Products (19285)

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVIII is based on the Rolls Royce Griffon powered Mk.XIV, featuring a whole host of improvements. From cockpit enhancements and increased fuel carrying capacity, to strengthened wings which allowed the aircraft to carry rockets or bombs, as well as its cannon and machine gun armament. These powerful Spitfires saw action during ‘Operation Firedog’, as well as against Communist guerrillas during the Malayan Emergency.A variant of this famous fighting aeroplane which was the result of a desire to produce a 'Super Spitfire', the F Mk.XVIII was a further refinement of the Rolls Royce Griffon powered Mk.XIV, but one which incorporated a number of improvements over its predecessor. In addition to several cockpit enhancements for the pilot, the F Mk.XVIII also benefitted from increased fuel carrying capacity and strengthened wings, allowing it to carry either rockets or bombs in addition to its cannon and machine gun armament. With a total production run or 300 aircraft, the RAF would receive two versions of this fighter, the F.Mk.XVIII fitted with the standard E wing and the FR.Mk.XVIII, which included a camera for photo reconnaissance work. Too late to see service during WWII, these powerful Spitfires did see action as part of 'Operation Firedog' and actions against Communist guerrillas during the Malayan Emergency.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 21.3 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 7.6 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 20.7 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 157 Item Scale: 1:48 Contents (what's in the box) sets: Sprues & decals Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 2 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 2 Wingspan (mm): 234

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.

Despite having one of the strongest navies in the world, the Royal Navy knew they needed a fleet of high-speed fighting ships to challenge enemy warships and to take a heavy toll of enemy merchant vessels. Mainly relying on stealth, speed and manoeuvrability, the Vosper company had been designing such craft since the early 1930s, with the Vosper 73ft Motor Torpedo Boat being a later development of those earlier vessels. Powered by three Packard engines, the Vosper was capable of speeds over 40 knots and in this variant, featured four 18-inch deck-mounted torpedo tubes, an Oerlikon 20mm cannon and up to four Vickers machine guns.

As the air war over occupied Europe progressively developed, so did the equipment used by the RAF and its Bomber Command. Specialist vehicles were introduced to supply arms and equipment to waiting machines and maintenance tasks were made easier through the introduction of specialised equipment. The mechanization of these tasks and duties is well represented in this set. While not as glamorous as their flying counterparts, the contribution played by trucks, tractors, and vans, as well as the men that crewed them, cannot be forgotten, or underestimated. Contents Sprues & decals Standard Light Utility Vehicle Standard 12hp 4x2 'Tilly'Bedford Truck build as either MWC or MWDDavid Brown VIG1 Tractor/TugMotorcycle 500CCMaintenance TowerBowser 450 GallonBomb Trolley Type CBomb Trolley Type FSmall Bomb Container (SBC) with 4lb incendiariesMC Bomb 1000lbBomb 8000lbLadderBikeChocksFuel Cans Specification 1:76 Scale Parts Included: 197 Scheme Options: 1 Skill Level: 2

First flying in 1935 when Germany was banned from building bombers under the Treaty of Versailles, the Heinkel He111 was at first disguised as a fast transport plane. However its real purpose soon became clear when it was used as a bomber during the Spanish Civil War. The early variants proved to be capable fast bombers with only small numbers being lost to enemy action. By the start of the Second World War the He111 had undergone some major changes, resulting in the P model. The engines were now more powerful Daimler Benz DB601 units, and there was an enlarged glass nose section housing the majority of the crew. This afforded them excellent visibility but made them very vulnerable.During the Battle of Britain the P variant was being phased out, but it continued to serve in some numbers. Against the modern RAF fighters the He111 now suffered from a lack of speed and defensive armament. Before being switched to night duties the He111 formed the backbone of the Luftwaffe's bomber force, but did suffer some heavy casualties. Includes Sprues Decals

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. Produced under licensed. Boeing, Douglas, Mc Donnell Douglas, North American Aviation, A-4 Skyhawk, AH-64, Apache Longbow, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell, C-47, DC-3,F-4 Phantom, P-51 Mustang, their distinctive logos, product markings,and trade dress are all trademarks of The Boeing Company. Includes Sprues Decals.

