Hobby Master A-10A Thunderbolt, Black Lightning, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG diecast model aircraft HA1306 1/72

The A-10 was the first USAF aircraft designed specifically for "Close Air Support" (CAS). It can be described as the outcome of the experience gained in the Vietnam War and the threats of the Soviet Union armor forces during the Cold War era. The first A-10A "Thunderbolt II" was delivered October 1975 and deployment in March 1976.

The A-10's pilot is protected by titanium armor around his seat and the canopy is a large bubble canopy which provides all-round vision. The aircraft is designed with dual engines and the self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam. Extra titanium is used to protect some flight control system parts of the aircraft. All of these features help insure the plane and pilot's safety against enemy fire.

Though the A-10 may be slow compared to other modern military aircraft, it is extremely maneuverable and has proven itself as a deadly machine. Its main weapon, the GAU-8A gun, can fire 30mm shells made of uranium at a rate of 4,000 rounds per minute which is sufficient to destroy most armored targets.

2003 marked the 80th anniversary of the 118th FS, the third oldest ANG squadron. They wanted to celebrate the occasion with a special paint scheme for their A-10A. Aircraft 78-621 was selected for the modernized version of the scheme that was inspired by the 118ths WWII P-51s with black lightning bolts on the side. This was how the WWII group got the name the "Black Lightning Squadron" and the 103rd FW "wing jet" became known as "Black Lightning". The 103rd FW markings were eventually restored to the engine. Hobby Master