Operated by AFFTC. Noted on 10 Mar 2104 at Sheppard AFB TX as a GA-10A ground instructional airframe.

This was the 5th of 6 pre-production aircraft. Ca.3/75: TOS USAF and assigned to the 3246th Test Wing of the Air Development Test Center at Eglin AFB, FL. Its specific test mission was Independent Initial Operational and Evaluation, and stores certification. 11 Mar '82: Crashed onto the Santa Rosa Island Range Complex and written off. Pilot okay.

21 July 1972: First flight. 1972: TOS USAF and assigned to the 412th Test Wing, Air Force Test Center, Edwards AFB, CA. It spent most of its career at Edwards AFB, CA in test programs, still flying there until 1979. 1979 to 1984: Traveling exhibit with the Air Force Orientation Group at air shows, etc, for recruiting. 26 July 1984: United States Air Force Museum, Wright Field, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Last photo found on the 'net at the USAFM was 1999. By 2002: Displayed with Aero Club, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Hampton, VA.

Prototype of the YA-10 Thunderbolt in the early morning at Edwards. Its rival, the A-9, was also present. Credit: Peter Bergagnini.

Spin test airplane. Spin chute above aft end of fuselage.

Spin test airplane. Nose boom, outer left wing panel & left side of left vertical stabilizer & rudder painted white, spin chute above aft end of fuselage.

Spin test airplane. Nose boom, tufting, spin chute above aft end of fuselage.

Spin test airplane. Nose boom, tufting, spin chute above aft end of fuselage.