Airfix Junkers Ju87R-2/B-2 Stuka (1:48)

Junkers Ju87R-2/B-2 Stuka  This 1:48 scale model beautifully represents the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka, one of the most iconic aircraft from the Second World War. Known for its inverted gull-wing design, this dive-bomber and ground-attack plane model consists of 161 parts and offers two different paint options. With its unique silhouette and Skill Level 3 complexity, this kit replicates the powerful aircraft that could accommodate a two-man crew, carry up to four machine guns, and transport 1800kg of bombs, all driven by a single V-12 Junkers Jumo engine. Once assembled, the model spans an impressive 288mm across the wings. Key Features: 161 piece model kit in 1:48 scale Choice of two authentic paint schemes Skill Level 3 build suitable for ages 8 and above Inverted gull-wing design faithfully reproduced Completed wingspan of 288mm Detailed cockpit for two-man crew Includes decals and full assembly instructions History: The Junkers Ju-87 Stuka took its maiden flight in 1935 and became one of the most recognisable and feared aircraft during the Second World War. The term 'Stuka' is derived from the German word Sturzkampfflugzeug, which translates to dive-bomber, and this aircraft was specifically engineered for precision bombing missions. Unusually large for a dive-bomber, the Stuka was powered by a single V-12 Junkers Jumo engine and weighed over four tonnes. Despite its size, it could carry a substantial 1800kg of bombs and was equipped with up to four machine guns. The aircraft was operated by a two-man team, consisting of a pilot and a rear gunner, seated in a tandem cockpit beneath the distinctive inverted gull-wing structure. The Stuka's unique design included fixed, spatted landing gear and its signature cranked wings. It was equipped with automatic pull-up dive brakes located under the wings, enabling steep dives followed by automatic recovery. Notoriously, it featured the Jericho-Trompete, or 'Jericho Trumpet' - a siren mounted on the undercarriage that emitted a chilling sound during dives, intended to instill fear in those below. The Ju-87 B-2 was the most produced variant, widely used in the early years of the war across various theatres. The R-2 variant was developed for long-range missions, particularly for anti-shipping purposes, with extended range achieved through additional fuel capacity and underwing drop tanks. The Stuka was highly effective during the Blitzkrieg campaigns in Poland and France, where it operated with air superiority. However, during the Battle of Britain, the slow and poorly defended aircraft suffered significant losses against modern fighters. Despite this, it continued to perform effectively on the Eastern Front and in the Mediterranean, where Luftwaffe ace Hans-Ulrich Rudel famously completed over 2,530 combat missions in this aircraft. The Stuka remains one of the most recognisable aircraft silhouettes from the Second World War, with its distinctive look and infamous reputation securing its place in aviation history.

Airfix McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 (Royal Navy)(1:48)

McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 (Royal Navy)(1:48) Product Info: This striking 1:48 scale model of the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 perfectly encapsulates the unique silhouette of one of Britain's most powerful naval aircraft. Comprising 285 parts and boasting a wingspan of 245mm, this kit provides intricate detail for experienced modellers, showcasing the specific adaptations that enabled these robust jets to operate from HMS Ark Royal's deck. Key Features: -285 precisely moulded plastic components for realistic 1:48 scale representation -Three unique paint options depicting Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft -Skill Level 4 kit offering a challenging and fulfilling assembly experience -Impressive 245mm wingspan reflects the commanding presence of the original aircraft -Detailed adaptations specific to British naval Phantom operations -Suitable for modellers aged 8 years and above History: Undoubtedly, one of the most effective jet aircraft of the post-war period, the remarkable American-made McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom served in various international air forces, with Britain being a major user. Initially acquired to provide the Royal Navy with a contemporary replacement for their outdated De Havilland Sea Vixens, Fleet Air Arm Phantoms primarily defended the fleet from aerial threats in all weather conditions, while also delivering powerful strike support. Known as the Phantom FG.1, these naval jets were a sight to behold and remain among the most visually appealing aircraft to have served in Britain's military. Operating this large aircraft from the relatively small deck of HMS Ark Royal necessitated several significant modifications to the British Phantoms, as well as to the carrier itself, with only the top tier of Britain's fast jet pilots chosen to fly them. The Phantom FG.1 was a key player during the Cold War, a pivotal time in naval aviation when carrier-based fighters needed to excel in performance and operate effectively in demanding maritime conditions. An aircraft of such aesthetic appeal deserves to be showcased, and this military aircraft model kit allows you to construct it with precise 1:48 scale detail. Produced under license. (Vehicle/Aeroplane Models) The distinctive logos, product markings, and trade dress are all trademarks of The Boeing Company.

Airfix Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4 Export Schemes (1:48)

Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4 Export Schemes (1:48) Product Info: This remarkable 1:48 scale model of the Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4 provides modellers with a complex and fulfilling project, featuring 334 components. With a skill level of 4, this intricate kit embodies one of the Royal Navy's most unique carrier-based planes, boasting a wingspan of 344mm upon completion. You can choose from three different paint schemes, each representing various phases of this robust turboprop's service history. Key Features: -334 plastic components for a detailed and thorough assembly -1:48 scale with a wingspan measuring 344mm -Three paint schemes depicting different service eras -Skill level 4 - ideal for seasoned modellers aged 8 years and older -Captures the unique look of the Royal Navy's turboprop carrier aircraft History: The Royal Navy has operated a variety of unique aircraft at sea, but the Fairey Gannet stands out as one of the most unusual in both appearance and sound. In the summer of 1950, a Gannet made history as the first turboprop-powered plane to land on an aircraft carrier's deck. Production of the AS.1 model, the most widely manufactured variant, commenced in 1954. The Gannet also served in the navies of Australia, West Germany, and Indonesia, with the Royal Navy being the last to retire active examples of this durable naval aircraft. Try your hand at constructing this 1:48 scale model and craft a showpiece for your workbench.

Airfix English Electric Lightning F.6 (1:48)

English Electric Lightning F.6 When it comes to significant British aircraft of the post Second World War era, few have had anything like the impact of the English Electric Lightning. It was a supersonic sensation which was originally introduced to protect Britain’s V-Bomber airfields against Soviet bomber attack. The ultimate incarnation of this flying hot-rod was the Lightning F.6, an aircraft which took all the performance of its predecessors, and presented it with even more speed, greater range, and better handling.  This magnificent aircraft posted a stellar 28-year career with the Royal Air Force, through some of the most volatile times in world history. The F.6 variant saw the return of guns to the Lightning, following their omission on the F.3 which preceded it, armament which complemented a pair of Red Top air-to-air missiles and was welcomed by serving RAF pilots.  Although incredible speed was always something associated with the Lightning, pilots were always of the opinion that the aircraft was more than just a point defender, and was easily capable of dogfighting, as long as its cannon armament was retained.  Our English Electric Lightning model kit is almost as impressive as the real thing in 1:48 scale. - Skill Level 3 - 3 Scheme Options - 153 Parts - Requires Glue & Paint to Complete - 1:48 Scale

Airfix SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1/GR.1A (1:48)

SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1/GR.1A Includes: - Highly detailed Plastic kit - Cockpit interior - Optional undercarriage (pose in up or down positions) - Air intake, engine and thruster parts - Armaments - Waterslide transfers for the following schemes: A) SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1, No.54(F) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, 1974. B) SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1A, No.6 Squadron, RAF Coltishall, Norfolk, England, 1990-94. C) SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1A, Operation Granby/Desert Storm, Muharraq Airport, Bahrain, 1990-91 D) SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1, No.11(AC) Squadron, RAF Laarbruch, West Germany, 1976.  - Length - 34.8cm - Width - 18.1cm - 243 Pieces - Skill Level 4 - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale

Airfix Westland Lysander Mk.I/Mk.III (1:48)

Westland Lysander Mk.I/Mk.III Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Brand-new mould - Closed or open canopy options, to reveal the - Detailed internal fuselage structure. - The wings can be built with open or closed leading edge slats and dropped flaps. - The undercarriage features covered or uncovered wheels - Optional bomb racks and full bomb load. - Waterslide transfers/ decals for the following:   - (A) Westland Lysander Mk.I, No.16 Squadron, Royal Air Force Old Sarum, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, 1938-39.   - (B) Westland Lysander Mk.III, No.309 Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron, Royal Air Force Renfrew, Glasgow, Scotland, 1940. - Kit requires glue and paints to complete, NOT included - 1:48 Scale

