Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1335 Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II Diecast Model USAF 507th ACW, 12st FS, #81-0964 Mi-8 Killer, Todd Sheehy, Iraq, December 1991. Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II. During Operation Desert Storm two A-10s downed Iraqi helicopters. The first was on February 6, 1991 77-0205 piloted by Captain Bob Swain of the 706th TFS who downed an Iraqi Bo-105 C helicopter. The second was A-10A No. 81-0964 c/n A10-659 piloted by Captain Todd “Shanghai” Sheehy assigned to the 511th TFS. Sheehy spotted an Iraqi Mi-8 Hip helicopter and started shooting 300 rounds of his 30 mm cannon. The helicopter tail section caught fire so Sheehy fired another 200 rounds to finish it off. 81-0964 was modernized to OA-10A in 1987and A-10C in 2006. 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. 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. Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series. 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.