Hobby Master 1/72 Fairchild A-10A Black Lighning 118th F/s/103rd Ground Attack Aircraft Model (HA1306)

Hobby Master 1/72 Fairchild A-10A Black Lighning 118th F/s/103rd Ground Attack Aircraft Model (HA1306) | Antics Online

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Hobby Master 1/72 Fairchild A-10A Black Lighning 118th F/s/103rd Ground Attack Aircraft Model (HA1306)
Die-cast metal. Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted with pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Weapons that are not permanently attached. Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down. Minimum use of plastic. Very collectable

2003 marked the 80th anniversary of the 118th FS, the third oldest ANG squadron. They wanted to celebrate the occasion with a special paint scheme for their A-10A. Aircraft 78-621 was selected for the modernized version of the scheme that was inspired by the 118ths WWII P-51s with black lightning bolts on the side. This was how the WWII group got the name the “Black Lightning Squadron” and the 103rd FW “wing jet” became known as “Black Lightning”. The 103rd FW markings were eventually restored to the engine. 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. The 511th TFS activated January 1, 1980 at RAF Bentwaters to the 81st TFW. Their nickname was “ The Vultures ” and received their A-10’s on the same date. They remained at Bentwaters until mid 1988 then relocated to the 10th TFW at RAF Alconbury. The 511th was the only USAFE squadron to deploy with the 354th TFW for Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm from December 1990 to June 1991. While there the 511th flew at least 1700 sorties. After June the 511th aircraft were sent to ANG units and to AMARC storage

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