Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Die-cast Model

Fairchild Republic A-10 A Thunderbolt II – #80-0221, 18th TFS, 343rd Composite Wing, USAF, Eielson AFB, Alaska, March 1982 "Arctic Scheme"

1:72 Scale.  Length: 8.9”.  Wingspan: 9.5”


Limited production of approximately 700 models worldwide

On December 18, 1981 the first two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, 80-221 and 80-222, arrived at Eielson AFB, Alaska. Soon after their arrival 80-221 received an Arctic white paint scheme that differed from the usual all grey or green. This was an experimental scheme for the upcoming exercise “Cool Snow Hog '82-1” that was the first test for A-10 operating at a forward base in Alaska. The exercise took place from March 8 to 16, 1982 in the area of Kotzebue, Alaska. The Snow Hog operating in Alaska never panned out.

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 is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-assembled, die-cast display models. Every model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. They are made with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of an A-10 Thunderbolt II features: