A radio-controlled aircraft (often called RC aircraft or RC plane) is a small flying machine that is controlled remotely by an operator on the ground using a hand-held radio transmitter. The transmitter communicates with a receiver within the craft that sends signals to servomechanisms (servos) which move the control surfaces based on the position of joysticks on the transmitter, which in turn, affect the orientation of the plane.
A-10 Warthog RC scale model in flight (YouTube)
Flying RC aircraft as a hobby grew substantially since the 2000’s with improvements in the cost, weight, performance and capabilities of motors, batteries and electronics. A wide variety of models and styles is available. Scientific, government and military organizations are also using RC aircraft for experiments, gathering weather readings, aerodynamic modeling and testing, and even using them as drones or spy planes.
A-10 Warthog RC scale model during take-off (YouTube)
Here we have an RC scale model of the beloved A-10 Warthog. Truly a thing of beauty.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II 30 mm GAU-8/A Avenger autocannon is one of the most powerful aircraft cannons ever flown. The GAU-8 is a hydraulically driven seven-barrel Gatling-type cannon designed specifically for the anti-tank role, firing large depleted uranium armor-piercing shells with a high rate of fire of 65 or 70 rounds per second, or a fixed rate of 3,900 rounds per minute. It’s accurate enough to place 80 percent of its shots within a 40-feet diameter circle from 4,000 feet while in flight. In other words, it’s one of the most powerful guns ever put in the air that fires incredibly destructive ammunition at a mind-numbing speed while mortally accurate.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is among one of the most beloved aircraft in the United States military. It was developed by Fairchild-Republic for the United States Air Force and designed for close air support of ground troops. It has been in the service for more than 40 years as it entered the United States Air Force in 1976.
The A-10 has served in during Operation Desert Storm, the United States’ intervention against Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, and multiple conflicts in the Middle East, most recently in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
The A-10’s service has been extended by several years due to a number of upgrades and wing replacements. The Air Force plans to keep in the A-10 in service for at least five more years despite efforts to phase it out. Air Force leaders said several A-10 squadrons will have to be retired unless they can receive new wing replacements.
