AIRCRAFT KITS (354)

With so many airworthy two-seat Spitfires currently offering members of the public once-in-a-lifetime flight experience opportunities around the country, it’s interesting that every Spitfire T.9 started as a single-seat fighter, either a Mk.VIII or more commonly, a Mk.IX. Also, despite the Spitfire being arguably the most famous fighting aeroplane in history, with over 20,000 aircraft eventually produced, no official two-seat training variants were produced during the Second World War. A post-war phenomenon, the current fleet of Spitfire T.9s is helping to preserve the legacy of this magnificent aircraft.

Tamiya 1/48 aircraft model kits sets the benchmark for high quality engineering and accuracy, and this series includes numerous famous aircraft from around the world. Modelers can choose from WWII piston-engined fighters all the way to the latest jets. Paint, tools and glue not included.

The Supermarine Spitfire is regarded by many as the most beautifully designed single seat fighter to appear during the Second World War. Conceived by the renowned British designer Reginald J. Mitchell, the protoype first flew on 5 March 1936. It was an advanced, low wing monoplane with a very slim fuselage and smooth flush riveted metal skin. The Mk I and II versions demonstrated their formidable performance during the "Battle of Britain", and by early 1941, the majority of fighter squadrons were furnished with this fighter. Improvements were suggested by the pilots and every effort was made to maintain its performance advantages over its opponents. Early improvements resulted in the Mk. V series of Spitfires which became the most widely produced version of all Mk's. The main improvement was the furnishing of three wing armament versions, and the use of the more powerful Merlin type 45 engine, and the "fishtail" flame damping exhaust stubs. The most numerous Mk.V was the "b" winged version with a mixed armament of two 7.7mm machine guns and one 20mm cannon in each wing. Although the famous elliptical shaped wing was retained on most Spitfires, some Mk. Vb's had clipped wing tips for better low altitude manurverability. The Spitfire went through numerous minor and major changes throughout its production life, and served with distinction on every battle front of the war. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Merin 45 engine, the Mk.Vb variant of the Spitfire was the mainstay fighter of the RAF in the middle stages of WWII.  Features This 1/48 scale kit accurately reproduces this 20mm cannon-armed variant and includes options such as two different types of windscreens, three types of canopies, and both normal and clipped wingtips. One pilot figure and three marking options are also included.

The second of America's great four-engined heavy bombers of the Second World War, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator actually began development after the Army Air Corps approached the company to build B-17 Flying Fortresses. Unimpressed at the prospect, Consolidated proposed that they could design and produce their own bomber in the same time it would take them to establish production lines, and it would be better than a Flying Fortress. When their XB-24 prototype took to the air on 29th December 1939, it was a very different-looking aeroplane to the B-17 Flying Fortress, with its shoulder-mounted thin wings, deep, yet narrow fuselage and twin-boom tail, it had a maritime aircraft appearance about it. Following its eventual USAAF introduction in 1941, the B-24 Liberator was produced in vast quantities, serving in every theatre during the Second World War, and making a vital contribution to the Allied War effort.

The North American P-51 Mustang is an American, single-engine, long-range fighter and attack aircraft with a classic tail and all-metal construction. The flight of the prototype took place on October 26, 1940. The P-51 Mustang has earned a reputation as one of the best, if not the best, WWII fighter. Replacing the Allison V-1710-39 engine from the first project with a Rolls-Royce Merlin motor (P-51 Mustang Mk.Ia version) made the Mustang, like never before, reached perfection. Technical data (P-51D version): length: 9.83m, wingspan: 11.28m, height: 4.08m, maximum speed: 703km / h, rate of climb: 16.3m / s, maximum range: 2755km, ceiling practical: 12800m, armament: fixed - 6 12.7mm M2 machine guns, suspended - up to 908 kg of bombs or 10 127mm HVAR rocket launchers. This is an injection-plastic jet aircraft model kit.

