Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA38002
Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II Diecast Model
USAF 23rd TFW, 74th TFS Flying Tigers, England AFB, LA, 1989 | Limited Edition
2104
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II | | 8.75" | | 9.75" |
On December 17th, 1941, the American Volunteer Group aka "Flying Tigers" was officially incorporated into the United States Army Air Force as part of the 23rd Fighter Group. The AVG's 1st Fighter Squadron then became the 74th Pursuit Squadron and was later redesignated 74th Fighter Squadron. In 1944 the squadron traded its famous P-40 Warhawks for the P-51 Mustang and was flying the P-47 Thunderbolt when it finally left China to return to the US. Stationed primarily at bases in the Southern states of the US, the squadron transitioned through the F-86 Sabre, F-89 Scorpion and A-7 Corsair II before upgrading to the A-10 Thunderbolt II that it flies today.
A-10 #82-0665 was operated by the 74th Tactical Fighter Squadron (as they were then known) in 1989 from England Air Force Base, Louisiana. Its tail bore the markings of the 74th TFS while the nose was adorned with a shark's mouth, paying homage to the squadron's rich ancestory and those reknowned shark-mouthed P-40 Warhawks of WWII.
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, armored vehicles and other ground targets. Nicknamed "Warthog," the A-10 is highly maneuverable 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. © Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale A-10s feature beautifully replicated turbofan blades and separately applied inlet fan-blade and exhaust nozzle detail. The offset nose wheel and main landing gear are diecast metal, and keyed to lock securely in place for ground display. The all-metal solid wing is rich in detail with raised hinges, beautifully detailed wing tips, large metal pitot tube and an impressive array of weapon pylons below. A notable feature of the empennage is the robust control surface hinges. The barrel of the tank-killing Gatling cannon system pokes through the nose, and the deployable cockpit stairs install separately for ground display.
© Copyright 2003-2017 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
