Products (24886)

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

Although the De Havilland Vampire F.3 is still regarded as an example of early jet technology, it was cleverly designed to be simple to maintain and operate, earning the aircraft an enviable reputation for reliability, and allowing plenty of pilots to safely make the transition to jet-powered flight. Add a jet-powered delight to your workbench with this 1:48 scale military aircraft model kit. Specification Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 19.5 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 25 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 124 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. Number of Scheme options: 3 Skill Level: 2 Flying Hours: 2 Wingspan (mm): 250

KGV was made the flagship of the Home Fleet under the command of Admiral Sir John Tovey after the destruction of HMS Hood, and was involved in the chase and the sinking of Hood’s opponent, the German battleship Bismarck. In the Mediterranean, KGV covered the Operation Husky landings at Sicily. We thought this naval ship model kit was so good the first time round, we've added it to our Vintage Classics range in 1:600 scale.  Specification Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 37.8 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 4.6 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? 167 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

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

A much-loved legendary figure in British folklore, the story of Robin Hood has inspired generations of working class people (Guy of Gisbourne would call them peasants) because of his steadfast defiance against oppression and injustice, perfecting his own brand of social support by taking from the rich and re-distributing it to the poor. Always at odds with the tyrannical Sheriff of Nottingham and his men, Robin Hood and his followers used Sherwood Forest as their hideout, but would regularly mount raids against the Sheriff’s men and their strongholds, usually relieving them of a chest of gold or treasure whilst they were there. Recreate these historic clashes in Sherwood Forest with this classic Airfix playset. Specification Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 23.5 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 14 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 14 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? 95 Item Scale: 1:76 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Number of Scheme options: 1 Skill Level: 1 Flying Hours: 2

Although seen as invaders at the time, the Romans had a profound influence on Britain and the British way of life, bringing law and order, roads, buildings, currency, and taxes to a land which may not have been as barbaric as they would have everyone believe, did benefit from some structure and organisation. Other than our weather, the Romans liked it here in Britain and it was turned into a mini Rome. Before they left, their network of forts protected Britain against a succession of invaders from across the water. And they left Britain with so many things we still benefit from to this day, along with over 400 years of fascinating history. This Roman Fort and Figurines Set is part of our Vintage Classics range, bringing diorama fun to your workbench in 1:76 scale.  Specification Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 16.5 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 10.6 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 23 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? 119 Item Scale: 1:76 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Number of Scheme options: 1 Skill Level: 1 Flying Hours: 2

Arguably the only German aircraft of the Second World War that could rival the Messerschmitt Bf 109 for notoriety, the Heinkel He-111 may have started its development masquerading as a civilian airliner, but it became one of the most feared bombers of the conflict. With its fully glazed nose and large, elliptical wings, the H-6 was the most produced variant of this famous bomber, serving in every theatre of war during the Second World War in the bombing, torpedo-bombing, mine-laying and reconnaissance roles. The lack of an effective replacement meant that these aircraft were forced to soldier on until the end of the war.

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

One of the most instantly recognisable aircraft from the Second World War era, the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka was an inverted gull-winged dive-bomber and ground-attack aircraft which made its first flight in 1935. With a two-man crew, up to four machine guns and the ability to carry 1800kg of bombs, the Stuka was rather a large aeroplane to be powered by a single V-12 Junkers Jumo engine, particularly when considering it weighed over four tonnes. Of course, our model kit version is far smaller in 1:48 scale, so it should fit on your workbench perfectly. Specification Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 22.9 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 28.8 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 161 Item Scale: 1:48 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: 3 Wingspan (mm): 288

In 1941, the RAF issued a requirement for around 40 of their Westland Lysander communications aircraft to undergo modification in support of a new clandestine role, which they described as ‘Special Duties’. The aircraft had defensive armament removed and have their range increased by adding a larger oil tank internally, and an external 150 gallon fuel tank under the fuselage. The gunner’s compartment was also modified by adding a rear-sliding single piece canopy, and room to accommodate up to three people inside. A robust ladder was fixed to the port-side fuselage to allow passengers to quickly enter and exit the aircraft when they were engaged in this new ‘Spy Taxi’ role. Operating under cover of darkness and with the support of the French Resistance, specialist crews bravely flew these unarmed aircraft across the English Channel at night, delivering and extracting agents at great personal risk to all involved, operations which proved crucial to the eventual outcome of the Second World War. This 1:48 scale Westland Lysander model kit makes a great addition to your workbench, perfectly complementing any collection of military aircraft. Specification Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 19.2 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 31.6 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 197 Item Scale: 1:48 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Number of Scheme options: 3 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 3 Wingspan (mm): 316

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

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

A truly great aeroplanes of the 20th century, the Junkers Ju52 actually started life as a single-engined freight-carrying aircraft which made its first flight in October 1930. Just six months later, the 3m (three motor) variant of this aircraft had announced itself to the aviation world, offering much greater power and the reassurance of multi-engined operation. This new aircraft could carry 17 passengers in relative comfort for that period, and helped Lufthansa to establish early commercial routes across Europe. Significant in its adoption of a corrugated magnesium/aluminium construction method, the Junkers Ju52 was a reliable and extremely rugged aircraft, which served with distinction as the backbone of the Luftwaffe’s airborne transport force during the Second World War. It was also pressed into service as an airborne ambulance, paratrooper transport, glider tug, floatplane, and even minesweeper, where they used a large metal degaussing ring under the fuselage, creating a strong magnetic field to detonate any Allied naval mines it flew over. Just under 5,000 of these aircraft were eventually produced, but now that we've got it in 1:72 scale, you can build as many of these model aircraft kits as you like! Specification Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 24 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 44.4 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? 218 Item Scale: 1:72 Scale Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals. Number of Scheme options: 3 Skill Level: 3 Flying Hours: 3 Wingspan (mm): 444

