Description
The Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II is an upgraded single-seat, twin-turbofan, straight-wing, subsonic attack aircraft. In service since 1976, it was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). Commonly referred to as the “Warthog” or “Hog”, the A-10 was designed to provide close air support (CAS) to friendly ground units. The aircraft’s high durability airframe, which allowed the aircraft to stay in flight while taking damage, was designed and built around its high power, depleted Uranium shell-firing 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger autocannon, one of the most powerful aircraft cannons to be ever flown. This granted the A-10 the ability to attack armoured vehicles, tanks, and other ground targets with its wide range of armaments of rockets, guided and unguided bombs, as well as rocket pods.
Seeing action first in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) in Kuwait, the A-10’s distinguished service saw its extended use in other conflicts such as in Grenada, the Balkans, Afghanistan, the Iraq War, and against the Islamic State in the Middle East.
Academy 1/48 USAF Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II features:
- Highly detailed kit featuring crisp details and subtle panel lines.
- 1 piece slide moulded engines’ cowling, nose cone, and rear fuselage.
- Highly detailed cockpit with instruments panel and side details.
- Highly detailed ejection seat with included pilot figure.
- Canopy can be built in either the open or closed.
Detailed nose cone with 1 piece slide moulded GAU-8 barrels. - Highly detailed front and rear landing gears.
- Speed brakes and ailerons can be built either open or closed.
- Extensive array of external armaments including bombs, missiles, and rocket pods.
- 11 marking options.
