USAF A-10C Demo Team Davis-Monthan AF Base 2020

Plastic model kit for a Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II ground-attack aircraft
Demo Team Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (2020)
   Limited edition – 1,000 units worldwide  

• 1:72 scale
• Includes clear parts, photo-etched parts, painting masks, and a balance weight
• 1 marking option
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base's A-10C Demonstration Team represented the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force's most iconic ground attack aircraft during the 2020 airshow season. Reported to the 355th Wing in Tucson, Arizona, the team was tasked with showcasing the capabilities of the A-10C and the work of its crews and maintenance teams at air shows and heritage flights. The demonstration pilot was Major Cody “ShIV” Wilton, who has led the team since its inception in 2017. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the 2020 flying events were canceled, so the team's activities were largely limited to training and demonstration flights over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Technically, the demonstration machine corresponded to a standard A-10C Thunderbolt II with the Precision Engagement upgrade. Powered by two General Electric TF34-GE-100A turbo engines, the aircraft reaches a top speed of around 830 km/h. Its robust construction with a titanium-reinforced pilot cabin, redundant systems and engines arranged high above the fuselage make the A-10 exceptionally resistant to combat damage and ideal for low-altitude close air support missions.

The main armament is the legendary 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling Cannon, which can fire up to 3,900 rounds per minute and was specifically designed to combat armored vehicles. In addition, the A-10C has eleven external load stations for a wide arsenal of modern precision bombs, air-to-surface missiles, unguided rockets and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air guided missiles for self-defense. Modern avionics with digital multifunctional displays, GPS navigation, helmet mounted cueing system, data link and target containers such as Sniper XR or Litening enable precise use day and night.

A special feature of the demonstration aircraft in 2020 was its heritage livery, which was reminiscent of the North American P-51 Mustang of the Second World War. With the olive green upper surface, the light underside and the distinctive black and white invasion stripes, the livery paid tribute to the historic fighter aircraft of the US Army Air Forces and linked their tradition with the modern A-10C. This eye-catching design made the aircraft a popular photo motif and underlined the close connection between today's air forces and their historical role models.

The demonstration program focused on realistic flight maneuvers instead of classic aerobatics. Tight turns with high bank angles, steep climbs and descents, slow overflights with extended landing gear and simulated attacks on ground targets were shown. This demonstration impressively demonstrated the A-10's exceptional low-speed maneuverability and its outstanding role to this day as one of the world's most effective close air support aircraft.