In the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor Raid, America embarked on an audacious plan to strike at the very heart of the Japanese nation and post clear intentions of their resolve for ultimate victory. On 18th April 1942, sixteen B-25B Mitchell bombers lifted off the relatively short deck of USS Hornet and set course for Tokyo crewed by volunteers and each man would become an American hero. Includes Sprues Decals

The mighty Blackburn Buccaneer was one of the most capable low-level strike aircraft of the Cold War period, originally entering Royal Navy service in 1962 to counter the significant threat of a massive Soviet Naval expansion programme. Rather than face the crippling cost of building new ships of their own to meet this threat, British thinking at the time was to use their new strike jet to destroy the Soviet ships with a combination of conventional and nuclear weapons. Capable of extremely high speeds at low level, the Buccaneer proved to be the ideal aircraft to keep the Warsaw Pact countries on their toes, even though the performance of the first Buccaneers to enter service was affected by a lack of power from their two de Havilland Gyron Junior engines. Operating from the decks of Britains relatively small aircraft carriers, the Buccaneer had to be tough and its rugged, no nonsense design approach was underlined rather effectively by the aircrafts manufacture and flight testing procedure. Constructed at Blackburn Aviations Brough facility, each assembled Buccaneer was transported by road, pulled behind a truck on its own undercarriage. They would make a journey of around 16 miles down winding country lanes and across bridges with sharp bends to the companys Holme-on-Spalding Moor facility, where they would undergo final checks and flight testing. Addressing most of the issues which prevented the early aircraft from realizing their full potential, the Buccaneer S.2 was a much improved platform, boasting a modified wing, increased fuel capacity and a pair of powerful Rolls Royce Spey engines. This new variant provided the Fleet Air Arm with a truly exceptional strike aircraft, which excelled in the low level environment in which it was tasked to operate. One particularly useful design feature for an aircraft which operated mainly over water was the type of ejection seat fitted in the Buccaneer in the event of a ditching, the seat would still fire even if the aircraft was submerging. As the Royal Navy retired their larger carriers in 1978, their much loved Buccaneers were transferred to the care of the Royal Air Force, who were already admirers of the many qualities possessed by this aircraft and grateful for this increase in their inventory. At its peak strength towards the end of the 1970s, the Blackburn Buccaneer equipped no fewer than six Royal Air Force Squadrons. Includes Sprues Decals

Designed to mount high speed maritime strike operations from the decks of Britains relatively small aircraft carriers, the Blackburn Buccaneer was a real brute of an aeroplane, built like a brick outhouse and the most capable aircraft of its type in the world it also happened to be the heaviest aircraft the Royal Navy had ever operated. Perhaps nothing illustrates the rugged, no nonsense approach to the aircrafts design philosophy than its manufacture and flight testing procedure. Constructed at Blackburns Brough facility, each completed Buccaneer was transported by road, on its own undercarriage, to the companys Holme-on-Spalding Moor airfield for flight testing, a towed journey on normal roads of around 16 miles. Although developed as a naval aeroplane, the Buccaneer was also offered to the Royal Air Force as a capable strike and reconnaissance aircraft, however, at that time, they only had eyes for the BAC TSR-2 and dismissed the Buccaneer almost out of hand. Cancellation of the TSR.2 project and a later decision not to purchase the American built General Dynamics F-111 jet led the RAF to rather reluctantly accept the Buccaneer as a Canberra replacement, with the aircraft entering squadron service some seven years after it entered service with the Navy. A subsequent order for new Buccaneers was placed for the RAF and it was decided that they would also inherit former Royal Navy aircraft, as their larger aircraft carriers were retired. Interestingly, the new aircraft ordered for the RAF would retain the folding wings and arrester hook of the original naval Buccaneers, to avoid the cost of re-development. The first Royal Air Force unit to receive the Buccaneer was No.12 Squadron at Honington in October 1969 and despite their initial misgivings, the RAF quickly learned to appreciate the many qualities of this exceptional aircraft. Capable of extremely stable flight at high speeds and low altitudes, the Buccaneer proved to be the ideal strike aircraft to keep the Warsaw Pact countries on their toes. During exercises in the US and Canada, RAF crews regularly demonstrated their bombing prowess and the capabilities of their aircraft, winning many service accolades in the process. At its peak strength in the early 1970s, the Buccaneer equipped no fewer than six RAF Squadrons, including the Operational Conversion Unit. During the twilight of the Buccaneers service career, the RAF was forced to take the aircraft to war, more than 20 years after it had entered squadron service. The Gulf War of 1991 saw strike operations moving to higher altitudes, due to the effectiveness of Iraqi anti-aircraft defences. The Tornados and Jaguars of the Royal Air Force carrying out these missions needed to increase the accuracy of their attacks and needed the support of twelve ageing Buccaneers and their laser target designation capabilities. Making a significant contribution to the success of Operation Granby, these Buccaneer Sky Pirates provided a fitting reminder of why this magnificent aircraft should be considered one of the finest achievements of the British aviation industry. Contains Sprues Decals

