Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>A-10>HA1308
A-10A Thunderbolt II , 23rd TFW England AFB, 1990
General Background
A-10 was the first USAF aircraft designed specifically for “Close Air Support ” (CAS) . It can be described as the outcome of the experience gained in the Vietnam War and the threats of the Soviet Union armor forces during the Cold War era. The first A-10A “Thunderbolt II” was delivered October 1975 and deployment in March 1976.
A-10's pilot is protected by titanium armor around his seat and the canopy isa large bubble canopy which provides all-round vision. The aircraft is designed with dual engines and the self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam . Extra titanium is used to protect some flight control system parts of the aircraft. All these insure the plane and pilot's safety from enemy fires.
Though A-10 may be slow comparing to other aircraft s, it is extremely maneuverable and have proven itself as a deadly machine. Its main weapon, the GAU-8A gun, can fire 30mm shells made of uranium at a rate of 4,000 rounds a minute which is sufficient to destroy most armored targets.
A-10's pilot is protected by titanium armor around his seat and the canopy isa large bubble canopy which provides all-round vision. The aircraft is designed with dual engines and the self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam . Extra titanium is used to protect some flight control system parts of the aircraft. All these insure the plane and pilot's safety from enemy fires.
Though A-10 may be slow comparing to other aircraft s, it is extremely maneuverable and have proven itself as a deadly machine. Its main weapon, the GAU-8A gun, can fire 30mm shells made of uranium at a rate of 4,000 rounds a minute which is sufficient to destroy most armored targets.
The Aircraft
The 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing (now the 23rd Fighter Group) has a bright history starting in World War II led by Claire L. Chennault flying the P-40s nicknamed "Flying Tigers".
In 1980 the wing received its first Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II. During its service history, the A-10 was famed for its accurate weapons system. In the Tactical Air Commands worldwide Gunsmoke competition at Nellis AFB, Nevada 1981, A-10 "Flying Tigers" won 6 out of the 9 events, including top maintenance and munitions awards. In March 1984 the Flying Tigers received the last A-10 aircraft manufactured by Fairchild Republic.
In 1980 the wing received its first Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II. During its service history, the A-10 was famed for its accurate weapons system. In the Tactical Air Commands worldwide Gunsmoke competition at Nellis AFB, Nevada 1981, A-10 "Flying Tigers" won 6 out of the 9 events, including top maintenance and munitions awards. In March 1984 the Flying Tigers received the last A-10 aircraft manufactured by Fairchild Republic.
Specifications :
| Crew : | One |
| Main role : | A-10 - close air support, OA-10 - airborne forward air control |
| Manufacturer : | Fairchild Republic Co. |
| Power Plants : | Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans |
| Thrust : | 9,065 pounds per engine |
| Length : | 16.16 meters |
| Height : | 4.42 meters |
| Wingspan : | 17.42 meters Speed: 420 miles per hour (Mach 0.56) |
| Ceiling : | 13,636 meters |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight : | 22,950 kg. |
| Range : | 800 miles (695 nautical miles) |
| Armament : | One 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun (fixed) |
| Maximum 7,200 kg of mixed ordnance including : 225 kg “ Mk-82 ” and 900 kg “ Mk-84 ” series low/high drag bombs, incendiary cluster bombs, combined effects munitions, mine dispensing munitions, AGM-65 Maverick missiles and laser-guided/electro-optically guided bombs , infrared countermeasure flares , electronic countermeasure chaff , jamming pods , 6.99 cm (2.75in.) rockets , illumination flares , AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles |