It was once a familiar sight over Suffolk – but the A-10 Thunderbolt II has been seldom seen since the twin bases of Bentwaters and Woodbridge closed in 1993.

East Anglian Daily Times: The A-10 aircraft is unloaded on the former RAF Bentwaters airfield after being transported from RAF Alconbury, the aircraft will now be on display at Bentwaters Cold War MuseumThe A-10 aircraft is unloaded on the former RAF Bentwaters airfield after being transported from RAF Alconbury, the aircraft will now be on display at Bentwaters Cold War Museum (Image: Archant)

Now, an example of the jet has returned, thanks to a museum collaboration.

Bentwaters Cold War Museum secured the airframe on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF).

The ex-509thTFS/81st TFW Bentwaters-based jet has resided at RAF Alconbury in Cambridgeshire since the squadron moved in 1988.

Dismantled by museum volunteers over the last few months, prior to returning by road to Bentwaters, the A-10 will not be reassembled immediately but will be on display in its current state when the museum is next open on Sunday and Monday.

Chairman Graham Haynes said: “We are pleased to have finally realised what was a pipe dream back in 2003, four years before the museum opened to the public.”

The museum thanked the NMUSAF and Civil Engineer Squadron at Alconbury.