de Havilland Vampire F.3 The Vampire F.Mk.I entered Royal Air Force service in March 1946, to be followed by the revised and more capable F.3 just two years later. The Vampire was also the first RAF aircraft to exceed 500 mph, with the extra range of the F.3 allowing this to be the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic. 1:48 Scale Highly Detailed Model With the magnificent de Havilland Mosquito only just entering Royal Air Force service towards the end of 1941, designers at the company were next asked to turn their attentions to developing a new jet engine, one which was capable of powering a new generation of high speed fighter aircraft. Entrusted to the brilliant mind of engine designer Frank Halford, he was determined that his engine would be less complicated and of simpler design than the one being developed by his rival, Frank Whittle and he was ready to test his engine by April 1942. Showing great promise and producing the intended level of thrust, the only thing to do now was to see how it performed in the air. At a time when jet engine technology was still in its infancy and these early engines were both a little lacking in power and slow to respond to power input commands, de Havilland's decision to produce their first jet aircraft as a single engined design was a brave one and placed great faith in the performance of their new jet engine. The diminutive new aircraft was initially designated de Havilland DH.100 'Spider Crab', with this codename used to mask the secret nature of the aircraft's development. Constructed around the new de Havilland Goblin 1 turbojet, the aircraft featured a relatively short, egg shaped central fuselage nacelle and employed a unique twin-boom tail configuration for control stability which allowed the engine'â„¢s thrust to egress directly from the central fuselage. With a requirement to take the pressure off the wartime aviation industry, this experimental aircraft had to be constructed of both wood and metal and it is interesting to note that the majority of the fuselage employed the same laminated plywood construction the company had perfected during Mosquito production. Unfortunately for the de Havilland team working on the new jet, their Mosquito was proving to be such a war winner that this experimental project was deemed of lesser importance than producing Mosquitos, probably rightly so for Britain's war effort. To rub salt into this aviation wound, the first flight of the aircraft would be further delayed for an unbelievable reason - the only serviceable jet engine was ordered to be sent to America to help with the advancement of their own jet powered project. Mosquito production priority and a series of unforeseen delays eventually dictated that the Gloster Meteor's development outpaced that of its de Havilland competitor, with the Meteor taking the honour of being Britain's first jet aircraft to enter service and the only Allied jet of WWII. Making its first flight on 20th September 1943, de Havilland DH.100 'Spider Crab' LZ548/G took off from the company's Hatfield airfield in the hands of chief test pilot Geoffrey de Havilland Jr. Interestingly, the 'G' used in the identification code highlights the secret nature of the project and required that the aircraft must be guarded at all times whilst on the ground. This first flight lasted just over 30 minutes, during which time the aircraft exceeded 400mph and showed great promise, however, it would be April 1945 before a production aircraft would take to the air, by which time the new jet fighter had been christened the Vampire. Despite its protracted development, Britain's second jet fighter to enter service would prove to be something of a classic and is now regarded as one of the most successful early jet aircraft in the world. The Vampire F.Mk.I entered Royal Air Force service in March 1946, to be followed by the revised and more capable F.3 just two years later. The Vampire F.3 was basically a longer range version of its predecessor, featuring increased internal fuel capacity and the ability to carry two external fuel tanks. This latest variant also differed visually, in that it incorporated taller and more rounded vertical stabilisers, a lowered horizontal stabiliser and distinctive 'acorn' fairings at the base of each vertical stabiliser. Although this was still relatively new technology, de Havilland cleverly designed the aircraft to be simple to maintain and operate, earning the aircraft an enviable reputation for reliability amongst air and ground crews alike and allowing more pilots to safely make the transition to jet powered flight.  With a number of significant firsts to its name, the Vampire was the first RAF aircraft to exceed 500 mph, with the extra range of the F.3 allowing this to be the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic. The Vampire F.3's of No.32 Squadron were also the first RAF jet fighters to be deployed outside Northwest Europe and the first to operate in the higher temperatures of the Mediterranean. Without doubt, the de Havilland Vampire has to be considered one of the most important early jet fighters in the world. Includes Sprues Decals

