Description
Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Diecast Model
Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II - 79-0145, "Hairless Joe", 47th FS, 917th FG, USAF, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, 2012
1:72 Scale. Length: 8.9". Wingspan: 9.5"
Limited production of approximately 600 models worldwide
A-10C Thunderbolt II #79-0145, c/n A10-0409, was manufactured in 1979. The artwork painted on the aircraft is "Hairless Joe", a character from the Li'l Abner comic strip by Al Capp.
The 47th TFS was originally formed as the 47th Pursuit Squadron in December 1940 and after several designation changes the squadron was deactivated in 1960. It was reactivated again in reserve on October 1, 1973 as the 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron and assigned to the 917th FG at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana until 2013. The 47th flew the A-37 Dragonfly until October 1, 1980 when they were phased out and replaced with the A-10 Thunderbolt II. On February 1, 1992 the squadron was redesignated 47th Fighter Squadron. In 1996, the 47th's mission changed from a combat role to A-10 training and on October 1 2011 they converted back to a combat role. Since the 47th had some of the best A-10 pilots it was deployed in 2012 to Bagram AB Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is a twin-engine ground-attack aircraft developed by Fairchild Republic for the U.S. Air Force. First flown on May 10, 1972, the A-10A entered service in March 1976. It was designed around the GAU-8 Avenger, a 30 mm internal rotary cannon that is the airplane's primary armament and the heaviest such automatic cannon mounted on any aircraft. In addition to its cannon, the A-10 can be armed with a combination of rockets, missiles, bombs and other mission equipment on eleven pylon stations under the wings and fuselage.
Designed for survivability, the A-10s airframe includes 1,200 pounds (540 kg) of titanium armor for protection of the cockpit and other systems that enables the aircraft to continue flying even after damage from enemy fire. Commonly known by its nickname "Warthog" the A-10 is highly maneuverable at low speeds and low altitude and capable of short take-offs and landings.
The A-10 was used in combat for the first time during the 1991 Gulf War, destroying more than 900 Iraqi tanks, 2,000 other military vehicles and 1200 artillery pieces, making it by far the most effective aircraft of the war. A-10s also shot down two helicopters with the GAU-8 cannon. The A-10 flew 8,100 sorties and launched 90% of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles fired in the conflict.
Hobby Master offers a wide selection of quality, pre-assembled, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted to a high level of accuracy using specifications of the original aircraft. They are constructed with precision-made diecast metal and some plastic components.
This model of an A-10 Thunderbolt II features:
Opening canopy
Detailed cockpit with removable pilot figure
Realistic panel lines and antennas
Historically accurate pad printed markings (no decal)
Detachable weapons
Optional extended landing gear
Display stand
Box with A-10 Thunderbolt II artwork
Category: Hobby Master 1:72 Military Aircraft Models
Not suitable for children under the age of 14
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