Carrying on the Fight With its combination of high speed and heavy armament, the Corsair was a formidable aircraft active in the latter half of WWII. As a versatile bird it had a number of variants, among them the F4U-1D, which was the first Corsair to be officially deployed on U.S. aircraft carriers. Features unique to the F4U-1D included a frame-less semi-bubble canopy, thicker propeller blade roots, a raised pilot's seat and more. Armament took the form of six 12.7mm machine guns mounted in the gull wing, with a pylon under each side of the root allowing it to carry two 1,000lb bombs or drop tanks. The outer wing could be fitted with 4 rockets on each side. The F4U-1D was an important presence on its carriers, joining attacks on the Japanese archipelago in February 1945 as U.S. forces advanced. This is the D variant of the popular Corsair World War II fighter plane. It uses new parts to recreate features specific to the F4U-1D, which was the first Corsair to be cleared for use on aircraft carriers. This fighter-bomber could carry drop tanks on new hard points under the wing root, and up to 8 rockets under the outer wing. It provided invaluable close support for ground troops during landings in places such as the Philippines and Okinawa, and continued to serve after WWII, in Korea. F4U-1D Specific Detail differences from previous variants The semi-bubble canopy was altered during production to remove upper side frames and improve visibility. Propeller blades were thicker from the root. Hardpoints under the wing root allowed carrying of bombs and drop tanks. The tail wheel cover had a new fairing to improve aerodynamics. Outer wing sections had extended metal areas with mounts for eight rockets total. Cockpit floor window was scrapped. Features 1/32 scale plastic model assembly kit. New parts recreating 1D-specific features. Gull wings can be assembled extended or folded. The model can be assembled as parked or airborne, with relevant landing gear, tail wheel and strut parts for both included, as well as a stand. Comes with both seated and standing pilot figures. Photo-etched parts included for added realism. Marking options (2 total) for VF-84 (Navy) and VMF-351 (US Marine Corps) aircraft included. Includes the 12-page B5 full color booklet from previous 1/32 Corsair models.

This is a 1/72 scale plastic model assembly kit depicting the F-51D Mustang which was developed post-WWII for the new air force, and tasked largely with air-to-ground missions. Features Includes parts for 500lb bomb, 6-inch rockets and other ordnance. Comes with three marking options including one with a distinctive shark mouth design, plus a display base.

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.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 15.9 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 21.4 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 120 Item Scale: 1:48 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic kit, instruction sheet, paint guide and decal sheet. Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 3 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 2 Wingspan (mm): 214

Representing one of the most glamorous aircraft types to ever take to the skies, the Boeing 314 Clipper was produced to allow passengers and cargo to travel across the vast expanses of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, in levels of style and comfort which rivalled those on the great ocean liners. Twelve aircraft were produced for Pan American World Airways and BOAC, however, the start of the Second World War resulted in these opulent flying boats being used mainly for military purposes, with aircraft serving as transport for Franklin D Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.

Small, lightweight, and versatile, the F-16 has proven to be an exceptional combat aircraft that is capable of a variety of missions. The aircraft has undergone several updates during its service life, the latest of which is the Block 50, which features a more powerful F110-GE-129 engine and improved radar and avionics. Armed with the AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile, it was designated as the F-16CJ and was tasked with "Wild Weasel" missions to suppress enemy air defences. The addition of the CCIP system in 2005 further enhanced its combat capabilities. Features Length: 316mm, Width: 197mm IFF antenna array in front of the cockpit distinguishes this CCIP-equipped model from other F-16s Curved form of the F-16 accurately reproduced with trademark Tamiya precision Moveable horizontal stabilizers. "Flaperons" can be modelled in the up or down positions. Full ordnance load including AGM-88 HARM, AIM-120C AMRAAM, AIM-9M/X Sidewinder, ECM pod, and fuel tanks included. Centerline and inner wing pylons as well as tail assembly feature polycaps to allow easy detachment for storage. 1 pilot figure included with 2 types of flight helmet. 3 types of markings included. Parts also included to depict a pre-upgrade F-16CJ.  

Originally designed as a long-range fighter, the three-seat twin-engine Nakajima J1N1 was designated as a reconnaissance aircraft after failing testing. Following being successfully used as a night fighter against US bombers, official production began in 1943 on a night fighter version, the J1N1-S Gekko (moonlight). Modifications included removing third seat, adding twin-mounted 20mm guns behind cockpit canopy angled up at 30 degrees and underneath fuselage angled down at 30 degrees. The Gekko proved successful against B-17 and B-24 bombers, and continued to fight until the end of WWII. The later version, the J1N1-Sa, featured singular exhaust stacks and three 20mm cannons mounted in upper fuselage with lower guns removed. Some later Gekko models also featured an antenna and radar system mounted on the nose. Features 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit Fuselage length: 263mm Rear fuselage adapted for three guns accurately reproduced. Gun hatch can be assembled as opened or closed, allowing display of gun parts. Includes parts to produce with or without antennas. Singular exhaust stacks reproduced to perfection. Canopy can be assembled as opened or closed, allowing display of intricately detailed cockpit interior and equipment. Comes with two figures and includes decal markings for three aircraft.

The Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion is a heavy, American-made transport helicopter with a metal structure in a classic layout with a main rotor and a tail rotor on the beam. The drive is provided by two General Electric T-64-GE-413 engines with a capacity of 3925 KM each. The flight of the first prototype took place in 1964, and serial production continued in 1966-1978. It is estimated that about 510 copies of this helicopter were built. The Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion was created in response to a tender for a new transport helicopter launched by the Marine Corps in 1959. The new machine was to be able to launch freely, have a loading ramp at the rear of the hull and carry about 50-60 soldiers. All these criteria were met by the machine of the Sikorsky concern. Many development versions of this very solid helicopter were created in the course of serial production. One of them was the CH-53D version with a stronger hull structure, better performance and higher lifting capacity. Another was the search and rescue version, designated CH-53GE. There were also versions dedicated to foreign recipients with changed avionics or engines (e.g. CH-53G created for the needs of German aviation of land forces). The CH-53 helicopter took an active part in the Vietnam War (1964 / 1965-1975). It has also been exported to several countries, including Austria, Germany, Israel and Mexico. Features Tail boom can be built straight or folded Rear ramp can be built open or closed Two pilot figures included Highly detailed cockpit and landing gear Fully engraved panel lines

The Handley Page (HP) Victor was a jet-powered, strategic bomber which, alongside the other ‘V’ bombers, the Avro Vulcan and Vickers Valliant, formed an essential part of Britain’s nuclear deterrent during the early part of the Cold War. The Victor was designed to carry out long-range, low-altitude attacks, but was later relegated to an aerial refuelling role when it was no longer deemed effective as a strategic bomber. Subject to RAF’s requirements for greater tactical manoeuvrability and a higher ceiling, the B.2 variant with more powerful Rolls Royce Conway engines was developed in 1959. Thirty-four were produced and several were later converted for reconnaissance and aerial refuelling purposes. Two RAF squadrons formed on the B.2 after it entered service in 1962, but it was soon succeeded by the B.2R, a conversion which allowed them to carry ‘Blue Steel’ nuclear missiles in addition to free-fall nuclear payloads. Following the introduction of submarine-launched Polaris missiles in 1969, the Victor was gradually relieved of its role as a nuclear deterrent.

In May 1965, the Defence Ministries of France and the UK agreed on a joint programme to develop a supersonic trainer and tactical strike aircraft. France had already decided upon the Brequet 1221 design and this, together with the Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour engine became the basis of the Jaguar. Design leadership was with both Brequet Aviation and the British Aircraft Corporation, so the companies established the joint company SEPECAT to coordinate production. The first two-seat Jaguar trainer flew in September 1968 and the first single-seater in March 1969. Production GR.1 aircraft entered RAF service with 54 sqn in March 1974. The French Air Force phased the type into service earlier in June 1973. The GR.1 for the RAF was a single-seat all-weather strike and ground attack fighter equipped with NAVWASS (navigating and weapons aiming sub-system) enabling it to attack without using radars. Based mostly in Germany, RAF Jaguars were used for rapid deployment and regional reinforcement, and others flew in the tactical nuclear strike role carrying the WE177 bomb. Upgraded GR.1A Jaguars flew successfully in the 1990 Gulf War, where 12 aircraft flew 612 combat sorties without loss. The final Jaguars were retired from RAF service in April 2007.

The ever-popular Westland Lynx is now available in 1:48 model kit form and is sure to delight more experienced Airfix modellers. With 233 parts and three scheme options, this kit will keep you hobby happy for a while. A groundbreaking helicopter design, the Westland Lynx was developed as the potential replacement for several rotary types in British service during the 1970s, and produced in collaboration with French manufacturer Sud Aviation. From the prototype's maiden flight, it was clear this was a very special aircraft. It set many helicopter speed records and became famous for its incredible agility. With variants produced for the British Army and the Royal Navy, the Lynx was used in many roles and remained in service for 40 years. Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 31.6 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 26.5 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 233 Item Scale: 1:48 Scale License line: The (Westland Lynx) is a product of Leonardo UK Ltd and all rights in it, including its name, are hereby reserved. The models have been produced with the permission and assistance of Leonardo MW Ltd. Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 3 Skill Level: 4 Flying Hours: 4 Rotorspan (mm): 265

The Bristol Blenheim was conceived as a privately funded high-speed civilian aircraft, intended to wrestle the record for the fastest civilian aircraft in Europe away from the Germans. Successfully achieving this, it immediately attracted the attention of the RAF. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the Blenheim was available in more numbers than any other RAF aircraft.

