AIRFIX (118)

The second of America's great four-engined heavy bombers of the Second World War, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator 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 introduction of the 'H' model addressed the aircraft's vulnerability to frontal attack, something enemy fighter pilots had been exploiting since the B-24's introduction. This variant was the first to be manufactured with an electrically operated Emerson A-15 nose turret but also had around 50 other modifications to make the Liberator a more combat-effective aircraft.  This was also the first variant to truly take advantage of America's capacity for mass production and it was claimed that Ford could produce Liberators faster than the USAAF could process them into service. The Consolidated B-24 Liberator became the most heavily produced four-engined bomber in the history of warfare and America's most produced aircraft of the Second World War. Quite simply, the B-24 was flown by more men, carried more bombs over greater distances and destroyed more targets than any other bomber in the history of aviation. Includes Plastic model kit Instruction sheet Paint layout sheet Decals.

When it entered service with No.48 Squadron at RAF Manston in March 1936, the Avro Anson became the first monoplane type to achieve squadron service status and was also the first RAF aircraft to feature a retractable undercarriage.  The RAF Anson Mk.I was equipped with a fixed forward firing .303 machine gun operated by the pilot and a single Lewis gun mounted in the manually traversed dorsal turret. It could also be equipped with a modest bomb load, something which was required by submarine hunting aircraft operated by Coastal Command.  Despite the RAF entering the Second World War with 26 squadrons equipped with Avro Ansons, they were basically obsolete as a fighting machine and were quickly withdrawn to secondary training roles, a task for which the ‘Faithfull Annie’ was particularly well suited.  As part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, many thousands of aircrew destined for service with Bomber Command were trained both in the UK and overseas. Item Length - Without Packaging (cm) : 26.9 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm) : 7 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm) : 35.9 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? : 199 Item Scale : 1:48 Scale License line : BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc. 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 : 3 Flying Hours : 3 Wingspan (mm) : 359

In many respects, the Gloster Meteor could be regarded as Britain's jet powered equivalent of the Spitfire, the first of a new breed of fighter which would go on to patrol Britain's skies for many years following its squadron introduction in July 1944.The later F.8 variant was arguably the most effective version of the Meteor and for the five years following its introduction, it would form the backbone of the Britain's fighter defence force.With 1,183 aircraft built, the F.8 was both the final single seat fighter variant of the Meteor and the most heavily produced, arguably making this one of the most important British aircraft of the post war era.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 28.31 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 8.25 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 23.6 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 165 Item Scale: 1:48 License line: BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc. Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 2 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 3 Wingspan (mm): 236

The first Curtiss Tomahawk fighters to arrive in Britain during the Second World War operated in the tactical reconnaissance role and were deemed unsuitable for fighter sweeps into German-held Europe. Later models incorporated several improvements and saw extensive service with the Western Desert Air Force.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 20.2 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 23.7 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 106 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: 2 Skill Level: 2 Flying Hours: 2 Wingspan (mm): 237

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

Following a short but intense period of training, the volunteer group of crack airmen who made up the new RAF No.617 Squadron took off from RAF Scampton on the night of 16th/17th May 1943, at the start of the most audacious bombing raid in history.Led by their enigmatic and inspirational commanding officer Guy Gibson, he is reputed to have said, 'This squadron will either make history, or it will be completely wiped out', but nevertheless, every man was determined to play their part in this historic raid. Nineteen 'Special' Lancaster's and their crews sent a message to the German nation that could not be disguised by their propaganda ministers.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 30.2 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 8.68 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 43.2 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 267 Item Scale: 1:72 License line: BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc. Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 2 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 3 Wingspan (mm): 432

Well-suited for amphibious warfare and the tactical insertion of ground troops, the 'Commando' was an important variant of the Sea King. It was initially proposed as a tactical transport for the Egyptian Air Force, for which the amphibious capability of earlier Sea Kings was not required, and so the side floats were deleted. With folding rotors and tail, the Commando entered service with the Royal Navy as the Sea King HC.4. It was eventually provided with radar-warning and infrared jamming devices, and could also deploy M130/M147 flares as counter-measures. Besides troops, it could also carry underslung loads of up to 2.5 tonnes. Increased range and a 28-troop capacity made it ideal as an amphibious transport aircraft, and the HC.4 saw operational service in the Falklands, Balkans, Gulf, Lebanon and Afghanistan conflicts. It was often deployed to evacuate wounded personnel and refugees, as well as preparing for and supporting ground advances. It was due to be retired from UK Forces service in March 2016. Specification Item Scale: 1:72 Parts Included: 133 Skill Level: 2 Scheme Options: 2

Although historically in the shadow of the Gloster Meteor, the de Havilland Vampire may have been the second jet fighter to enter Royal Air Force service, but was a hugely significant aircraft in its own right.  The first RAF aircraft capable of exceeding 500mph, the Vampire was also the first single-engined jet-powered aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, marking it as one of the most important of the world's early jets.  The FB.5 fighter bomber was the most important variant of the aircraft with 1123 aircraft built and 930 seeing service with the Royal Air Force - those destined for service overseas were designated FB.9 and had cockpit air conditioning. Contains Plastic model kit Instruction sheet Paint layout sheet Decals.

