Tamiya 1/48 A-10 Thunderbolt II

During the Vietnam conflict, there was a recognized need for close air support on small targets. In response, the Fairchild Republic Industries A-10 Thunderbolt II was selected for production after an experimental development program began in the early 1970s. The A-10 was designed to operate on unimproved short fields, possess both high and low airspeed maneuverability, have easy maintenance, long loiter times and range, excellent pilot protection, and have a capacity for large mixed weapons loads. The A-10, nicknamed the "Wart Hog" by its pilots, is a large single-seat aircraft with a pair of TF-34-100A high bypass fan jet engines mounted high near the rear of the twin-tailed fuselage. It has a length of 53'4", a height of 148", a span of 576", and a maximum gross weight of 47,400 lbs, including 16,000 lbs of external stores. The internal armament is the GAU-8/A 30mm Gatling cannon, capable of firing 2,100 or 4,200 rounds per minute with 1,350 rounds of ammunition. The A-10 is equipped with a fire control head-up display, CRT TV monitor, laser spot seeker, and a diversified armament panel that can facilitate any operational need. Since its inception in 1972, the A-10 has proven its worth and was again utilized during the Gulf War.