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FAIRCHILD-REPUBLIC A-10 THUNDERBOLT-II.
H/B 2000 (ISBN 1 86126 324 4)
The famous "Warthog" close support aircraft, achieved immortality in the Gulf War where, in spite of being derided by the operators of the fast jets she practically won the war on her own destroying almost 1,000 Iraqi tanks. Her origins date back to the early 1950's however, if not further, and are incorporated in the long battle between the needs of the Army for an efficient close support aircraft and the Air Force's almost complete disinterest in the type. A long gestation period resulted in a unique aircraft, with many special design features, but mainly built around the one enormous Gatling gun which firing depleted uranium shells can destroy any Russian-built battle tank with ease. Coupled with the Maverick missile the result was the tank buster par excellence.
The whole design history and the complex manufacturing story is told, along with the internal politics that affected it. Her combat history in the Gulf and in Bosnia is given, and a whole raft of tables, diagrams and original documentation make this book the outstanding history of the type.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum called this book, "A Spectacular Job."
Order Peter C Smith's Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt-II Today!