From the Back Cover

The A-10 was specifically developed as a close air support aircraft, and a replacement for the A1 Skyraider. The intended mission of the A-10 decided the looks of the aircraft: the forward fuselage was built around the avenger gun, while the cockpit was placed in a titanium armored tub. The engines were placed high on top of the fuselage and the wings equipped with a lot of pylons in order to take a huge weapons load. Some have suggested several times to retire the almost 50 year old jet, but soldiers on the ground have repeated that it is a lifesaver.

This is the 30th book in the Duke Hawkins series of aircraft Photobooks from HMH publications. The book includes very high-quality photos of almost every detail of the May 10. Unfortunately, few photos are included of the GAU-8 Avenger gun.

The photos show close-up detail, many on a dark background for better contrast. The paper has a luster finish, so the photos can be viewed at different angles. The book provides a great reference for modelers to assist with the several kits of the A-10 available.

The photographs are broken down into the following sections:

A-10 Thunderbolt II

A brief description of the variants of the A-10, including A-10A, A-10C, and the only A-10 that was converted into a two-seater, the YA-10B.

Forward Fuselage

Photos illustrate the nose of the A-10 highlighting the refueling receptacle, damage frequently caused by refueling tanker probes, and the muzzle of the GAU–8 Avenger gun. Several photographs show the aircraft boarding ladder.

Fuselage

Many of the aircraft panels and vents are shown with special attention on the rivets.

Wings

The A-10 wings are positioned low on the fuselage and not angled. The wings have three sections, large landing flaps on the inside, and the middle and large ailerons on the outside that double for speed brakes. There are lots of photos of the flaps and ailerons.

Cockpit

Numerous high-quality photos are provided of the instrument panels, ejection seat, canopy mechanism, both from the interior and exterior. A section of detail photos is also provided of the flight simulator located at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

Landing Gear

Both front and main landing gear are shown in numerous detailed photos. Interiors of the landing gear bays are also shown in great detail.

Vertical and Horizontal Tails

Individual sections show details and actuators for both tail assemblies.

Lower Aft Fuselage

Details of the fuselage underside and the equipment at the very end of the A-10 fuselage.

Maintenance

This section shows detail of the internal structure of the A-10 with photographs of open panels during maintenance. Open panels on the fuselage reveal much of the avionics equipment. There are also photographs showing maintenance on the engines with nacelle panels removed. The section includes photos of a specially modified A-10, the SPA – 10 C Thunder Hog, that was intended to be used as a storm chaser but never used. The aircraft needed to be de-militarized and the gun removed, but the program was abandoned.

Engines

Shows photographs of the engine nacelles.

Defense Systems

Two pages of photos of flare and chaff dispensers.

Ordnance

Numerous photos of various armament, hard points, and pylons capable of being carried by the A-10. Only two photos of the avenger gun.

Action

17 pages of photos of A-10s in action.

Summary

This book is a must have for aficionados and modelers of the A-10 Warthog. The photos are very high-quality close-ups that show great detail to assist modelers. I intend to use the book as a reference in building trumpeters 1/32 scale A-10. My only disappointment is the lack of photos of the GAU-8 Avenger gun. There are numerous photos available online, but inclusion of gun photos in this book would make it a complete reference for the A-10.

Thanks to HMH publications for producing this awesome book, and to Casemate for providing the review sample to IPMS.