| Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series 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. |
| THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES NOT THE RETAIL VERSION |
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
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