Airfix Westland Sea King HC.4 (1:48)

Westland Sea King HC.4 This latest iteration of our 1:48 scale Westland Sea King 2023 tooling includes new parts, not included in the first release.  Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Folding rotor blades and tail - Undercarriage without sponsons unique to HC.4 variant - New interior parts including lengthened cabin and extra seats - Open/closed door option - GPMG machine gun mount - New cockpit detail parts - Extra antenna and countermeasures detail parts to suit the HC.4’s front-line role - Waterslide transfers/ decals for the following four schemes:   - (A) Westland Sea King HC.4, ZA298 ‘King of the Junglies’, No.846 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy, HMS Fearless, Operation ‘Corporate’, Falkland Islands, 1982.   - (B) Westland Sea King HC.4, ZA312, No.845 Naval Air Squadron, Operation ‘Granby’/Desert Storm, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy, King Khalid Military City, Saudi Arabia, January-February 1991.    - (C) Westland Sea King HC.4, ZD480, No.845 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy, Croatia, 1995.   - (D) Westland Sea King HC.4, ZF122, No.845 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset, 2013.  - Kit requires glue and paints to complete, NOT included - 1:48 Scale

Airfix Avro Anson Mk.I (1:48)

Avro Anson Mk.I (1:48) Includes: - Highly detailed plastic kit  - Full cockpit interior - Pilots - Gun turrets - Optional undercarriage (model up or down positions) - Detailed Engine and prop parts  - Radio and antenna details Waterslide transfer/decals include the following:   - A) Avro 652A Anson Mk.I, 214 (formerly NK437), Portuguese Government, 1947.    - B) Avro 652A Anson Mk.I, N61, 13th Squadron Naval Cooperation, Hellenic Air Force. Aircraft escaped to Egypt and subsequently served with the 13th Light Bomber Squadron.    - C) Avro 652A Anson Mk.I, NK201, Sydenham Station Flight, Royal Navy, Belfast, Northern Ireland, September 1955. - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale

Airfix Messerschmitt Bf109E-3 E-4 (1:48)

Messerschmitt Bf109E-3 E-4 Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit interior details - Clear canopy parts - Pilot included - Optional undercarriage (Modelled up or down) - Armaments - Waterslide transfers/decals for the following schemes:   - A) Messerschmitt Bf109E-4, Red 1, Hptm. Rolf Pingel, 2./Jagdgeeschwader 53, Rennes, France, late-May 1940.   - B) Messerschmitt Bf109E-3, WNr.1162, White 4, Lt. Johann Böhm, 4./Jagdgeschwader 51, Desvres, France, July 1940.    - C) Messerschmitt Bf109E-3, WNr.1304, White 1, Aircraft Equipment Test Centre (CEMA), Orléans-Bricy, France, December 1939. - Length - 18.3cm - Height - 5.42cm - Width - 20.5cm -  Number of parts 107 - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale

Airfix de Havilland Chipmunk T.10/T.20 (1:48)

de Havilland Chipmunk T.10/T.20 Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit interior parts - Clear canopy parts - Pilot included - Engine and prop parts - Optional undercarriage (up or down positions) - Body and rivet detail - Waterslide transfers/decals for 3x different markings - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 84 Parts - 1:48 Scale

Airfix Bristol Bulldog Mk.II (1:48)

