CORGI - THE AVIATION ARCHIVE - 1:72 SCALE

AA38005

 Fairchild A-10A 'Warthog' USAF 57th TTW, Nellis AFB, Nevada - 'JAWS' 1977

Limited Edition No. 76

Released in 2008 - One in a series of only three A-10 models ever released by Corgi

In 1977, the military mirrored the popular film JAWS as its acronym and name for its tactical tests of the A-10 and Army attack helicopters became the 'Joint Attack Weapons System' (JAWS). Air Force Aggressor pilots reported that the A-10's light celestial camouflage scheme made the 'Warthog' easily visible from above, so the 57th Tactical Training Wing developed a new terrestrial camouflage of tan, green, or grey, sprayed and brushed with other earth tones. Two of the camouflages were evaluated at JAWS II in November 1977, and by September 1978 the 'Lizard' scheme became a minor, though well-remembered, camouflage oddity.

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, armoured vehicles and other ground targets. Nicknamed "Warthog," the A-10 is highly manoeuvrable 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.