| Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series (Jet Powered) HA1301 - A-10A, 353rd TFS, 354th TFW, 78-0681 “Play Time”, Myrtle Beach AFB, SC 1991 |
Background history of 354th TFW
The 354th converted to the A-10A in 1977 and became the first A-10 operational wing in the USAF. The 354th was
among the first units to deploy to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield. Their first missions were flown
against radar sites, Scud missile sites and providing SAR for downed pilots. In February of 1991 the 354th carried
out ground support missions damaging or destroying Iraqi armor and artillery as well as cutting off enemy supply
lines.
The 354th converted to the A-10A in 1977 and became the first A-10 operational wing in the USAF. The 354th was
among the first units to deploy to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield. Their first missions were flown
against radar sites, Scud missile sites and providing SAR for downed pilots. In February of 1991 the 354th carried
out ground support missions damaging or destroying Iraqi armor and artillery as well as cutting off enemy supply
lines.
Background history of "Playtime"
On day 3 of the air war a US Navy F-14 was downed 80 miles from Baghdad. An A-10A called “Playtime” piloted by
Captain Paul Johnson stayed on station for 10 hours providing SAR coordination as well as close air support.
Because of his action Capt. Johnson earned the Air Force Cross and many missions later the aircraft 78-0681 was
retired to the US AF Museum at Wright–Patterson AFB, Ohio where it can be seen.
On day 3 of the air war a US Navy F-14 was downed 80 miles from Baghdad. An A-10A called “Playtime” piloted by
Captain Paul Johnson stayed on station for 10 hours providing SAR coordination as well as close air support.
Because of his action Capt. Johnson earned the Air Force Cross and many missions later the aircraft 78-0681 was
retired to the US AF Museum at Wright–Patterson AFB, Ohio where it can be seen.
| History of the A-10 October 1975 saw delivery of the first USAF A-10a and deployment in March 1976. Built specifically for close ground support the pilot is protected by titanium armor while being covered by a bubble canopy giving a commanding view. The Warthog has everything needed to survive, dual engines; self-sealing fuel cells; redundant flight control systems protected by titanium armor; a 30 mm seven-barrel Gatling gun; a wide array of bombs and missiles. This plane packs a heavy punch and can stay on scene a long time to deliver. In the Gulf War, A-10s had a mission capable rate of 95.7 percent, flew 8,100 sorties and launched 90 percent of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles and were vital assets during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Noble Anvil. 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 (53 ft 4 ins) Height: 4.42 meters (14 ft 8 ins) Wingspan: 17.42 meters (57 ft 6 ins) Speed: 420 miles per hour (Mach 0.56) Ceiling: 13,636 meters (45,000 ft) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 22,950 kg. (51,000 lbs.) Range: 800 miles (695 nautical miles) Armament: One 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun; maximum 7,200 kg (16,000lbs.) of mixed ordnance on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylon stations, including 225 kg (500 lbs.) Mk-82 and 900 kg (2,000 lbs.) 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; jammer pods; 6.99 cm (2.75 in.) rockets; illumination flares and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. |
HA1301 - A-10A "Playtime"
One of the easiest planes to
recognize is the A-10 “Thunderbolt
II”, ugly but beautiful at the same
time. With eleven hard points it is
capable of carrying an assortment
of ordnance not seen on many other
aircraft.
One of the easiest planes to
recognize is the A-10 “Thunderbolt
II”, ugly but beautiful at the same
time. With eleven hard points it is
capable of carrying an assortment
of ordnance not seen on many other
aircraft.
| THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES THE RETAIL VERSION WILL BE MORE REFINED |
True 1/72 scale
Professionally painted unique
scheme
Great attention to detail
All markings are Tampoed (pad
applied)
Option to display the model on a
stand that is provided
Model can be shown with the
landing gear in the down or up
positions
Loads of optional armament has
been provided
Canopy opens
Extremely heavy metal with a
minimum of plastic
Highly collectable
Professionally painted unique
scheme
Great attention to detail
All markings are Tampoed (pad
applied)
Option to display the model on a
stand that is provided
Model can be shown with the
landing gear in the down or up
positions
Loads of optional armament has
been provided
Canopy opens
Extremely heavy metal with a
minimum of plastic
Highly collectable