Bristol Bulldog Mk.II - 1:48 Scale Includes: - Plastic kit - Cockpit interior details - Pilot  - Engine and exhaust parts - Prop details - Wing and strut detailing - Gun mounted gun turret - Fixed undercarriage - Waterslide transfers/decals for the following:   - A)  Bristol Bulldog Mk.II, No. 3 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Upavon, Wiltshire, England, 1929.   - B) Bristol Bulldog Mk.II, No. 17 Squadron, Royal Air Force Upavon, Wiltshire, England, 1930.   - C) Bristol Bulldog Mk.II, Fighter Squadron, No. 1 Flying Training School, Royal Australian Air Force Point Cook, Victoria, Australia, 1930s - Kit requires glue and paint to complete Not included - Length - 15.9cm - Width - 21.4cm - 120 parts - 1:48 Scale Aircraft information: A gleaming silver steed flown by the most capable and intrepid young men Britain could call upon, the Bristol Bulldog was one of the most important British aircraft of the inter-war period, when powerful biplane fighters unquestionably ruled the skies. Initially developed as a private venture by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, the Bulldog was the brainchild of accomplished aircraft designer Frank Barnwell, the man behind the successful Bristol F2B Fighter of the Great War, and was a light, all-metal and fabric-covered fighter, powered by a 440hp Bristol Jupiter engine. The Bulldog was armed with a pair of forward-firing Vickers 0.303" machine guns mounted on either side of the cockpit, but ultimately never fired its guns in anger during a relatively short seven-year period serving with Fighter Command. Although it was the most capable fighter of the day, the Bulldog was more closely associated with challenging formation flying and spectacular aerobatics, with the Royal Air Force thrilling huge crowds at airshows and pageants around the country, as they demonstrated the effectiveness of a modernising air force.  What the Bulldog did do was help advance Britain's aviation industry towards the production of the sleek, monoplane fighters which would contest the Second World War, as it highlighted the fact that biplane designs were fast approaching their zenith. Perhaps the most famous incident involving a Bristol Bulldog proved to be a rather unfortunate one, when an accomplished, but rather headstrong RAF pilot performed unauthorised low-altitude aerobatics for a group of onlookers and a private civilian aerodrome in Berkshire.  Flying so low that the wingtip of his fighter struck the ground during a manoeuvre, the Bulldog cartwheeled across the airfield, inflicting catastrophic injuries on the pilot - that pilot was future Second World War RAF ace and inspirational national hero Douglas Bader.

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 Blackburn Buccaneer S2 RAF (1:48)

Blackburn Buccaneer S2 RAF (1:48) Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit detailing includes pilot - Optional undercarriage (up or down positions) - Optional flaps on rear (for parachute deployment) - Armament detailing - Waterslide transfers/decals - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale Aircraft information and history: Entering RAF service some seven years after it had with the Royal Navy, the Blackburn Company received an initial order for 26 new aircraft, with RAF machines having a number of differences from their seaborne counterparts and designated S.Mk.2B. For an aircraft the Royal Air Force didn’t really want, the Buccaneer proved to be an exceptionally capable machine and by the time they were scheduled for retirement, they were reluctant to let them go. Although they were forced to take a naval aircraft they had originally dismissed, it didn’t take long before the camouflaged Buccaneers of the RAF began to show why this was definitely not a second rate aircraft option.

Airfix Hawker Sea Fury FB.II - (1:48)

Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit detail - Optional undercarriage (can be modelled in up or down positions) - Body and panel detailing - Waterslide transfers/decals for the following schemes:   - A) Hawker Sea Fury FB.11, 'Exercise Momentum', 1831 Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, Royal Naval Air Stretton (HMS Blackcap), Cheshire, England, 1953.   - B) Hawker Sea Fury FB.11, G-FURY, UK, 1981.    - C) Hawker Sea Fury FB.11, No.724 Squadron, Royal Australian Navy. Naval Air Station Nowra, New South Wales, Australia, 1961-62. - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale Aircraft information and history: One of the most capable piston-engine fighter aircraft ever produced and the last to enter service with Britain’s Fleet Air Arm, the Hawker Sea Fury represented the pinnacle of piston-engine fighter design. Introduced after the end of the Second World War, the Sea Fury would see combat against some of the early jet fighters during the Korean War, where it would perform extremely well. The first deck landing trials commenced in the winter of 1946. The Sea Fury would remain as the Fleet Air Arms principle single-seater fighter until 1953, when it was then replaced by the jet-powered Hawker Sea Hawk.  The aircraft also saw service with a number of overseas air arms, in a variety of operational roles, including strike fighter, trainer and high-speed target towing. The aircraft also became a popular choice in the world of air racing, where the brute power and sheer speed of this magnificent aircraft saw it victorious in countless competitions.