As US bomber operations began to take place at airfields all over Southern England from the summer of 1942, the vehicles used in servicing their Liberators and Flying Fortresses were slowly changing from the standard RAF support vehicles, to specialised US Air Force equipment. From fuel trailers to bomb trolleys, Bedfords were quickly being replaced by Chevrolets.Autocar U-7144-T 4X4 tractor unit and F-1 fuel trailer. The U-7144-T was used extensively by the US military from 1942 onwards and was certainly found on most, if not all USAAF airfields in Britain, particularly in conjunction with the standard F-1 fuel trailer. With many aircraft requiring refuelling on a daily basis, it was usual for each base to have numerous examples of the U-7144-T available at any one time.Chevrolet M6 bomb service truck. This utility 4X4 truck was capable of carrying a small number of bombs in its own right, but was more commonly used in conjunction with the M5 bomb trailer. Indeed, it was capable of towing up to five fully loaded M5 bomb trailers, which was just as well considering the number of missions USAAF bomber crews were required to undertake. The new set will also include the M5 bomb trailer.Cushman Model 39 Package Car. This light, three wheeled utility vehicle will have been used for a multitude of light duties on USAAF bases. A development of a motor scooter design, the single wheel at the back provided the power for the vehicle, which allowed a small cargo box to be fitted at the front. Again, the Cushman would have been a regular feature on a USAAF airfield.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 12.9 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 200 Item Scale: 1:72 License line: Produced under licensed. (Vehicle/Aeroplane Models) the distinctive logos, product markings, and trade dress are all trademarks of The Boeing Company. Contents (what's in the box) sets: Sprues & decals Cushman Model 39 Package Car: length 34mm, width 17mmChevrolet M6 Bomb Service Truck: length 74mm, width 25mmM5 Bomb Trailer: length 77mm, width 33mmAutocar U-7144-T 4x4 Tractor Unit: length 72mm, width 33mmF-1 Fuel Trailer: length 129mm, width 36mm Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 1 Skill Level: 2 Flying Hours: 2

Although usually associated with the Wehrmachts feared Lightning War attacks at the beginning of WWII, the Ju87B Stuka was also a highly effective maritime strike bomber. Capable of performing precision dive bombing attacks against any Allied vessel, the Stuka took a heavy toll of shipping in the English Channel, North Africa and in the Mediterranean. The Stuka also saw service with the air forces of Italy, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as remaining in Luftwaffe service throughout WWII. The attack dive of the Stuka was so severe, that quite a number of automatic features had to be incorporated into the manoeuvre.At an altitude of approximately 15,000 ft., the pilot would locate his target through a bombsight window, which was located in the floor of the cockpit. His engine and propeller had automatic controls, to optimise the aircraft when in a dive, and an automatic trimmer would make the aircraft tail heavy, as the pilot initiated the dive. He would move the dive lever to the rear, which would limit the kick of the control column and quickly begin a defined sequence of actions, which if done correctly, would see his ordnance detonate on his intended target. He quickly set the trim tabs, reduced the throttle and closed the engine coolant flaps. The aircraft would automatically become tail heavy and pitch over in a 180-degree roll, placing the aircraft in a steep nose-down dive at the same time, dive breaks were automatically deployed, to reduce the speed of the dive, to a constant 360 mph. This was the point of no return as the attack sequence had begun.As the strain on the body of the pilot increased, he still had much work to do. The angle of his dive could be checked by looking at a series of red lines on the side of his cockpit window and lining them up against the horizon 60, 75, or 80 degree angle of attack. He would then look forward through the fixed gun sight, to line up his attack, before releasing his heavy main bomb - the optimum release height was indicated to the pilot, by a light flicking on in his altimeter. The bomb was carried on a large U-shaped cradle, which would swing down on release, throwing the bomb safely clear of the large propeller and on to the target. As all this action was taking place, the pilot would have certainly had at least a couple of reassuring glances at the red pins protruding up from the top of the wings, which informed him that the automatic dive recovery system was engaged, should he fall victim to a g-induced black-out. All this would have been taking place in just a matter of a few, frantic seconds!Once the bombs had left the aircraft, it automatically began its dive recovery sequence. This was the point at which the maximum g loading on the crew would be felt and forces in excess of six times the force of gravity were regularly experienced, which could result in vision impairment at the very least. Once recovered and the nose of the aircraft was above the horizon, the dive breaks were automatically retracted, the throttle was opened and the propeller was set to climb the pilot then quickly had to manually open the coolant flaps, to prevent the engine from overheating and then resume flying the aircraft.This was the point that the Stuka was at its most vulnerable, flying at low level, at relatively slow speed and in hostile territory. His rear gunner may still be blacked out and indeed the pilot might still be feeling a little light headed, but every anti-aircraft gun, rifle and enemy fighter in the vicinity would be taking pot-shots at them, from every angle.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm) 22.9 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm) 8.35 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm) 28.8 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? 158 Item Scale 1:48 Contents (what's in the box) sets: Sprues & decals Finish: Plastic Number of Scheme options: 2 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 3 Wingspan (mm): 288

