Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II: The 'Warthog' Ground Attack Aircraft

Product Description
Full and comprehensive account of the origins, design, and of the A-10A Warthog.
The Fairchild-Republic A-10A Close Support aircraft has become a legend over its long front line life. Known as the Warthog due to her unusual appearance, this little aircraft has built up an awesome reputation in the specialized ground-attack role, where her accuracy and deadliness are widely recognized as the best of their kind.
Hard lessons from the Second World War, that were reinforced by the bitter experience of the Vietnam War two decades later, showed that it was both impracticable and highly non-cost efficient to use supersonic fighter jets in the close air support mission. A requirement was therefore drawn up for an aeroplane capable of carrying a heavy and varied load of ordnance, which had good endurance and unprecedented maneuverability, and which could survive heavy ground fire – thus the A-10 was born. But, by the time it came into service her role had changed to that of a tank-buster in the defense of Western Europe in the face of the overwhelming numbers of Soviet battle armor.
With her straight wing, twin tails and turbine engines mounted high on her rear fuselage, this single-seat aircraft certainly presented a unique appearance. But all these features served a vital role, as Peter C. Smith explains in this highly detailed study.
Although the Warthog's expected missions on the plains of Germany did not materialize, she did destroy hundreds of Soviet-built tanks during the Gulf wars. The A-10 has also flown almost continuous missions over the Balkans, against the Taliban in Afghanistan, and ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
In this beautifully illustrated and comprehensive volume, Peter C Smith brings the A-10’s incredible story right up to date.
Review
"Highly recommended."
AMPS Indianapolis
"If you are an A-10 buff, the detailed examination of the airplane will thrill you."
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society
"...if you are a Warthog fan like me who has an interest in the detailed history of the type, this title is worth the price of admission."
IPMS/USA
About the Author
PETER CHARLES HORSTEAD SMITH was born in Norfolk in 1940. After living in London, Kent and Cambridge he and his wife Pat settled in the small Bedfordshire village of Riseley in 1982 where they currently still reside. Peter is a Member of The Society of Authors, London, and has worked as both a book and a magazine editor but has been a full-time historian and author since 1968.
Details of all Peter's books are to be found at: www.dive-bombers.co.uk