AIRFIX (79)

Allowing a new generation of the earth’s population to witness the development and achievements of a NASA space program, the Space Launch System is their latest and most powerful rocket launch system, intended to take mankind to the moon and beyond. The latest generation of super-heavy-lift launch vehicle, to the uninitiated, SLS and the Orion spacecraft capsule almost appears to be a combination of Apollo and Space Shuttle technologies, however, this incredible program represents the pinnacle of engineering technology taking man deeper into space than ever before. Blasting off for an unmanned maiden launch on 16th November 2022, the first manned launch is planned for 2025, when the Orion capsule will embark on a lunar flyby.

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

Produced at a time when British engineering was the envy of the world, the Saunders Roe/British Hovercraft Corporation SR.N4 was impressive in every respect of the word; a mighty craft heralding a new era in high speed, high comfort, cross-Channel travel for the masses. Entering service in 1969, these Mountbatten Class Hovercraft were able to cruise at speeds in excess of 60 knots, allowing operators to complete 14 return trips each day during the busy summer schedule. Powered by four marine variants of the Rolls Royce Proteus turboprop engine, each unit drove a massive 5.8 metre diameter variable Dowty Rotol propeller mounted-on pylons, which moved to provide the hovercraft with directional control, along with powered fins and rudders. At the time the SR.N4 entered service, this floating leviathan was the largest passenger hovercraft ever built, equipped with the largest propellers ever produced. Allowing these fully amphibious craft to use terminals away from existing busy seaports, but close enough to still be convenient for passengers, you definitely knew when one of these mighty craft were inbound, because of the incredible noise produced by its Proteus engines. Everything about this hovercraft was spectacular, which also made it one of the most impressive Airfix model kits ever produced, one making a welcome return to our 2026 Vintage Classics range in 1:144 scale.  Specification Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 27.2 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 15.8 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? 276 Item Scale: 1:144 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Number of Scheme options: 2 Skill Level: 4 Flying Hours: 4

This detailed 1:600 scale naval ship kit allows you to recreate the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, featuring 151 plastic components and offering two genuine paint schemes. Designed for modellers aged 8 and up with a skill level of 3, this kit provides an engaging project of one of the Kriegsmarine's distinguished warships. Prinz Eugen was sent into the North Atlantic alongside the Bismarck to target convoys heading to Great Britain. During the Denmark Strait battle, she inflicted damage on both HMS Hood (later sunk by Bismarck) and HMS Prince of Wales, before making her way to Brest in occupied France. The heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen was named after Prince Eugene of Savoy, an 18th-century Austrian general. As part of the Admiral Hipper-class heavy cruisers, she was a formidable ship equipped with eight 20.3cm guns in four twin turrets, twelve 10.5cm anti-aircraft guns, and twelve 53.3cm torpedo tubes. Commissioned in August 1940, Prinz Eugen became one of the Kriegsmarine's most effective surface raiders. Her most notable action occurred in May 1941 when she joined Bismarck on Operation Rheinübung, aimed at disrupting Allied convoy routes in the Atlantic. During the subsequent encounter in the Denmark Strait, Prinz Eugen's precise gunnery played a role in the devastating attack on HMS Hood, while her shells also hit HMS Prince of Wales. After the battle, she managed to evade British forces and reached the safety of Brest, while Bismarck continued alone to her tragic end. Following repairs and further missions in the Atlantic and Baltic, Prinz Eugen survived the war, surrendered to the Allies in Copenhagen in May 1945, and was later given to the United States Navy as a war prize. She was used in the Operation Crossroads atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in July 1946, surviving both explosions before eventually capsizing in December 1946, where her wreck remains today. Features 1:600 scale model with 151 plastic components Skill level 3 - intermediate build complexity Two genuine paint schemes included Suitable for ages 8 years and above Part of the Battle of Bismarck collection Second World War German heavy cruiser Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 35.4 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 3.6 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? 151 Item Scale: 1:600 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Number of Scheme options: 2 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 2

