The A-10 and OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft designed specifically for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective, and highly survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, especially tanks and other armored vehicles. The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ., in October 1975.

The aircraft can carry a wide variety of ordnance under its wings and nose, loiter on-station for long periods of time, and fly over a wide combat radius, making it an ideal warrior on today's battlefield. In the Gulf War, A-10s, with a mission capable rate of 95.7 percent, flew 8,100 sorties and launched 90 percent of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles used in-country.

This particular 1:72 scale replica of an A-10A Warthog ground attack aircraft was nicknamed "Playtime" and flown by Captain Paul Johnson of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 9-3/4-inches
Length: 8-3/4-inches

Release Date: March 2007

Historical Account: "Like Kids in a Sandbox" - On day 3 of the air war during Operation Desert Storm, 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 USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio where it can be seen.