The Ground Team
The Ground Team
To know the meme behind the design, scroll to the joke part below
The U.S. Air Force is one of the most powerful air forces in the world, known for its advanced technology, vast fleet, and global reach. It plays a key role in both defensive and offensive operations, with capabilities in air superiority, strategic bombing, surveillance, and airlift. Throughout history, the Air Force has been pivotal in major conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it provided critical support through airstrikes, reconnaissance, and logistical missions.
One of the most vital roles of the U.S. Air Force in modern conflicts has been CAS (Close Air Support). CAS missions involve providing air support to ground troops engaged in combat, often targeting enemy positions, armor, and personnel directly on the battlefield. The Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the “Warthog,” has been a key asset in this regard, renowned for its ability to operate in dangerous environments and deliver devastating firepower with its 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger gun.
The success of CAS missions has been evident in conflicts like Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where airstrikes have provided crucial support for ground forces, neutralizing threats, and saving lives. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Air Force CAS pilots have been credited with hundreds of confirmed kills and thousands of enemy vehicle and position assists, significantly aiding ground operations. The precision and effectiveness of the U.S. Air Force’s CAS capabilities have made them an indispensable part of modern military operations, ensuring air dominance while directly aiding in the success of ground-based missions.
M1A2 SEP V2
The M1A2 SEP V2 (System Enhancement Package) is a US MBT (Main Battle Tank) manufactured by General Dynamics, that was adopted into service in 2008 by the US army and by 2013 equipping the ABCT (Armor Brigade Combat Teams). The V2 is an upgraded M1A2 SEP used in Operation Iraqi Freedom in the early 2000s, the upgrade urge came after realizing that the SEP needed urgent improvements.
F-16C, F-15E, F-20A, F-111F, F-117, F-4S Phantom II, AV-8B Plus, A-10C, A-6E TRAM
- The F-16C aka Block 50 is an upgraded variant of the F-16, General Dynamics or Electric had to offset the increased weight, increase low and high thrust altitudes, improve the radar systems. The upgrades were a new Westinghouse APG-68(v)5 radar (upgraded to the -68(v)7 in later production models), F110-GE-129 thrust system, the ability to fire new ground attack munitions, the previous Block 42 aircraft weighed 3,000+ lb (1,360 kg) over the early F-16s.
- The F-15E Strike Eagle is a versatile, all-weather multirole fighter used by the U.S. Air Force. A modified version of the F-15 Eagle, it is designed for both air superiority and ground attack missions. With a dual-seat cockpit, advanced avionics, and the ability to carry a wide range of precision munitions such as: GBU-31 JDAM guided bomb, GBU-24 Paveway III guided bomb, 2000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bomb, AIM-120B air-to-air missiles, AGM-65D air-to-ground missile, etc. It excels in precision strikes and close air support. The F-15E has seen extensive use in Operation Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan, proving itself as a powerful asset in modern combat.
- The F-20A is a Northrop Grumman FX program, to build a light 4th Gen export fighter that is based on the cancelled F-5F Super Tiger. It contained with BVR capability, and modular compatibility for export, the result was the F-20 Tigershark. The Tigershark is a modified F-5E with added special radar capable of firing the AIM-7 Sparrow missile, and a single F-404 engine similar to that of the F/A-18 Hornet instead of the two small engines of the F-5 family.
- The F-111F Pacer Strike is fighter-bomber manufactured by General Dynamics, is a modified F-111, that focused more on strike missions such as: Operation El Dorado Canyon against Libya in 1986 and Operation Desert Storm against Iraq in 1991. F-111F was upgraded with TF30-P-100 engines and an advanced AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack navigation and targeting system. Some of F-111F armaments are GBU-10 and GBU-24 guided bombs. The F-111F is now retired and gave way for the F-15E Strike Eagle.
- The F-117 Nighthawk is a stealth attack aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force. Known for its angular, unconventional design, the F-117 was the first operational aircraft to feature stealth technology, making it highly effective at evading radar detection. Primarily used for precision bombing during night operations, it played a crucial role in conflicts like Operation Desert Storm and Operation Allied Force. Despite being retired in 2008, the F-117 remains a symbol of technological innovation and stealth warfare.
- The F-4S Phantom II manufactured by McDonnell. Phantom served in the Vietnam War for both the US Air Force (USAF) and US Navy (USN), where the USN had the F-4J. The Phantom then was replaced by the F-14 Tomcat and F-18 Hornet as it began to age post Vietnam War. Some efforts were put to keep the aircraft up to date such as: wing leading-edge slats, new smokeless engines, weapon systems, etc.
- The AV-8B Plus, is a Naval Harrier manufactured by McDonnell Douglas is an upgraded AV-8B NA (Night Attack). The new upgrades were the AN/APG-65 radar taken from F/A-18 Hornet, this upgrade allowed the AV-8B+ to fire the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, and new avionics and FCS changes.
- The A-10C Thunderbolt II is a rugged, CAS aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force. Often called the “Warthog” for its distinctive appearance, the A-10C is renowned for its ability to deliver powerful strikes against ground targets, especially armored vehicles, tanks, and infantry. Its 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon is one of its most iconic features, capable of firing high-powered rounds to neutralize targets. The A-10C is equipped with upgraded avionics, precision targeting systems, and modernized weapons control. It has been a vital asset in conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan, providing close support for ground troops and ensuring air dominance in hostile environments.
- The A-6E TRAM (Target Recognition and Attack Multi-sensors), manufactured by Grumman in 1958 as the YA2F-1 and introduced in 1972, used by US Navy (USN) and US Marine Corps (USMC), seen action in the Vietnam War and Gulf War. The A-6E TRAM is replacement for AD/A-1 Skyraider attack aircraft, the A-6E TRAM had better navigation, attack, and radar equipment, and the TRAM system. Retired in Feb 1997.
The joke
As if it is significantly obvious that the nation considered upgrading the one MBT after it faced issues in the wars, the nation did not hesitate to make a TON of upgrades, models, and (restrict export) on the jets just for the fun of it.
In War Thunder it is also obvious the US nation ground mains, always either BUY one tank or use once a MBT, yet they carry at least 9 jets or SPEND more on jets in ground battles.