Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II

USAF 23rd TFW Flying Tigers, no. 80-0186, Saudi Arabia, Op. Desert Storm 1991

Hobby Master 1:72 HA1339

On February 15th, 1991, Pilot Col. David A. Sawyer was leading a two-ship formation to attack the south edge of the Medina Division. They first dropped CBU-58s on soft targets. Col. Sawyer then identified armor in revetments and attacked with an AGM-65 Maverick missile. When pulling off target, he saw three people running towards more vehicles. Col. Sawyer then strafed the targets and as he was pulling off he felt the impact of a missile. The tail control surfaces of the aircraft sustained major damage but Col. Sawyer managed to nurse the aircraft back to King Fahd Airport, Saudi Arabia for a safe landing. His aircraft had 384 holes in the airframe but it was repaired, using a fin from another A-10 and returned to flying status within 7 days.

Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II

Designed to counter criticism that the US Air Force wasn't serious enough about close air support, the A-10 Thunderbolt II was first flown on May 10, 1972. The Thunderbolt II is a single-seat attack aircraft used to protect ground forces from tanks, armored vehicles and other ground targets. Nicknamed "Warthog," the A-10 is highly maneuverable at low speeds and low altitude and is capable of short take-offs and landings. It is designed for easy maintenance-many of its parts are interchangeable between the right and left side and it can operate from bases with limited facilities. The A-10 is expected to remain in service until 2028 or beyond.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.