AIRFIX (353)

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 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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

It would be difficult to think of an aircraft design so markedly different to the sleek and elegant Spitfire, but the Supermarine Walrus amphibious biplane was from the hand of the same designer. Despite its somewhat ungainly appearance, the Walrus proved to be an incredibly effective aircraft and flexible enough to take on a number of roles in some of the most demanding operating environments.Coming at the end of a long line of capable single-engined flying boats and amphibians, the Walrus was actually the product of a Royal Australian Air Force requirement for an updated and more robust version of their existing Supermarine amphibian, the Seagull III, which had proved so successful. The new aircraft, which would become known as the Seagull V, would need to have the capability to be catapult launched from Royal Australian Navy cruisers, so the wooden hull of the earlier version was replaced with a strong metal design, with additional stainless steel forgings for the catapult spools and mountings.Features Fully assembled measures 238mm long and 292mm wide Includes 156 parts, three plane options

An aircraft that must surely be considered one of the most distinctive types to have ever seen Fleet Air Arm service, the Fairey Gannet was as capable as it was unique and was significant as the only post-war military contract to be won by the famous Fairey Aviation Company. Arguably the most unconventional Fairey designed aircraft to enter full production, the Gannet was developed in response to a 1945 Royal Navy requirement for an advanced carrier-based, turboprop-powered anti-submarine hunter-killer, one which was rugged enough to withstand the rigors of operation at sea.  Intended to counter the recent expansion of the Soviet submarine fleet at the start of the Cold War era, the Gannet was equipped with all manner of the latest electronic detection equipment and if an enemy submarine was detected, it could be marked, tracked, and if necessary, attacked, using bombs, depth charges, rockets, and air-launched acoustic torpedoes. One feature of the Gannet which helped to give it a unique appearance was the adoption of its powerplant, the innovative Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba. This arrangement saw two gas turbine engines mounted side by side in the nose of the gannet, sharing a common gearbox, but both operating independently, each engine driving its own coaxially mounted, contra-rotating propeller. In addition to this, the engines could run on kerosene and even diesel fuel, which was safer to handle and less refined than traditional aviation fuels.  This arrangement provided Gannet crews with more than enough power for carrier operations, with the reassurance of two engines when embarking on long ocean patrols. Once in flight, the pilot could shut down one of the engines to conserve fuel and whilst this would reduce the Gannet's maximum speed, it would extend its loiter capabilities. Usually, a pilot would alternate engine use during a long patrol, running each engine for around an hour before swapping to the other engine - the engine mounted on the port side drove the front propeller. Another unique feature of the Gannet's design was its bi-folding wing system, something which was designed to allow this large aircraft to operate safely and to be stored aboard one of the Royal Navy's relatively small aircraft carriers. When a pilot engaged the wing unfold, this ingenious system not only prepared the wings for flight, but also automatically connected all flight control systems, hydraulic connections and fuel pipes to the main system, without any ground crew intervention.  In operation, there are reports that the Gannet was so rugged a design that when one aircraft lost the outer sections of both wings after performing a particularly violent manoeuvre, the aircraft still managed to make it back safely to its home carrier, something which can only have endeared the aircraft to its crews still further. The Fairey Gannet would prove to be an extremely rugged and highly effective anti-submarine aircraft, one which could carry an impressive array of offensive ordnance and one which was able to attack submarines either on the surface, or when submerged and trying to evade its attentions. Well-liked by air and ground crews alike, 348 Gannets would eventually be produced and in addition to serving with Britain's Fleet Air Arm, the aircraft would also see service with the navies of Australia, Germany and Indonesia. Tech Specs Item Length - Without Packaging (cm) - 29 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm) - 8.73 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm) - 34.4 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? - 344 Item Scale - 1:48 Scale 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 - 4 Flying Hours - 4 Wingspan (mm) - 344 Number of Scheme options - 2 Skill Level - 4 Flying Hours - 4 Wingspan (mm) - 344 Number of Scheme options - 2 Skill Level - 4 Flying Hours - 4 Wingspan (mm) - 344 Item Length - Without Packaging (cm) - 29 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm) - 8.73 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm) - 34.4 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? - 344 Item Scale - 1:48 Scale 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 - 4 Flying Hours - 4 Wingspan (mm) - 344 Item Length - Without Packaging (cm) - 29 Item Height - Without Packaging (cm) - 8.73 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm) - 34.4 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer? - 344 Item Scale - 1:48 Scale 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 - 4 Flying Hours - 4 Wingspan (mm) - 344

A successful army is a well-supplied army.As Britain prepared for war in the late 1930s, the military weren't just desperately in need of vast numbers of aircraft, tanks and guns, they also needed many thousands of trucks and general utility vehicles to support all kinds of operations.The ability to effectively supply modern, mechanized armies with the huge amounts of fuel, ammunition, food and other commodities they would need was crucial to the success of any military campaign and as the speed of war increased, so these supply lines began to lengthen. Rugged, reliable and adaptable, these trucks would have a vital role to play in the coming conflict.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 15.6 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 6.6 How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 133 Item Scale: 1:35 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

One of the most effective British tanks of the Second World War, the Cromwell may have been slow in development but was a speedster on the battlefield, with its Rolls Royce Meteor engine capable of powering this Cruiser Tank to an impressive 40mph. The Cromwell was used extensively in Europe following the D-Day landings.Specifications Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 18.1 Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 8.3 Item Scale: 1:35 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