In the world of model aircraft enthusiasts, stories abound of dedication, precision, and a deep love for aviation. One such story is that of Duong Van Quang, a young man from Xuong Lam Commune, Lang Giang District, Bac Giang Province, who has turned his passion for model planes into an inseparable part of his life.

Quang’s fascination with model airplanes began in 2012. Starting with simple, self-made aircraft, he gradually expanded his skills and technical knowledge, moving on to more advanced and professional models. This learning journey required constant research - from understanding flight principles to installing and calibrating complex control systems.

A-10 Thunderbolt II: Vietnam’s only “tank killer” model?

A standout piece in Quang’s collection is the A-10 Thunderbolt II, a legendary American ground-attack aircraft nicknamed the “tank killer” for its powerful armament and resilience. Quang proudly claims that his A-10 Thunderbolt II model is extremely rare - possibly the only one of its kind in Vietnam.

This model is equipped with dual 80mm ducted fan engines, has a wingspan of 1.7 meters, and a body length of 1.65 meters. It can reach a top speed of nearly 200 km/h in flight. Quang is especially impressed with the manufacturer’s attention to detail - from the landing gear to minute components - which mirror the real aircraft with 90% accuracy, offering an ultra-realistic flying experience.

The appeal of the Su-30 MK2 and other “sky warriors”

In addition to the A-10, Duong Van Quang owns a remarkable collection of famous attack and fighter jets. His fleet includes iconic models such as the Su-27, F-22, B-2, and especially the Su-30 MK2.

Quang shares that the Su-30 MK2 is his second favorite. He appreciates its exceptional agility and responsiveness during flight. “It’s powerful, stable, and highly maneuverable. It performs aerobatics instantly, with almost no delay in control,” he said enthusiastically.

His collection also features other impressive aircraft like the B-2 Spirit - nicknamed the “ghost of the sky” for its stealth capabilities - and the F-22 Raptor, a favorite among hobbyists for its lift capacity and maneuverability.

Quang emphasizes that model aircraft can’t just fly right out of the box. Each one requires careful calibration and the addition of balance circuits and remote systems to ensure smooth, stable flight paths. “To fly model aircraft effectively, the most important thing is to understand your plane and how each type operates,” he advised.

A passion built by hand and a vision for the future

Currently, Quang owns about 10 large-scale model aircraft along with numerous smaller ones that he’s designed and assembled himself. The joy of crafting these planes and watching them soar brings him indescribable happiness - an emotion he says is far more meaningful than typical forms of entertainment.

Quang has invested a considerable amount of money into this hobby, treating it as an essential part of his life. He now runs a business and occasionally consults or trades parts for beginners, transforming his passion into a semi-professional pursuit.

Looking ahead, Quang hopes to improve his financial situation to expand his collection with more world-renowned aircraft. He also plans to branch out into consulting and selling parts and accessories to the growing community of newcomers. His story is proof that a passion for model aviation can be more than just a pastime - it can be a source of personal growth and community contribution.

Nguyen Duc