plane itself is a predator poised to strike.
This personalised paint job also accentuates the special personality that maintenance teams and pilots sometimes attribute to their aircraft. It turns the A-10 from a simple machine into a persona with own ferocious identity. The mix of artistry and utility displayed here is evidence of the inventiveness and enthusiasm of the Air Force troops who run and maintain these amazing machines. It reminds us strongly that artistic expression and tradition have place even in the austere business of war.
