FAIRCHILD A-10A THUNDERBOLT II
COLD WAR
Available: SEP 2007
Tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union resumed after the Second World War ended in 1945. They escalated from 1945-1947. Historians differ, but the usual starting year is 1947 for the Cold War that lasted until the collapse of the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991. Both sides that participated in the Cold War produced an amazing array of jet-powered fighter aircraft. The earliest jet fighters were adaptations of WWII aircraft. Without the stakes of the Cold War, real or imagines, it is difficult to see what could have inspired an aviation program such as the one undertaken by both sides in the decades from the end of WWII to the fall of Communism.
Info: Fairchild A-10A
Thunderbolt II - 74th TFS/23rd TFW USAF, England AFB, Louisiana, 1989
Scale: 1:72
Wingspan: 9 inches
Item Number: AA38002 Price: $44.95
Historical Note: Designed specially for the close air support mission and with the ability to combine large military loads, long loiter and wide combat radius, the A-10 proved to be vital assets to America and its allies during Operation Desert Storm. 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. A-10s were seldom grounded due to maintenance problems or conditions unsuitable for flying during Operation Desert Storm. No other aircraft could carry as much ordinance over a target for so long, dole out and take as much punishment, and return to an unimproved field to turn around quickly and strike at an enemy again.