formerly VN-81416 / N401PA

ex. Transbrasil

Former Air Malta Boeing B720-047B ex. 9H-AAO

Retired to MASDC in 1974. Pulled out of storage for conversion to QF-102 and delivered to Sperry Flight Systems, Litchfield Park (AZ) in October 1979. Shot down over Gulf of Mexico in June 1980.

USS Shangri La. Photographer: Frank MacSorley.

The 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron has a long history dating back to 15 Jan'41 when it was established as the 76th Bombardment Squadron (Medium). It became the 23d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy) on 3 Mar'43 with B-25s, re-designated as 23d Troop Carrier Squadron on 21 Nov'44 and inactivated on 7 Sep'46. Activated as the 23d Helicopter Squadron on 9 Jul'56 with H-21s and inactivated on 8 Jan'58. On 15 Apr'66 is was activated again as the 23d TASS with O-1s and O-2s as Forward Air Controllers over Vietnam. Again activated and reactivated, eventually equipped with A-10s. Currently as 23rd FTS.

Stored at AMARC with inventory code AC0140 on 16 October 1992 and left the depot in January 2016 and was scrapped by HVF West at Tucson.

Pictured on the ramp of homebase Davis Monthan. The Warthog is missing some parts of the tail, just these which are usually colored for recognition of the squadron. But the fuselage shows the 357th TFTS badge, part of the 355th Tactical Training Wing which is shown with additional marks on the tail. Serial 224 was stored at AMAC on 19 April 1992 with inventory code AC0056. It left the depot on 23 June 1994 and was afterwards scrapped.

After service, this 270 became an instructional airframe at McChord AFB (WA) from December 1992. From June 1995, it started a career as a preserved aircraft at the gate of McChord.

To MASDC in 1977, but returned to service in the 80s. It is still extant as a museum piece.

scrapped since.

(photographer not known)