Canadair Sabre F.4 The North American F-86 Sabre was not only Americas first swept-wing fighter, but also the fastest fighter in the world and one of the most important aircraft in the post-war jet era. As one of the world’s first classic jet fighters, the F-86 Sabre was produced in great quantities and went on to serve with around 30 of the worlds air forces, as well as being produced under licence in Canada, Australia, Japan 1:48 Scale Highly Detailed Model The last few months of the Second World War saw the introduction of the worlds first operational jet aircraft and with their appearance, a clear indication as to the future of aviation. Taking a significant lead in jet powered aviation technology, Germany was at least 12 months ahead of their Allied adversaries in this regard and with the end of the conflict, there was a rush to gain access to as much of this information as possible, so it could be applied to British, American and Soviet aviation projects. In the US, the aviation industry had concentrated their efforts on perfecting piston powered aviation during the war, a decision which was vindicated through the success of the P-51 Mustang and the sheer numbers available to Allied air forces. Inevitably, this would have an impact on Americas entry into the jet age and whilst their first operational jet fighter, the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, was an excellent aircraft, it utilised the straight wing technology synonymous with WWII designs. With its P-51 Mustang being widely regarded as the best single engined fighter of WWII, it was not long before the designers at North American aviation applied their undoubted talents to producing a new jet powered fighter, one which would incorporate research material obtained from the German jet programme. In their quest for ever greater speed, the new aircraft featured a 35% wing sweep and beautifully streamlined fuselage, whilst retaining the exceptional pilot visibility first introduced on the D variant of the Mustang. With three nose mounted .50 calibre machine guns on either side of the fuselage, the new Sabre shared much with the attributes of its piston engined predecessor, beautiful to look at, but a deadly fighting aeroplane. The first flight of the XP-86 prototype took place on 1st October 1947, in the hands of famous WWII Pearl Harbor Curtiss P-40 fighter ace George Welsh, who was North Americans chief test pilot at that time. Later in the development programme, an F-86A Sabre would go on to set a new world airspeed record of 670.84 mph, underlining the credentials of this important new fighter. On entering USAF service in 1949, the North American F-86 Sabre was not only Americas first swept wing fighter, but also the fastest fighter in the world and one of the most important aircraft in the post war jet era. The Korean War would witness the advent of the first jet versus jet combat and pitch Americas new jet fighter against the latest Soviet design, the highly capable Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15, an aircraft which possessed a great aviation pedigree of its own and one which proved to be quite a shock for Western Powers. With both aircraft possessing advantages over the other, this aerial duel would prove to be quite an even contest, with the more robust training and previous WWII experience of Sabre pilots proving decisive in the end. Whilst US military planners were quick to publish combat victory ratios of 10:1 in favour of the F-86 Sabre, later research suggested the Sabres dominance was probably nearer 3:1, though still underlining the effectiveness of the aircraft. As one of the worlds first classic jet fighters, the F-86 Sabre was produced in great quantities and went on to serve with around 30 of the worlds air forces, as well as being produced under licence in Canada, Australia, Japan and Italy. Out of a final total production run which exceeded 9,800 aircraft, the Royal Air Force would operate around 430 Canadian built Sabres from 1953 until 1956, as the introduction of the excellent Soviet MiG-15 continued to have an impact on NATO military strategies. With the indigenously designed Supermarine Swift and Hawker Hunter still in development, the Sabre provided the RAF with a capable jet fighter at a crucial period in world history and whilst they would only see service for a relatively short period, it bought the RAF valuable time until they could introduce their own swept wing fighter designs. Includes Sprues Decals

North American F-86F-40 Sabre Making full use of the captured German aerodynamic research material, the North American F-86 Sabre is one of the most important aircraft of the early jet era. Boasting a distinctive 35-degree wing sweep, three nose mounted .50 calibre machine guns, as well as a host of design philosophies from the famous piston engined predecessor. A true aviation classic, the Sabre entered service with the U.S Air Force in 1949 and at the time, was the fastest fighter aircraft in the world. 1:48 Scale Includes extended wing span and new leading edge slats Wingspan: 229 (mm) One of the most important aircraft of the early jet era, the North American F-86 Sabre was in many ways a jet powered version of the company's hugely successful P-51D Mustang from WWII and an aircraft which made full use of captured German aerodynamic research material. Featuring a distinctive 35 degree wing sweep, the Sabre also incorporated three nose mounted .50 calibre machine guns positioned on either side of the aircraft's nose, with this jet powered gunslinger sharing many design philosophies with its famous piston engined predecessor. On entering service with the U.S Air Force in 1949, the North American F-86 Sabre would have the distinction of not only being America's first swept wing fighter, but also the fastest fighter aircraft in the world at that time, a true aviation classic. A later development of the classic Sabre, the F-86F-40 variant was the ultimate day fighter version of this famous aircraft and featured a number of improvements which kept the Sabre at the forefront of world fighter technology. With a new engine giving the aircraft more power this variant re-introduced the leading edge slats to the '6-3' wing area increase, enhancing the dogfighting capabilities of this famous fighter, whilst at the same time reducing the aircraft's landing approach speed to a much more manageable 124 mph. These modifications proved so successful that many earlier variants of the Sabre were retrospectively upgraded to include these advancements. During the Korean War, the Sabre posted an impressive victory to loss ratio of 10:1 and helped 40 US pilots to achieve the coveted status of air 'Ace' during the conflict. Includes Sprues Decals