The PR.XIX was the final photo reconnaissance version of the Spitfire to see active RAF service. Produced by mating features of the Mk.XI Spitfire to the powerful Griffon engine of the XIV, the PR.XIX was one of the fastest and, some say, best-looking of all Spitfire variants. Due to its role as a reconnaissance machine, it featured no armament, relying upon its high top speed to evade potential enemies. After the war, the PR.CIC served in the Far East, operating over Hainan Island and performing the RAF’s last ever operational sortie by a Spitfire over Malaya on 10th June 1957.

From the perspective of a student pilot, the de Havilland Tiger Moth was a relatively stable and forgiving aircraft to fly, possessing few handling vices and being generally supportive of the odd silly mistake by the novice pilot.It quickly gained a reputation as being an ‘easy aeroplane to fly, but a difficult one to fly well’, qualities which seemed to make this the ideal aircraft to serve as a primary/basic trainer for large numbers of pilots destined to fly operationally during WWII.At the start of the war, the RAF had around 500 Tiger Moths in service, but would requisition hundreds more from flying clubs up and down the country.The De Havilland Tiger Moth is a British mixed training biplane with a fixed undercarriage. The prototype flight took place in 1931. The first production version, powered by the 120hp de Havilland Gipsy III engine, was the Mk.I. Soon after, however, the engine was changed to the de Havilland Gipsy Major with 130hp, and this is how the Mk.II version was created. Serial production started in 1933 and continued until 1944. The Tiger Moth was one of the RAF's primary training aircraft during World War II.Markings Scheme A. De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, BB852/E, Britannia Flight, Britannia Royal Naval College, Roborough, Plymouth, Devon, July 1st, 1965, the last biplanes to land on a British aircraft carrier (HMS Eagle). (A) Scheme B. De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, No.9 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School, Royal Air Force Ansty, Warwickshire, England, October 1940. (B)

In Desperate Defense The Hien was officially adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) in 1943, and stood out among its Japanese aircraft contemporaries in the Pacific War on account of its liquid-cooled Ha-40 engine, slimline fuselage and long, elegant wing. A number of different variants were produced, among them the Ki-61-Id which featured a 20cm-elongated nose to house 20mm cannons, plus 12.7mm machine guns in the wing. In fact, with 1,360 units it was the most prolifically produced Hien variant; its superior performance at higher altitudes meant that it was often given the brief of taking on incoming U.S. B29 bombers Features This is a 1/72 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 125mm, wingspan: 167mm. The model accurately depicts the Ki-61-Id Type Hien with elongated nose and slim fuselage. Complex underbelly air intake slats are artfully depicted using a single part. Features impressive detail in cockpit interior and landing gear bays. Comes with 3 marking options including 244th Air Group. Marking option included for understated 19th Air Group Hien with dark green upper surfaces and unpainted underside. A comprehensive set of decals features no less than three marking options for the modeler to choose from. The distinctive mottled camouflage and bright tail of 244th Air Group Commander Shunzo Takashima is also on offer. Decals These decals recreate the complex mottled camouflage seen on 244th Air Group aircraft. Five decals are used, each covering a section: left/right wings, fuselage left/right, and antenna. Perfect for those without the time to tackle a complex paint job.

This remarkable 1:48 scale model of the English Electric Lightning F.6 showcases one of the most pivotal British aircraft from the post-war period with exquisite detail. Comprising 153 components and featuring a wingspan of 220mm, this kit replicates the pinnacle version of this supersonic marvel, an aircraft that enhanced the capabilities of its predecessors with superior speed, extended range, and improved maneuverability. Among the notable British aircraft developed after the Second World War, the English Electric Lightning stands out for its significant impact. Initially deployed to defend Britain's V-Bomber bases from Soviet bomber threats, this supersonic marvel was epitomised by the Lightning F.6, which surpassed its predecessors with enhanced speed, range, and handling. This extraordinary aircraft served the Royal Air Force for an impressive 28 years, navigating some of the most turbulent periods in global history. The F.6 model marked the reintroduction of guns, which had been omitted in the preceding F.3, complementing its pair of Red Top air-to-air missiles, much to the satisfaction of RAF pilots. While the Lightning was renowned for its incredible speed, pilots believed it was capable of more than just defending points, demonstrating proficiency in dogfighting, provided its cannon armament was retained. Features Skill level 3 kit suitable for ages 8 and above 153 plastic parts with impressive detail throughout Three authentic paint schemes included 220mm wingspan for impressive display presence Accurately recreates the F.6 variant with restored cannon armament Includes Red Top air-to-air missile configuration options Specifications 1:48 Scale Parts Included: 154 Skill Level: 3 Scheme Options: 3

