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Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II (Hardback)

The 'Warthog' Ground Attack Aircraft

Aviation Colour Books Military > Modelling Photographic Books

By Peter C Smith
Imprint: Air World
Pages: 448
Illustrations: 400 colour
ISBN: 9781526759269
Published: 8th December 2020

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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 specialised ground-attack role, where her accuracy and deadliness are widely recognised 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 manoeuvrability, 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 defence of Western Europe in the face of the overwhelming numbers of Soviet battle armour.

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 materialise, 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.

As Featured In

Air Fan, Août - Septembre 2022

As Featured In

IPMS, March/April 2022

"This is a book to be recommended to those with an interest in the use and combat history of military aircraft, and particularly to those fans of the "Warthog"."

Richard Lane, IPMS No. 1 January & February 2022

"The book’s wealth of information and excellent color photographs will no doubt please those devoted to this aircraft."

Air Power History, Spring 2022

Featured in

Aerdia-Aviapress

The story of the gestation, development and use of the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II 'Warthog' Ground Attack Aircraft is told in detail. It includes a lot of detail from the competitions against other aircraft proposed for the role, serious detail about every component and tales from almost every operation and exercise.

Read the full review here

Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)

"Topping out at over 400 pages of iconic Warthog facts, anecdotes and history, all combined in a nice hardbound edition, while using good quality paper, it is highly recommended."

Large Scale Planes, January 2022

The book is also lavishly illustrated with colour and monochrome photographs and taken as a whole must be considered the definitive work on the A-10.

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Beating Tsundoku

Featured in

Cocardes, December 21 - January 22 No21

The illustrations and photos are of excellent quality and bountiful. Both for the technically and people oriented readers this book is certainly fulfilling their wishes.

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Aviation Book Reviews

A very well documented study in detail.

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Miniaturas JM

"If you are an A-10 buff, the detailed examination of the airplane will thrill you."

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The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

This is by far the best book yet published on the A-10 ground attack aircraft and it is hard to envision it being equalled. Dedicated ground attack aircraft rarely receive adequate attention from military aviation historians. – Most Highly Recommended

Read the full review herer

Firetrench

This 425 page hardback is subtitled The “Warthog” Ground Attack Aircraft and is a fascinating story, Warts and all, of the development of a unique anti-tank fighter that the US Air Force never wanted and only eventually ordered to spite the US Army and sabotage the Lockheed Cheyenne attack helicopter.

The author reveals how right from the Second World War USAF leaders believed ground attack could be carried out by high flying and speedy bombing techniques, and argued against the almost enforced use of the Douglas Skyraider in the latter days of that conflict and the late Vietnam war, ignored the obvious success of the German Stuka dive bomber tactics and even today still believes fast jets are the way to go.

However this book should convert even the die-hard jet jockey to recognise the strength and capabilities of the A-10, which can destroy the best Russian armour with just a half-second burst from its 30mm GAU8 Gatling gun. Indeed A 10s knocked out 987 Iraqi Soviet-built tanks during Operation Desert Storm and could also deliver the Maverick guided missile and other heavy ordnance when required. A fascinating read.

Helicopter International

"In this beautifully-illustrated and comprehensive volume, Peter C. Smith brings the A-10’s incredible story right up to date. Highly recommended."

Read the full review here

AMPS Indianapolis

Along with an informative Introductions, as well as a listing of Tables and Diagrams, "Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II: The 'Warthog' Ground Attack Aircraft" is enhanced for scholarship and military aviation fans with three Appendices (Specifications; 'Friendly Fire'; Preserved Hogs: Museums and Gate Guards), twenty-three pages of Endnotes, and a sixteen page Glossary. Expertly written, organized and presented, "Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II: The 'Warthog' Ground Attack Aircraft" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and university library American Military Aviation History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

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Midwest Book Review

This book does an excellent job of covering the aircraft and informing the reader of all aspects of the aircraft.

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Aeroscale

Video review on Scale Modelling Now

Scale Modelling Now

Listed in Model Aircraft's Monthly Look at New Books

Model Aircraft, October 2020, Vol 19, Iss 10

This is a fine read and the 'Hog should stay in service for some time yet. If you have any interest in the Fairchild Republic A-10, I think this is set to be something of a standard book on the subject. Excellent and one I am happy to recommend.

Read the full review here

Military Model Scene, Robin Buckland

The quality of the layout and the book itself is superb and if you are a fan of the A-10, connected to the A-10 in any way, or just looking to learn more about this awesome tank killing armoured twin turbofan powered jet with a “big gun” then this is a book you will enjoy!

Aviation News
 Peter C Smith

About Peter C Smith

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. Peter is best known for his eighty-six meticulously researched factual history books on aviation, military and naval topics.Details of all Peter's books are to be found at: www.dive-bombers.co.uk

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