Terminator PigsJust as was the case with the Ukrainian War, the use of uninhabited weapon systems of all types were prolific in the Second US Civil War (2USCW) in the late 2020s. This was especially the case with the “Rebel” forces largely due to their having strong technical sectors, especially in places such as California. The fact that these states/forces also maintained strong linkages with governments/nations outside of the former USA, including especially Ukraine, helped as well.
As the war took hold in 2027, there was a rapid move on all sides to secure weapon systems. Some of these were standard systems with new markings/operating commands. Others were more extreme…
One of the classic weapon systems that fell into the latter category was the system known as the “Terminator Pig”. This was developed in 2027 and basically took one of the few remaining Fairchild Republic A-10C Warthog aircraft and modified it for unmanned/autonomous use. This was largely done to allow for greater use of limited crews plus to provide a system more capable.
During the early stages of the war, units of standard A-10Cs in Arizona and Michigan were quickly incorporated into the rapidly developing North Western and North Eastern Forces (NWF and NEF). At first these were operated as standard manned aircraft. Soon however, it was felt that the type was a good candidate for modification into uninhabited platforms. This was largely done in recognition of the deadly environment the type was typically used and the need to protect valuable trained pilots. As such, in 2027, through the use of their allies/industry partners in California, Canada and Ukraine, the NWF and NEF gradually put their A-10Cs through an upgrade/modification process (1 – 2 aircraft at a time). This upgrade removed all aspects required for manned operation and replaced them with an autonomous control package using the latest Artificial Intelligence systems. The resulting modified aircraft were officially referred to as QA-10Ds though they were quickly nick-named as “Terminator Pigs” by their operators, a combined homage to the original “Warthog” nickname and the recognition of their unmanned killer status.
In operation the type was often used individually, not needing the benefit of “wingmen”. Moreover, it was not uncommon for the type to fly long endurance missions, refuelling numerous times and growing the fighting area until all ordinance was exhausted. And this ordnance was often significant with the internal 30mm cannon joined by significant missile quantities underwing.
In operations the QA-10Ds seemed to live charmed lives lasting through numerous missions and surviving damage that would have seen a human pilot eject. The fact that "Loyalist" troops were terrified of their use and often took cover rather than engage the type helped as well. Moreover, even when individual platforms suffered significant damage, they were known to adopt a “Kamikaze” profile and deliberately crash into enemy forces.
As for the types of missions, these comprised of either anti-drone interception, Close Air Support or good old tank busting. The latter was what it was built for and it excelled in this using either missiles or its powerful 30mm cannon. Missiles were the preferred weapon though and these could include either the AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-114 Hellfire or increasingly, the MBDA Brimstone. Some QA-10Ds built up considerable kill lists too, with the top record being one platform that had over 200 confirmed tank kills as well as numerous other missions/kills. This aircraft is currently on display at Air Zoo in Kalamazoo Michigan.
The famous NEF QA-10D which survived the Civil War with over 200 'kills' to its credit. Seen here returning from a mission early in the conflict, she was already credited with 28 armour kills. At the time, she was known as Demon's Spawn - to wind up the opposing Trinity Fundamentalists and Aryan Nation militiamen.