The most capable medium bomber of the day was the twin-engine Vickers Wellington, which first flew in 1936 and entered RAF service with No.99 Squadron at Mildenhall in October 1938. The production aircraft bore little resemblance to the prototype aircraft and compared to contemporary medium bombers already in service, the Wellington appeared to be much more advanced in design and an aircraft feared by any potential enemy. Its sleek monoplane design and heavy defensive armament placed the new Wellington as one the advanced and capable medium bombers in the world.Perhaps the most significant feature of the Wellingtons design was the adoption of a geodetic construction method, which was developed by famous British engineer and inventor Barnes Wallis. Duralumin W-beams were used to form a metal lattice-work construction on to which wooden battens would be screwed, which would then allow the doped fabric outer skin of the aircraft to be attached.The resultant fuselage was relatively light in weight but possessed great strength and whilst the method o construction posed challenged for companies engaged in manufacturing Wellington bombers, the inherent strength proved crucial when the aircraft was thrust into combat.Capable of withstanding significant battle damage, numerous RAF Wellingtons managed to bring their crews back home, when the other bombers would have failed to do so.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 27.35 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 7.38 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 36.4 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 141 Item Scale: 1:72 License line: BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc. Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 2 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 3 Wingspan (mm): 364

With the RAF already operating Phantoms initially intended for the Royal Navy at Leuchars air base in Fife, the withdrawal of HMS Ark Royal in 1978 meant that they also inherited the rest of the Fleet Air Arm Phantom fleet. Nos 43 and 111 Squadrons would use the Phantom FG.1 to defend Britains airspace until 1989, when they both converted to the BAe Tornado F.3. Contains Plastic model kit Instruction sheet Paint layout sheet Decals.

During RAF air operations in the Gulf War of 1991, the effectiveness of Iraqi anti-aircraft defences resulted in Tornado and Jaguar strike missions having to be flown at higher altitudes, thus reducing their effectiveness.They needed the support of the RAF's ageing Blackburn Buccaneer jets with their 'Pave Spike' laser designator equipment to deliver ‘smart’ munitions effectively, the only trouble was, these aircraft were back at their home base in Scotland.The race was on to prepare and fly twelve Buccaneers in newly applied 'Desert Camouflage' and their laser designator equipment to the Persian Gulf and in just a matter of days, the self-titled 'Sky Pirates' were on their way.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 26.8 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 6.88 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 18.6 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 141 Item Scale: 1:72 License line: BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc. Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 2 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 3 Wingspan (mm): 186

Brace yourself for a stealthily guarded FAA revelation!A masterpiece of the skies, and now your Airfix workbench, the Supermarine Seafire returns to our range after a ten-year absence!The XVII was the first of the Seafire variants to feature a cut-down rear fuselage and distinctive teardrop-style canopy. The aircraft could carry a heavier weapons load thanks to reinforced construction, with both fuel tanks and rockets under the wings. This plane flew on the frontline until the early 1950s when it downgraded to training duties.The Navy’s answer to the ever-popular Spitfire, this masterpiece astounded the world with its unrivalled performance in the most demanding of conditions. It effortlessly operated from aircraft carriers, making it a formidable presence over land and sea. Folding wings allowed it to take off swiftly and land on the decks of naval vessels, extending its reach and influence over the ocean.The awe-inspiring design ensured agility and speed, boasting sleek, aerodynamic contours radiating elegance and boosting manoeuvrability. This machine reached top speeds of approximately 378 miles per hour (608km/h), giving pilots an unyielding advantage.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 21 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 7 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 23.5 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 134 Item Scale: 1:48 Scale License line: BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc. 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: 3 Flying Hours: 2 Wingspan (mm): 235

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)