This 1:600 scale model kit of HMS Suffolk captures the essence of the County-class heavy cruiser, which played a crucial role in tracking the Bismarck in the Denmark Strait during May 1941. Comprising 128 components, this Skill Level 2 kit is designed for modellers aged 8 and up, providing a faithful depiction of one of the Royal Navy's key warships from the Second World War. The kit includes two paint options, enabling you to replicate specific configurations from the ship's notable wartime service. Part of the Airfix Vintage Classics collection, this plastic model kit combines nostalgia with historical precision, celebrating a classic design from Airfix's storied past. HMS Suffolk was a distinguished County-class heavy cruiser in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. In May 1941, she was instrumental in the Battle of the Denmark Strait and the eventual sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. Suffolk engaged the enemy battleship twice and, with her advanced radar systems, successfully tracked the Bismarck through the Denmark Strait's challenging waters. This vital surveillance allowed Suffolk to maintain contact with the enemy, providing crucial intelligence that enabled other Royal Navy units to intercept Bismarck. The ship's role was pivotal in one of the war's most renowned naval battles, ultimately leading to the demise of Germany's most formidable warship and safeguarding Atlantic convoys from potential threats. Features 1:600 scale model kit with 128 plastic components Skill Level 2 - suitable for modellers aged 8 years and older Includes two genuine paint schemes Recreates HMS Suffolk's 1941 wartime configuration Part of the esteemed Battle of Bismarck series Vintage Classics design honouring Airfix heritage Accurate depiction of a County-class heavy cruiser Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 32 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 3.2 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 128 Item Scale: 1:600 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Number of Scheme options: 2 Skill Level: 2 Flying Hours: 2

A secret release that will inspire aviation model-makers.  This legendary aircraft has three scheme options to choose from, so you can decorate your 1:48 scale model kit in a variety of ways. A gleaming silver steed to be 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 Bristol Aeroplane Company, the Bulldog was the brainchild of accomplished aircraft designer Frank Barnwell, the man behind the successful Bristol F.2B Fighter of the Great War. It was a light, all-metal, fabric-covered fighter, powered by a 440hp Bristol Jupiter engine. The Bulldog was armed with a pair of forward-firing Vickers 0.303 in machine guns mounted 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. Bristol Bulldog Mk.IIA The Bristol Bulldog was a key British fighter of the inter-war years, designed by Frank Barnwell and powered by a 440 hp Bristol Jupiter engine. Though it never saw combat, it became famous for precision formation flying and aerobatics, showcasing the Royal Air Force’s modern capabilities at airshows across the country. New Parts Include: Wide-track undercarriage with metal wheels and tailwheel Later type tail fin and rudder Optional exhausts with cabin heater and spent cartridge collection bins New cylinder heads to represent the type fitted to the Bristol Jupiter VIIF engine of the Bulldog Mk.IIa New parts for the external oil cooler Decal Options  A05145 - Bristol Bulldog Mk.IIA, No.23 Squadron, Royal Air Force Kenley, England, 1931. (A) A05145 - Bristol Bulldog Mk.IIA, 'C' Flight Commander, No.3 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Abyssinian Crisis, East Africa, 1935. (B) A05145 - Bristol Bulldog Mk.IIA, No.32 Squadron, Royal Air Force Kenley, England, 1935. (C)

From 1944, the de Havilland Mosquito B.XVI was delivered to front line squadrons. The B.XVI was a development of the earlier B.IX variant, but a new pressurised cabin had been incorporated so the aircraft could operate at high altitude.  Although it was unarmed, the B.XVI could carry a 3,000Ib bomb load. Not long after the start of B.XVI production, modifications were incorporated on the production line to allow a 4,000Ib ‘Cookie’ or blockbuster bomb to be carried internally, a weapon which possessed devastating destructive capability.  Combining the power of these fearsome weapons with the legendary speed and bombing accuracy associated with Mosquito operations allowed Bomber Command to keep the pressure on the enemy throughout the latter stages of WWII. By this time, with its first test flight on 12 March 1945, the last bomber version of the Mosquito, B.35, was at an advanced stage of development. Powered by the Merlin 113/114 engine, the war ended before the B.35 entered service. However, it had a long career with the post-war RAF, serving operationally until early 1954. When the RAF’s new jet-powered replacement for the Mosquito, the English Electric Canberra was introduced to service in May 1951, the Mosquito B.35 was relegated from frontline operations and many B.35s continued to operate in secondary roles after conversion to target tugs.  These conversions were undertaken by Northamptonshire-based Brooklands Aviation Ltd and called TT.35s. These remained in service with Civilian Anti Aircraft Cooperation Units (CAACU) until the last one was retired in May 1963. The TT.35’s target-towing system consisted of a wind-driven ML Type G winch with 6,000ft of non-twisting steel cable towing a fabric target drogue. Features This 1:72 scale kit consists of 182 parts and introduces 21 newly designed parts Open and closed bulged bomb bay doors 4000lb “Cookie” bomb,  Bomb bay interior parts,  Target towing winch parts and other details. Marking options for 3 distinctive new schemes which tell the story of the Mosquito’s changing roles in late World War 2 and into the post-war era- including the colourful TT.35 target towing variant “TA719” which survived into preservation. 

