In December 2022, the National Defense Authorization Act approved a long-sought-after request by the U.S. Air Force to begin retiring the A-10 Thunderbolt II, specifically approving the retirement of 21 A-10s in 2023. The A-10 has been in USAF service since 1977 and MotoArt is especially honored to introduce a Warthog into the PlaneTags fleet. Meet 77-0252, a Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II.

Discover more on our blog A-10 Thunderbolt: The Turbofan Tank Buster

77-0252 was constructed as an A-10A and delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1978, first serving with the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Bentwaters, Suffolk. The 81st Wing remained at Bentwaters for over 40 years, as a key part of NATO’s defense of Western Europe throughout the Cold War years. As they began phasing down their presence during the early 1980s, 77-0252 was transferred to the 176th Tactical Fighter Squadron, then to the 706th Tactical Fighter Squadron. The 706th TFS, the Cajuns, were called to active duty in December 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield, with the first of its A-10s deploying to Saudi Arabia on January 1, 1991. After retirement, the front fuselage of this A-10 was displayed at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. MotoArt acquired the back half in 2022 from Andy Wade, of Wade Salvage in Atco, NJ. Wade has amassed an eclectic collection of aircraft and vehicles in his own personal boneyard and serves as Deputy Mayor of Waterford Township in New Jersey. 

OUR PLANE'S STORY

A-10A THUNDERBOLT II-# 77-0252

Characteristics:

• Manufacturer: FAIRCHILD REPUBLIC
• Serial # : 77-0252
• Crew: 1
• Wing Span: 57 ft 6 in
• Length: 53 ft 4 in
  
• Height: 14 ft 8 in
  
• Armament: 1x GAU-8/A 30MM SEVEN-BARREL GATLING GUN AND 16,000LBS OF MIXED ORDNANCE
  

Performance:

• Range: 1,080 Nm 
• Cruise Speed: 291 kts
• Ceiling: 44,200 ft
• Empty weight: 28,000 lb
• Max Takeoff: 47,400 lb
• Rate of Climb: 6,000 ft / min
• Engine: 2x GENERAL ELECTRIC TF-34-GE-100 TURBOFANS
  

DISCLAIMER

Perfect Aviation Gift

PlaneTags are: 

• Authentic - made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. 
• Unique -  each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. 
• Collectible - each one is numbered in a limited edition and comes attached to a display card. 
  
• Versatile - comes with a durable metal ring, strong enough to attach to luggage or keys or display.

*Important Notice – Please Read Carefully

PlaneTags are made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. Because PlaneTags are made from real fuselage, each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. These variations and imperfections are not product flaws. They are part of the beauty of PlaneTags. As a result, you will not have an option to select the color of your PlaneTag. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.