The role of medium bomber proved to be one of the most crucial during the Second World War and after something of a challenging service introduction, the North American B-25 Mitchell developed into a highly successful aircraft. Seeing service in every theatre of operation, the B-25 was the most versatile aircraft of its type, fulfilling a multitude of tactical roles in many different operating environments.  Arguably, the most famous action involving the North American B-25 Mitchell came just after 8am on 18th April 1942, when sixteen of the bombers lifted off the relatively short deck of USS Hornet and set course for Japan. Intended as a strike at the heart of the Japanese Empire who had infamously attacked the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, this audacious and heroic raid illustrated the resolve of the American people and the determination of their military forces to strive for victory. The early B-25B aircraft used on the Doolittle Raid performed well, but were already in the process of being upgraded. The later C/D model (different letters were used to denote the manufacturer) proved to be the definitive version of this extremely effective medium bomber and was the first truly mass produced version of the aircraft. An extremely rugged and versatile aircraft, the Mitchell saw service as an anti-submarine patrol aircraft off the coast of Florida and as a strike bomber in the deserts of North Africa, proving successful at both. Some of the later versions of the B-25 became the most heavily armed aircraft of the war, with no less than 18 machine guns and an array of other offensive weaponry. With a solid nose housing 8 heavy guns, these aircraft were lethal gunships, capable of destroying anything in its line of fire. Includes Plastic model kit Instruction sheet Paint layout sheet Decals.

As the battle hardened, Bf109 fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe began operations against Britain following the Dunkirk evacuation and they were at a disadvantage for the first time. With only enough fuel for limited time over England, any mechanical issue or damage during combat resulted in their capture at best and certainly helped hasten an end to their war.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 18.3 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 5.42 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 20.5 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 107 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): 205

The first production Spitfire Mk.I was delivered to RAF No.19 Squadron at Duxford on 4th August 1938, heralding the arrival of a future aviation icon. With various upgraded marks of this classic fighter serving throughout the Second World War, the Spitfire is arguably the most famous fighter aircraft to ever take to the skies.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 12.7 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 4.83 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 15.5 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 36 Item Scale: 1:72 Scale License line: BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc. Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic kit, instruction sheet, paint guide and decal sheet. Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 1 Skill Level: 1 Flying Hours: 1 Wingspan (mm): 155

HMS Ajax was a British Leander-class light cruiser first launched in March 1934. It was a vessel with an illustrious career. Perhaps her most famous action came at the beginning of the Second World War when she led an engagement against the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee in the South Atlantic, which led to the scuttling of the mighty Kriegsmarine surface raider. Specification 1:600 Scale

RAF Beaufort crews were tasked with flying some of the most dangerous attack missions of the Second World War, with their aircraft often flying into a hail of enemy defensive fire. The Mk.IA variant was based on its predecessor but benefitted from increased strengthening and the addition of a Bristol B1 MK.V turret.

The end of the Second World War saw victorious Allied nations desperately attempting to secure details of German jet technology and high-speed research data which could be applied to their own jet projects. The Soviet Union used information and engine technology obtained from Britain to introduce the diminutive Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 in 1949 - one of the most capable of the early jet fighters. Even as this aircraft proved effective during the Korean War, the Soviets were already working on its successor. The larger and faster Mig-17 Fresco may have looked like a larger incarnation of its predecessor, yet this was a completely redesigned aircraft, incorporating many improvements over the MiG-15 and a significant upgrade in Soviet jet capability. The MiG-17 was designed to perform the role of bomber killer and was never intended as a dogfighter. However, its exceptional agility would allow this aircraft to score combat victories over much heavier and more modern American designs. The Vietnam War was a sobering experience for the US Air Force, as some of their modern aircraft fell victim to the guns of the MiG-17. Lighter and much more manoeuvrable than the US aircraft, the subsonic MiG-17 claimed victories over aircraft like the F-105 Thunderchief and McDonnell Douglas Phantom, resulting in the US developing new agile air superiority fighters. Possessing excellent performance, and being cost-effective and easy to maintain, the rugged MiG-17 was produced in large numbers. It became the standard Warsaw Pact fighter from the mid-1950s and for the next decade, with aircraft produced under licence in both China and Poland. It was an attractive fighter option for many of the world's smaller air forces and more than thirty overseas nations eventually operated the type. Perversely, for a nation against which the MiG-17 was designed to combat, America became home to significant numbers of these aircraft, most coming into the hands of private collectors but a small number used in dissimilar aircraft trials and to perfect combat techniques against smaller, more agile jet fighters. Two beautifully restored examples have also been popular display performers on the US Airshow circuit over the years.

When it comes to the pageantry of ceremonial occasions, nobody does it quite like the British military. A familiar sight to millions of people the world over, this display of formal excellence is steeped in military tradition. Elite troops were assigned to protect their flag, or colours, as they represented the honour and traditions of those serving past and present.  Specification How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? 42 Item Scale: 1:76 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic kit Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 1 Skill Level: 1 Flying Hours: 1

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. Contains Plastic model kit Instruction sheet Paint layout sheet Decals.

On state ceremonial occasions, the impressive sight of the massed ranks of the Foot Guards of the Household Division is made all the more emotive by the Guards Bands blasting out a succession of rousing military marches and popular tunes. These events fill onlookers with an intense sense of pride and are always performed with exceptional military precision. Specification How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? 44 Item Scale: 1:76 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic kit Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 1 Skill Level: 1 Flying Hours: 1