A-10A Thunderbolt II

A plastic model of the A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft was made in 1:72 scale. The work was presented at the 11th International Festival of Plastic Reduction Models Bytom 2014.

The A-10A Thunderbolt II was an American single-seater attack and direct support aircraft. The intended purpose of the aircraft was to destroy tanks and other ground targets. It was produced in the years 1975-1984. They were produced 713 copies.

The aircraft structure was characterized by high resistance to damage and a significant load capacity. A total of 7258 kg (16000 lb) of weapon could be attached to 11 hardpoints. There is also an opinion that this plane was the housing of the "terrible" 7-barrel GAU-8/A Avenger 30 mm (1.18 in) gun. The recoil force of this gun was equal to the thrust of one the aircraft engine (45 kN according to the weapon manufacturer's data). The cannon fires armor-piercing shells with a fairly large mass. The shell had a depleted uranium core.

The aerodynamics of the plane did not allow it to reach high speeds. But at low speeds, the plane was very maneuverable. It could also fly at low altitudes. It all meant that it could destroy ground targets more effectively than other planes. The way of the plane using caused that the aircraft was an easy target. That is why the pilot's cabin and the most important systems were protected by titanium armor. In addition, hydraulic installations were doubled and flight control systems were tripled. The Thunderbolt was also equipped with self-sealing fuel tanks.

Specifications:

• Length: 16.26 m (53.35 ft),
• Height: 4.47 m (14.67 ft),
• Wingspan: 17.53 m (57.51 ft),
• Wing area: 47.01 m² (506 ft²),
• Powerplant: two jet engines, each with a thrust of 40.3 kN,
• Empty weight: 11,321 kg (24,959 lb),
• Take-off weight: 22,680 kg (50,000 lb),
• Service ceiling: 13,715 m (44,997 ft),
• Range: 4148 km (2577 mi),
• Combat range: 470 km (292 mi),
• Max speed at sea level: 706 km/h (439 mph).

Sources:

• https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_A-10_Thunderbolt_II
• http://www.defence24.pl/analiza_a-10-thunderbolt-ii-dla-polski

21 Mar 2014