Airfix Hawker Hunter FGA.9/FR.10/GA.11 (1:48)

Hawker Hunter FGA.9/FR.10/GA.11  Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit canopy, interior detailing and pilot - Optional undercarriage (Up or down positions) - Intake, engine and thruster detail - Panel and body detail - New parts include:   - FR.10 Nose, 230 Gallon drop tanks (incl. support arms), Amended flaps, GA.11 specific parts, Outer pylon ejector fairings Revised inboard pylon, Amended pylon location - 3x Sets of waterslide transfers/Decals for the following:   - (A) Hawker Hunter FGA.9, Aircraft flown under Tower Bridge, London, by Flight Lieutenant Alan Pollock, No.1 Squadron, Royal Air Force West Raynham, Norfolk, England, April 5th 1968.   - (B) Hawker Hunter FR.10, No.4 Squadron, Royal Air Force Gütersloh, West Germany, 1961.   - (C) Hawker Hunter GA.11, Fleet Requirements and Aircraft Direction Unit, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset, England, 1976. - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - !:48 Scale Aircraft information and history: April 1968: Flt Lt Alan Pollock flew between the spans of Tower Bridge to protest the lack of recognition surround the RAF's 50th Anniversary. Proving the old adage 'if it looks right, than it is right', the Hawker Hunter was a thing of aviation beauty, streamlined and cultured, but deadly fighting aeroplane at heart. Underlying the Hunter's adaptability, the FGA.9 variant was developed in response to an RAF requirement to replace ground attack Venoms serving with units in the Middle East and was basically an F.6 airframe optimised for close air support operations. Strengthening then Hunter's wing enabled it to carry an impressive array of offensive ordnance, with the FGA.9 presenting the RAF with one of their most capable ground attack fighters. 128 Hunters FGA.9's would see service with home based and overseas squadrons.

Airfix Curtiss P-40B Warhawk (1:48)

Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Aircraft information and history: During the early stages of WWII, the American built Curtiss P-40B proved to be one of the most important fighter aircraft available to Allied Air Forces. Flying with the RAF in North Africa and the American Volunteer Group in China, the Allison V-1710-33 powered P-40B was to became one of the most distinctive fighters of the entire war, wearing their fearsome shark-mouth artwork.Arguably, the most striking versions of the P-40 were the early machines, which displayed an extremely sinister profile '”œ with a shorter, more pointed nose and an extremely throaty Allison V-1710 engine, the P-40B (Tomahawk IIa in RAF service) aircraft looked almost like flying Great White sharks. When RAF No.112 Squadron of the Desert Air Force added aggressive looking sharks teeth and eyes to their aircraft in 1941, they inadvertently turned their Tomahawks into some of the most iconic aircraft of WWII and certainly some of the most visually appealing. These designs would find their way on to many different aircraft throughout the remainder of the war, but the RAF Desert Air Force certainly started the trend. Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Extensive cockpit detail including Opening Canopy, Pilot and interior detail - Optional undercarriage (Up or down positions) - Engine and exhaust detail - Body including flap, rudder details  - Armament detail - Waterslide transfers/decals - Kit requires glue and paint to complete (NOT included) - 1:48 scale

Airfix Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C/D (1:48)

Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C/D A mighty naval strike aircraft which can trace its origins back to Britain's response to a massive naval expansion programme by the Soviet Navy in the 1950s and the introduction of their Sverdlov Class Cruisers, the Blackburn Buccaneer was designed to have exceptional low altitude performance and the ability to effectively neutralise this new naval threat. Required to operate from the relatively confined space aboard one of Britain's aircraft carriers, this subsonic strike jet was the most capable aircraft of its kind in the world and a real triumph for Britain's aviation industry - it also happened to be the heaviest aircraft ever operated by the Royal Navy. In order to allow its effective operation at sea, the Buccaneers design not only included the ability to fold its wings, but also the nose (radar housing) and rear speed brake could be folded back and split open respectively, allowing for more effective carrier stowage, whilst maintaining the aerodynamic integrity of the aircraft. Entering Royal Navy service in July 1962, there were no two seat trainer versions of the Buccaneer, so even though the pilot would have had the benefit of several flights as a back seat observer in the new aircraft, his first flight as pilot would therefore be his Buccaneer solo. Thankfully, the Blackburn designers included many hi-tech automated features in the Buccaneer's roomy cockpit, all of which were intended to reduce pilot workload. There is something aviation enthusiasts find particularly fascinating about the operation of aircraft at sea and the intrepid aviators who flew aeroplanes from the heaving decks of aircraft carriers under steam, particularly when aviation entered the jet age. The unforgiving nature of these operations dictated that naval aircraft had to be extremely tough, in addition to being capable of carrying out the mission for which they were required, attributes the Blackburn Buccaneer possessed in abundance.  The introduction of the S.2 variant of the aircraft in late 1965 saw a major upgrade of the Buccaneer's capabilities, but centred around the adoption of a new powerplant, the famous Rolls Royce Spey turbofan. Possessing greater thrust and increased range, the Buccaneer S.2 was an even more capable naval strike aircraft and one which must have struck fear into the hearts of every Soviet naval commander. With its increased power, the S.2 was now able to land back on its home carrier with one engine shut down if required, but still having enough thrust to safely go around again, should the aircraft fail to catch the arrestor hook. The Buccaneers of No.800 Naval Air Squadron were famously involved in the destruction of the stricken oil tanker Torrey Canyon, off Land's End in March 1967, as the government attempted to avert an environmental catastrophe by breaking open the vessel and burning its flammable cargo. Operating from RAF Brawdy, eight Buccaneers from No.800 NAS dropped 42,000 lbs of high explosive bombs on the tanker, achieving an impressive 75% success rate. Includes - Highly detailed plastic kit - 4x Squadron Markings to choose from:   - Blackburn Buccaneer S.2D No. 809 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Ark Royal, August 1978. (A)  - Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C No. 801 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Hermes, 1969. (B)  - Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C No. 809 Naval Air Squadron, Royal Naval Air Station Lossiemouth, Scotland, 1970. (C)  - Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C No. 803 Naval Air Squadron, Royal Naval Air Station Lossiemouth, Scotland, 1969. (D) - Detailed cockpit - Engine Panel detail - Opening Air Brake - Intake Covers & Crew Access Ladders - Optional undercarriage (up or down) - Armament detail - Waterslide decals/transfers - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale

Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XII (1:48)

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XII Includes - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit detailing - Optional undercarriage (modelled up or down) - Armaments - Waterslide transfer/Decals - Wingspan 20.7cm - Paint Scheme Options 2 - Skill Level 3 - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale

Airfix Supermarine Spitfire F Mk.XVIII (1:48)

Supermarine Spitfire F Mk.XVIII Includes - Detailed Plastic kit - Cockpit detail - Undercarriage options - Weapons detailing - Transfers/Decals - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale

Airfix Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 (1:72)

Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 Includes: - Plastic kit  - Cockpit and interior parts - Cockpit canopy glazing - Optional undercarriage (up or down positions) - Armaments - Waterslide transfers/decals for:   A) Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 Aircraft flown by Major Hermann Graf, Jagdges 50, Wiesbaden/Erbenheim, Germany, autumn 1943. (A) - Number of Pieces 41 - Requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:72 Scale

Airfix De Havilland Chipmunk T.10 (1:48)

De Havilland Chipmink T.10 Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit interior parts - Clear canopy parts - Pilot included - Engine and prop parts - Optional undercarriage (up or down positions) - Body and rivet detail - Waterslide transfers/decals for 4x different markings - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 84 Parts - 1:48 Scale Aircraft information: An aircraft which has been responsible for training thousands of pilots and allowing thousands more to enjoy experience flights, the Chipmunk took over this important responsibility from the venerable Tiger Moth from 1950 onwards. One of the longest serving RAF types, the Chipmunk still provides training and currency support for pilots of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Airfix Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XIV (1:48)

Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XIV Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit and interior detail - Undercarriage and frame parts - Engine and prop detailing - Number of Pieces 118 - Wingspan 20.7cm - Paint Scheme Options 2 - Skill Level 3 - Requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale  

Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1a: No.222 Sqd/No.611 Sqd (1:48)

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1 a Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit and interior detail - Undercarriage and frame parts - Engine and prop detailing - Number of Pieces 149 - Wingspan 23.2cm - Paint Scheme Options 2 - Skill Level 3 - Requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale  

Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb: BM260 No.133 Sqd/BL766 336th (1:48)

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit and interior detail - Optional undercarriage (modelled up or down) - Engine and prop detailing - Armaments - Number of Pieces 143 - Wingspan 23.4cm - Paint Scheme Options 2 - Skill Level 3 - Requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:48 Scale