Packed full of detail, this brand-new mould includes 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, with optional bomb racks and full bomb load. One of the more unusual aircraft to see action during the Second World War, the Lysander was designed to provide the British Army with a modern aircraft for reconnaissance, observation and artillery spotting. Possessing exceptional short take-off and landing capabilities, the Lysander was just what the Army were looking for. Unfortunately, many of the design requirements incorporated into the aircraft were the result of outdated thinking. Of 175 Lysanders sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force, 118 would be lost, the aircraft unable to defend itself against Luftwaffe fighters.

Due to shortage of Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, some 300 Lancasters were built with Bristol Hercules radial engines, becoming the BII Variant. Some were also fitted with enlarged bomb-bay doors to enable large 8000lb bombs to be carried, as well as a ventral defensive turret. Includes Sprues Decals

As the third of Britain's four engined heavy bombers to enter RAF service during WWII, the Avro Lancaster proved to be an exceptional aircraft, possessing a large unobstructed bomb bay, which allowed it to carry some of the largest bombs of the war. At least thirty five Lancasters managed to complete an astonishing 100 missions or more and are referred to by historians and enthusiasts as the Lancaster Centurions, an exclusive group of extremely hard working bombers. Scheme 1: R5868 S-Sugar 467 Squadron RAAF. Scheme 2: LM624 57 Squadron. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc. Includes Sprues Decals

Described by General Eisenhower as one of the four weapons that helped the Allies to win the Second World War, the Douglas DC3 and its military variant the C-47 Skytrain (Dakota in RAF service) has since gone on to be an instantly recognizable symbol of both air travel and the liberation of occupied lands that so characterized the Second World War. Continuing to serve even today in both modernized and original formats the DC3/C-47 is now seen as a pioneer of air travel. Includes Plastic model kit Instruction sheet Paint layout sheet Decals

The Armstrong Whitworth Whitley saw action right from the first night of the Second World War when it dropped leaflets over Germany. It then took part in the first bombing raids over German and Italian territories, making the Whitley an integral part of the RAF's bombing offensive in the war. Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 31.3 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 35.6 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 152 Item Scale: 1:72 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: 3 Flying Hours: 3 Wingspan (mm): 356

As a much-valued and one of the most well-known fighting aircraft designs of the Second World War, the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress will look as eye-cathcing in your Airfix range as it did on the battlefield. Measuring at 457.2mm, featuring two livery schemes and a 254mm wingspan, no military collection is complete without the Boeing B-17G. Includes Sprues Decals

The Boeing B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ boasts a remarkable legacy, as both a strategic weapon and an enduring symbol of American air power during the Second World War. Designed as a large, multi-engine bomber with substantial defensive armament, the B-17 was introduced in 1938. First used in combat with the RAF in 1941, carrying out bombing raids in France, its poor performance suggested that improved defences and greater bombing accuracy were needed. Later variants like the B-17G were more effective and gradually became potent strategic weapons, capable of carrying out high-altitude, long-range attacks. Despite heavy defensive armament B-17s still suffered at the hands of enemy fighters.

Vickers Wellington Mk. II Arguably one of the most important aircraft available to the Royal Air Force during the early months of the Second World War. The most distinctive feature of the Wellington’s manufacture was the use of hundreds of Duralumin W-beams to form an intricate metal lattice-work fuselage construction onto which wooden battens would be screwed, with doped fabric applied as the aircraft’s outer skin. 1:72 Scale Highly Detailed Model As Britain looked to strike back at the start of WWII, the Vickers Wellington was arguably their most important aircraft and they needed to ensure a constant supply of new machines. In an attempt to introduce some engine option flexibility and to provide the Wellington with greater power, around 400 Mk.II Wellington’s were modified to take Rolls Royce Merlin X engines, a development which gave this famous bomber a very different appearance. Includes Sprues Decals