Entropedian
A-17 Thunderstruck
The A-17K “Thunderstruck” is a Korean-operated attack aircraft of American design. Purchased as part of the 2012 “Peace Hawk” arms deal, the Thunderstruck represents a quantum leap in ROKAF anti-tank and CAS capability, taking over the role from elderly F-4 Phantoms and F-5 Tigers. Designed specifically for down-low agility, survivability, and payload, the Thunderstruck features immensely unusual and cutting-edge forward-swept gull wings and twin tail booms. The split booms allows the fuselage to be smaller and assists in compartmentalizing any potential battle damage.
The Thunderstruck is an immensely nimble aircraft “down in the weeds,” where its mission mandates fast, precise strikes against heavily armored targets. A major change from the A-10 Warthog that it was designed to replace is the deletion of the massive GAU-8 cannon in favor of twin 35mm M276 revolver cannons. The lower rate of fire is not as effective at suppressing hostile infantry, but the larger round ensures it is more lethal against modern armored targets, and also helps increase time-on-station by expending ammunition more slowly. Despite the new cannon armament, the most utilized weapons are the large array of laser and GPS guided bombs as well as either laser or electro-optically guided ATGMs. This specific aircraft, belonging to the 201st Fighter Squadron “Dragon Busters” at Suwon Air Base, is carrying two 2,000lb “dumb bombs,” 4 GBU-27 Paveway III laser guided bombs, 2 ATGMs and 2 AIM-9Ms for self-defense.
A collaborative build with Corvin Stichert. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that this wouldn’t have been built without Corvin’s stupendous building skills (and TLG-direct parts supply). This build is definitely more his than mine!
Also, it would be negligent to post this without citing Magnus' Forktail. plane that served as inspiration for both Corvin and I.
A big thanks to Evan for taking photographs of this beast.
A-17 Thunderstruck
The A-17K “Thunderstruck” is a Korean-operated attack aircraft of American design. Purchased as part of the 2012 “Peace Hawk” arms deal, the Thunderstruck represents a quantum leap in ROKAF anti-tank and CAS capability, taking over the role from elderly F-4 Phantoms and F-5 Tigers. Designed specifically for down-low agility, survivability, and payload, the Thunderstruck features immensely unusual and cutting-edge forward-swept gull wings and twin tail booms. The split booms allows the fuselage to be smaller and assists in compartmentalizing any potential battle damage.
The Thunderstruck is an immensely nimble aircraft “down in the weeds,” where its mission mandates fast, precise strikes against heavily armored targets. A major change from the A-10 Warthog that it was designed to replace is the deletion of the massive GAU-8 cannon in favor of twin 35mm M276 revolver cannons. The lower rate of fire is not as effective at suppressing hostile infantry, but the larger round ensures it is more lethal against modern armored targets, and also helps increase time-on-station by expending ammunition more slowly. Despite the new cannon armament, the most utilized weapons are the large array of laser and GPS guided bombs as well as either laser or electro-optically guided ATGMs. This specific aircraft, belonging to the 201st Fighter Squadron “Dragon Busters” at Suwon Air Base, is carrying two 2,000lb “dumb bombs,” 4 GBU-27 Paveway III laser guided bombs, 2 ATGMs and 2 AIM-9Ms for self-defense.
A collaborative build with Corvin Stichert. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that this wouldn’t have been built without Corvin’s stupendous building skills (and TLG-direct parts supply). This build is definitely more his than mine!
Also, it would be negligent to post this without citing Magnus' Forktail. plane that served as inspiration for both Corvin and I.
A big thanks to Evan for taking photographs of this beast.