Airfix North American F-86F/E(M) Sabre (1:72)

North American F-86F/E(M) Sabre (1:72) Product Info: This 1:72 scale model kit recreates the renowned North American F-86 Sabre, a pioneering classic jet fighter celebrated for its exceptional pilot-friendly design. Equipped with six dependable 0.50cal M3 Browning machine guns and expertly balanced controls, the Sabre epitomised advanced aviation technology before rockets became standard. Comprising 63 components and rated at skill level 2, this kit invites you to construct a piece of aviation heritage. Key Features: -1:72 scale replica of the iconic F-86F/E(M) Sabre jet fighter -63 intricately moulded plastic parts for detailed assembly -Six 0.50cal M3 Browning machine guns rendered with precision -Includes two genuine decoration schemes -Skill level 2 - suitable for modellers aged 8 years and older -Part of the esteemed Vintage Classics collection History: Nearly 10,000 Sabres were built, serving in about 30 different air forces globally. The F-86 Sabre's outstanding performance and reliability led to its widespread international use, with production under licence in Canada, Australia, Japan, and Italy. This impressive production and global deployment solidified the Sabre's reputation as one of the most successful jet fighters of the Cold War era, marking a significant shift in aviation history with the advent of swept-wing jet technology.   Produced under licence. (Vehicle/Aeroplane Models) the distinctive logos, product markings, and trade dress are all trademarks of The Boeing Company.  

Airfix Fairey Gannet AS1AS4 (1:48)

Fairey Gannet AS1AS4 Includes: - Highly detailed plastic kit - Extensive cockpit and interior detail - Pilots included - Distinctive prop/ blades - Body panelling and rivet detail - Optional undercarriage (Up or down positions) - Waterslide transfers/decals - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale  Aircraft information and history: An aircraft that must surely be considered one of the most distinctive types to have ever seen Fleet Air Arm service, the Fairey Gannet was as capable as it was unique and was significant as the only post-war military contract to be won by the famous Fairey Aviation Company. Arguably the most unconventional Fairey designed aircraft to enter full production, the Gannet was developed in response to a 1945 Royal Navy requirement for an advanced carrier-based, turboprop-powered anti-submarine hunter-killer, one which was rugged enough to withstand the rigors of operation at sea.  Intended to counter the recent expansion of the Soviet submarine fleet at the start of the Cold War era, the Gannet was equipped with all manner of the latest electronic detection equipment and if an enemy submarine was detected, it could be marked, tracked, and if necessary, attacked, using bombs, depth charges, rockets, and air-launched acoustic torpedoes. One feature of the Gannet which helped to give it a unique appearance was the adoption of its powerplant, the innovative Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba. This arrangement saw two gas turbine engines mounted side by side in the nose of the gannet, sharing a common gearbox, but both operating independently, each engine driving its own coaxially mounted, contra-rotating propeller. In addition to this, the engines could run on kerosene and even diesel fuel, which was safer to handle and less refined than traditional aviation fuels.  This arrangement provided Gannet crews with more than enough power for carrier operations, with the reassurance of two engines when embarking on long ocean patrols. Once in flight, the pilot could shut down one of the engines to conserve fuel and whilst this would reduce the Gannet's maximum speed, it would extend its loiter capabilities. Usually, a pilot would alternate engine use during a long patrol, running each engine for around an hour before swapping to the other engine - the engine mounted on the port side drove the front propeller. Another unique feature of the Gannet's design was its bi-folding wing system, something which was designed to allow this large aircraft to operate safely and to be stored aboard one of the Royal Navy's relatively small aircraft carriers. When a pilot engaged the wing unfold, this ingenious system not only prepared the wings for flight, but also automatically connected all flight control systems, hydraulic connections and fuel pipes to the main system, without any ground crew intervention.  In operation, there are reports that the Gannet was so rugged a design that when one aircraft lost the outer sections of both wings after performing a particularly violent manoeuvre, the aircraft still managed to make it back safely to its home carrier, something which can only have endeared the aircraft to its crews still further. The Fairey Gannet would prove to be an extremely rugged and highly effective anti-submarine aircraft, one which could carry an impressive array of offensive ordnance and one which was able to attack submarines either on the surface, or when submerged and trying to evade its attentions. Well-liked by air and ground crews alike, 348 Gannets would eventually be produced and in addition to serving with Britain's Fleet Air Arm, the aircraft would also see service with the navies of Australia, Germany and Indonesia.

Airfix Messerschmitt Me262A-1a/2a (1:72)

Messerschmitt Me262A-1a/2a Includes: - Plastic kit - Cockpit detail - Pilot included - Optional undercarriage (up or down positions) - Armament detail - New markings /Waterslide transfers/decals for:   A) Messerschmitt Me262A-1a, W.Nr110956 'White 17', flown by Obstlt. Heinz Bär, III./Ergänzungs-Jagdgeschwader 2, Lechfeld, Bavaria, Germany, 29th April 1945.   B) Messerschmitt Me262A-2a, W.Nr.500200, flown by Fj.Ofw. Hans Frölich, 2./Kampfgeschwader 51, Fassberg, Lower Saxony, Germany, 8th May 1945. - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:72 Scale Aircraft information and history: Representing the primary production variant of the Messerschmitt Me262 jet, the A-1A was the fighter-bomber version of the aircraft desired by Hitler, capable of being used as an interceptor, or configured to carry bombs and air-to-air mortars on nose mounted pylons.  With the aircraft’s powerful nose mounted cannons used to devastating effect against the massed formations of USAAF bombers attacking Germany, the offensive firepower of the jets could be further enhanced by the addition of R4M ‘Orkan’ (Hurricane) rocket packs under each wing.  Mounted on rudimentary racks made from wood, twelve R4M stabilised rockets could be carried under each wing, each one capable of bringing down an enemy bomber.