A-10A Thunderbolt Warthog 1/40 scale model

"The A-10 Thunderbolt was manufactured by Fairchild-Republic for the United States Air Force. The A-10 is the first single-seat, twin engine jet aircraft especially designed for close air support of ground forces. A-10s are effective for ground combats, such as attacking tanks, armored vehicles, and other ground targets. It also provides a limited air interdiction role. The A-10 is more commonly known by its nickname ""Warthog"" or simply ""Hog"". The A-10 Thunderbolt took its first flight on May 10, 1972. The first A-10s produced flew in October 1975, and was delivered to the 355th Tactical Training Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in March 1976. The Warthog was later introduced and became operational in October 1977. A total of 715 A-10 Thunderbolt's were produced. During the Persian Gulf War in 1991, Warthogs were widely used and have shown their power as the greatest tank-killing aircraft in history. A total of 144 A-10's were deployed during the war and flew 8,624 missions with just five aircrafts lost. Pilots of the A-10's frequently flew up to three missions per day. Most aircrafts survived direct attacks from heat-seeking missiles and managed to return safely. "