In the summer of 1944, after the D-Day landings, British troops pressing into Normandy faced fierce resistance—and a dry pint glass. Supplies were tight, and morale was vital. So, in one of the war’s most unexpected missions, Spitfire pilots took to the skies not just with ammunition—but with beer. Ingenious airmen modified drop tanks and strapped barrels beneath their wings, delivering much-needed refreshment to parched troops across the Channel. Some called it “Operation Cheers.” These weren’t official missions. They were flights of morale. Spitfires—symbols of British grit—became airborne drays for a brief, glorious period. This Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc kit in 1:24 scale includes parts required to truly replicate the beer carrying Spitfires ‘Flying Drays’. This kit is perfect for advanced modellers looking to expand their collection with a classic WWII fighter in a rare and iconic style. Airfix offers a great range of aircraft models that are available both online and in-store. Included in this special release are high detail resin parts required to truly replicate the beer carrying Spitfires ‘Flying Drays’. Includes 2 x Beer barrels, including lids barrel ends. 2 x Nose cones (Information available indicates that these were probably made from the rear end of a P-51 drop tank) 2 x Bomb racks 1 x Slipper tank. Canopy masking set

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

Arguably the most unconventional Fairey-designed aircraft to enter full production, the Gannet was developed to meet a 1945 Royal Navy requirement for an advanced carrier-based turboprop-powered anti-submarine hunter-killer. Intended to counter the recent expansion of the Soviet submarine fleet at the start of the Cold War era, the Gannet was equipped with the last electronic detection equipment and if an enemy submarine was detected, it could be marked, tracked and attacked using bombs, depth charges, rockets and air-launched acoustic torpedoes. It was a highly effective anti-submarine aircraft, able to attack submarines on the surface or submerged. One feature of the Gannet that gave it a unique appearance was its innovative Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba powerplant. This arrangement saw two gas turbine engines mounted side by side, sharing a common gearbox, but operating independently, each engine driving its own coaxially mounted, contra-rotating propeller. Another unique feature was the bi-folding wing system, designed to allow this large aircraft to be stored aboard relatively small aircraft carriers.

One of the most distinctive military vehicles to see British military service, the Alvis Stalwart was a capable amphibious 6x6 cargo truck, introduced to keep Army units supplied with fuel, ammunition and general supplies during conflict. Initially developed as a private venture, the Stalwart can trace its lineage back through a series of successful 6x6 vehicles, most of which saw British military service, such as the Saladin armoured car and Saracen armoured personnel carrier. The Stalwart shared many components with its predecessors but was charged with performing a very different role. Entering service from 1966 onwards, the Stalwart lived up to its name, with its impressive off-road performance giving it a go-anywhere, fear-nothing reputation. Featuring an intricate drive and suspension system, the Stalwart afforded its crew a comfortable ride when operating over uneven terrain. However, even though the vehicle could reach speeds approaching 40mph on open roads, handling the Stalwart could be challenging, with each bank of wheels constantly trying to outpace those on the opposite side. A true amphibian, the Stalwart boasted watertight seals to protect all vital components, enabling it to deliver its vital cargo across bodies of water not served by bridges or temporary crossings, climbing out of the water on the other side if the ground was shallow or compact enough to support its weight. In the water, the Stalwart Mk.2 featured improved waterjet power and could reach speeds of 16km/h in optimum conditions.

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 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.

Restricted by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the German Kriegsmarine exploited a loophole by designing a fleet of fast, wooden-hulled attack craft they referred to as Schnellboots. Expertly designed, these vessels were perfected over time and by the outbreak of the Second World War, they had become a devastatingly effective part of Germany’s naval strength. Powered by three diesel engines and featuring a triple rudder arrangement, Germany’s E Boats were some of the fastest warships in the world. With their low profile, high manoeuvrability and torpedo armament, if they penetrated any Allied convoy, they could destroy several vessels and make their escape before coming under return fire.

