A highly distinctive 1:72 scale diecast representation of a Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II participating in the United States Air Force's Joint Attack Weapons System camouflage evaluations. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA38005 depicts an aircraft of the USAF 57th Tactical Training Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, during 1977.
The Joint Attack Weapons System trials, commonly abbreviated to JAWS, were conducted to evaluate the A-10's effectiveness in the close air support and anti-armour roles. Aircraft were tested in a number of experimental camouflage finishes intended to reduce their visibility when operating at low altitude over different terrain.
This aircraft carries an especially unusual desert scheme consisting of a tan base with irregular green and darker brown markings applied across the wings, fuselage and twin tail surfaces. The pattern was one of several schemes assessed during the JAWS programme and gives the model a radically different appearance from the grey finishes normally associated with later operational A-10s.
Designed specifically to provide close air support to ground forces, the Fairchild A-10 first flew in 1972. Its robust airframe, straight wings, widely separated turbofan engines and armoured cockpit were selected to maximise survivability over the battlefield. The aircraft was also designed to operate from austere airfields and to remain maintainable even after sustaining combat damage.
The A-10's defining weapon is the internally mounted GAU-8/A Avenger rotary cannon, which was developed for use against armoured vehicles. Combined with its extensive external weapons capacity, long loiter time and excellent low-speed handling, the aircraft became one of the most effective close air support platforms ever placed into service.
Limited to only 1,000 pieces worldwide, this release is particularly appealing to collectors of experimental aircraft schemes and modern United States Air Force subjects. The model features heavyweight diecast construction, detailed turbofan blades, separately applied intake and exhaust components, a fully rendered GAU-8/A cannon installation, robust landing gear, raised surface detailing and a comprehensive external weapons load. It is supplied with the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA38005
Aircraft: Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II
Unit: United States Air Force 57th Tactical Training Wing
Campaign / Event: Joint Attack Weapons System camouflage evaluation
Theatre / Base: Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
Date/Period: 1977
Operator / Country: United States Air Force / United States
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 1,000 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Low-run limited edition release, experimental JAWS desert camouflage, authentic USAF 57th Tactical Training Wing markings, detailed twin turbofan engines, separately applied intake and exhaust components, rendered GAU-8/A Avenger cannon installation, detailed cockpit, robust landing gear, comprehensive external weapons load and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 8.75" or 22.2 cm
Width (Wingspan): 9.75" or 24.8 cm