First flying in 1939, the Focke-Wulf FW190 was an immediate threat to RAF fighters when introduced in late 1941, being faster and more manoeuvrable than the Spitfire V then in service. The F-8 was the ground-attack version and differed primarily in its lack of outboard cannons. Various combinations of underwing weapons were fitted, but the most common was one centreline bomb and four small bombs on the wings. The A-8 version was the most numerous, heavily armed variant and entered service in 1944 in an attempt to stop Allied daylight raids. By then, however, the new Allied fighters had begun to outclass it.

Modellers can choose from deployed or folded wingtips. Although this is an F-35 like Item 60792, over 60% parts are newly designed for this kit. Why not proceed with creating your own Joint Strike Fighter force in 1/48 and 1/72 scale? Features This is a 1/72 scale plastic model assembly kit. Wingspan: 182mm, fuselage length: 218mm The distinctive fuselage form of the F-35C – which has larger wings and horizontal stabilizers than other F-35 variants for slower aircraft carrier landings – is captured in style Choose one of the two assembly options: extended or folded wingtips There is plenty of detail showcased on the wing hinges Features newly moulded parts to recreate the reinforced nose landing gear with dual tires and rigid main landing gear, and tyres The newly moulded distinctive nose landing gear bay has realistic renderings of details such as ribs and pipes Fine recreations of Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) are moulded into fuselage surfaces Features a realistic rendering of the lower fuselage gun pod (the gun pod is not attached if using RCS enhancers) This kit also features realistic renderings of the following sections: Y- shaped air intake duct for highly advanced stealth characteristics Cockpit and landing gear bays Martin-Baker US16E ejection seat Engine nozzle (1-piece) RCS (radar cross-section) enhancers affixed to top during basic training exercises, but not in live action or more complex exercises Clear parts recreate canopy and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) fairing under the nose Includes parts to recreate AIM-9X Sidewinder x Masking stickers for the canopy and a realistically recreated seated pilot figure with Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) included Comes with decals to depict 6 marking options (3 from United States Navy and 3 from United States Marine Corps)

Acrylic colors for all kinds of Fantasy and Wargame figures. The new Game Color formulation greatly improves the colors application. The paint spreads very smoothly, is more fluid, opaque and contains a high pigment saturation, chosen for their brightness, maximum stability and resistance to light. Colors are easy to apply and blend, offer a matt finish and excellent self-leveling properties that prevent brush strokes from showing on the painted surface. Formulated with state-of-the-art resins, paints provide a high resistance to handling and rubbing. How to use: Apply with a brush. It can also be used with an airbrush if properly diluted with Airbrush Thinner. Safety: Always follow the information on the product label. Contains 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, reaction mass of 5-chloro- 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (3:1). May produce an allergic reaction. Packaging: Game Color is presented in bottles of 18 ml/0.6 fl oz with eyedropper. This packaging prevents the paint from evaporating and drying in the container, so that It can be used in minimal quantities and preserved for a long time.

This is Tamiya’s 1/72 scale plastic model of the Vought F4U-1A Corsair. While the maneuverability and power of the F4U-1 fighter were adequate, limited all-round visibility resulting from the early frame-like canopy, and the tendency for the left and right wings to stall at different speeds indicated the need for improvements resulting in the new F4U -1A. The improvements included the implementation of a new bubble canopy for better all-around visibility, a longer rear wheel leg for better forward visibility, and an almost hardly evident 15cm strip attached to the leading edge of the right wing to ensure that both wings decelerate in the same way. The completed model is 14.1cm long and 17.3cm wide. Features Elegant inverted gull wing design Powered by a massive 2000hp engine Dimensions: 141 mm long 173 mm wide Includes Includes components to replicate: 1000lb. bomb fuel tanks two options for propellers two options for the tailwheel three different sets of decals Decals for three marking options.