As a thoroughbred fighting aeroplane, the basic airframe of the Supermarine Spitfire was capable of accepting successive modifications which saw this incredible aircraft remain in production throughout the entire Second World War. That adaptability allowed the Spitfire to be upgraded to meet the challenge posed by the latest Luftwaffe fighters, one which saw the Spitfire Mk.IX hurriedly introduced during the summer of 1942 to combat the dominance of the fearsome Focke Wulf FW190 ‘Butcher Bird’. This variant of the Spitfire has since been described as potentially the most effective ‘stop-gap’ fighter in the history of military aviation.

Entering RAF service in 1980, the mighty Boeing Chinook HC.1 has benefitted from almost constant upgrade and further procurement since that time, and has become an essential component within Britain’s military capabilities. Indeed, it seems as if the only aircraft capable of replacing a Chinook is another Chinook, a situation not likely to change for many years. With the latest Chinooks being some of the most advanced aircraft in the current Royal Air Force inventory, the Chinook Sustainment Programme will ensure these aircraft can continue serving the nation in a way only the Chinook can, for at least the next two decades.

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.

The Westland Wessex HC.2 was a licence-built turbine-powered development of the classic American Sikorski S-58 ‘Choctaw’ helicopter, one of the world’s first truly capable helicopters which established these aircraft as essential for a host of military and civilian applications. The continuation of an existing arrangement between Sikorsky and Westland, the Wessex was initially developed for the Royal Navy in the anti-submarine and utility roles but was further developed as the HC.2 for the Royal Air Force, entering service in 1962, a year later than the Navy machines. In RAF service, these powerful helicopters performed several roles, including troop and supply transportation, ground support and air evacuation duties. However, it was their use as Air Sea Rescue helicopters which made these some of the highest-profile aircraft in service at that time. The Wessex represented the pinnacle of rotary technology when introduced and could operate from, and into places that other aircraft couldn’t.

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.

While it is the pilots that often receive the most acclaim for their role in defending the United Kingdom from the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain in the late summer of 1940, they could never have completed this job alone. Supporting the pilots were many more men and women from across the UK who served as ground crew, performing the vital tasks of refuelling, rearming and maintaining fighter aircraft in between sorties. This was a particularly hazardous task during the Luftwaffe attacks and hit-and-run raids upon RAF airfields. In addition to refuelling and re-arming Spitfires and Hurricanes with thousands of .303 rounds, these hard-working people also patched up damaged fighters, started the engines before sorties, and assisted pilots despite the hectic pace of the battle. The bombing raids and strafing attacks claimed many lives and many more ground crew members were injured, but they carried on, both through the battle and throughout the remainder of the war, often working both in the blazing sun and freezing cold, ensuring that the RAF had the means to defend the skies of Great Britain. Includes 8 Ground Crew Figures 2 Pilot Figures 1 Trolley Accumulator 1 Oil Bowser 1 Ammunition Trolley Wheel Chock Miscellaneous Support Equipment

Quickly outclassed as a day fighter during the Battle of Britain, the Boulton Paul Defiant was tasked with protecting Britain from night bombing raids by the Luftwaffe. Not trained to fight at night, Defiant crews had to develop interception techniques as they fought but found the aircraft much more suited to this nocturnal fighting environment. After enjoying initial success against Luftwaffe pilots unfamiliar with Britain's turret fighter, Defiant crews soon discovered the limitations of their aircraft. The significant weight of the gun turret, combined with a relatively poor arc of defensive fire, meant that German Messerschmitts soon learned how to attack these unusual aircraft. As combat losses began to mount, RAF Defiants were relegated to night fighting duties, where the aircraft was much less vulnerable and could make better use of its offensive firepower. As the night Blitz against London raged, Defiant crews had to develop their own interception techniques, as many were not trained in this type of fighting. They soon began to score victories against the Luftwaffe raiders, helping to establish a cohesive night defence system and rebuilding the reputation of the Defiant. These all-black nocturnal hunters became some of the most distinctive RAF aircraft of the Second World War.

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.