Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1314 Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II Diecast Model USAF 343rd TFW Ice Hawgs, #81-993 "Spirit of Fairbanks", Eilson AFB, AK, 1986 |
1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
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Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II | | 8.75" | | 9.75" |
On October 1, 1981 as part of Alaska Air Command the 343rd Composite Wing replaced the 5010th as the host unit for Eielson AFB, situated 26 miles north of Fairbanks Alaska. Eielson AFB was named in honor of the polar pilot Carl B. Eielson. On June 4, 1984 the unit was re-designated 343rd TFW. The operational squadron of the 343rd was the 18th TFS "Ice Hawgs" flying the Fairchild-Republic A-10A Warthog. In 1991 the 18th TFS transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. In June 1991 the Pacific Air Force’s flying training exercise Cope Thunder was held at Eielson AFB due to the fact that Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted forcing the move from Clark AFB. The move was made permanent and in 1993 the 343rd was inactivated and personnel and equipment were transferred to the 354th FW.
Designed to counter criticism that the US Air Force wasn't serious enough about close air support, the A-10 Thunderbolt II was first flown on May 10, 1972. The Thunderbolt II is a single-seat attack aircraft used to protect ground forces from tanks, armored vehicles and other ground targets. Nicknamed "Warthog," the A-10 is highly maneuverable at low speeds and low altitude and is capable of short take-offs and landings. It is designed for easy maintenance-many of its parts are interchangeable between the right and left side and it can operate from bases with limited facilities. The A-10 is expected to remain in service until 2028 or beyond. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale A-10 Thunderbolt II has crisp panel lines and a high-quality finish. The hinged canopy opens to expose beautifully recreated front and side instrument panels, control stick and seat. Other fine details include a slightly offset 30 mm gatling-gun barrel with cooling vents, a Pave Penny pod below the cockpit, several ventral mounted antenna and prominent high fuselage-mounted engine nacelles that provide an unobstructed view of the turbo fan's blades. The solid metal wing features cambered control surfaces and main gear nacelles, and a complete set of removable under-wing mounted ordnance has been included for multiple configuration options.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.