{"title":"1\/56th to 1\/43rd Scale","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-f-14a-tomcat","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale F-14A Tomcat","description":"The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American carrier-capable supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, twin-tail, all-weather-capable variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program after the collapse of the General Dynamics-Grumman F-111B project. A large and well-equipped fighter, the F-14 was the first of the American Teen Series fighters, which were designed incorporating air combat experience against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe F-14 first flew on 21 December 1970 and made its first deployment in 1974 with the U.S. Navy aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The F-14 served as the U.S. Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defense interceptor, and tactical aerial reconnaissance platform into the 2000s. The Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod system was added in the 1990s and the Tomcat began performing precision ground-attack missions.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Tomcat was retired by U.S. Navy on 22 September 2006, supplanted by the Boeing F\/A-18E\/F Super Hornet. Several retired F-14s have been put on display across the US.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHaving been exported to Pahlavi Iran under the pro-American Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1976, F-14s were used as land-based interceptors by the Imperial Iranian Air Force. Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force used them during the Iran–Iraq War. Iran claimed their F-14s shot down at least 160 Iraqi aircraft during the war (only 55 of these confirmed, according to historian Tom Cooper), while 16 Tomcats were lost, including seven losses to accidents. As of 2022, the F-14 remains in service with Iran's air force, though in low numbers of combat-ready aircraft due to a lack of spare parts.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46248116977978,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB80366","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/71wx66Et9QL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1695050512"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-f-14b-tomcat","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale F-14B Tomcat","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American carrier-capable supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, twin-tail, all-weather-capable variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program after the collapse of the General Dynamics-Grumman F-111B project. A large and well-equipped fighter, the F-14 was the first of the American Teen Series fighters, which were designed incorporating air combat experience against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe F-14 first flew on 21 December 1970 and made its first deployment in 1974 with the U.S. Navy aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The F-14 served as the U.S. Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defense interceptor, and tactical aerial reconnaissance platform into the 2000s. The Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod system was added in the 1990s and the Tomcat began performing precision ground-attack missions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Tomcat was retired by U.S. Navy on 22 September 2006, supplanted by the Boeing F\/A-18E\/F Super Hornet. Several retired F-14s have been put on display across the US.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHaving been exported to Pahlavi Iran under the pro-American Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1976, F-14s were used as land-based interceptors by the Imperial Iranian Air Force. Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force used them during the Iran–Iraq War. Iran claimed their F-14s shot down at least 160 Iraqi aircraft during the war (only 55 of these confirmed, according to historian Tom Cooper), while 16 Tomcats were lost, including seven losses to accidents. As of 2022, the F-14 remains in service with Iran's air force, though in low numbers of combat-ready aircraft due to a lack of spare parts.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46248122384698,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB80367","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/71HKLSVTBAL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1695050541"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-me-262-b-1a-u1","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale Me 262 B-1a\/U1","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Messerschmitt Me 262, nicknamed Schwalbe (German: \"Swallow\") in fighter versions, or Sturmvogel (German: \"Storm Bird\") in fighter-bomber versions, is a fighter aircraft and fighter-bomber that was designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt. It was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe design of what would become the Me 262 started in April 1939, before World War II. It made its maiden flight on 18 April 1941 with a piston engine, and its first jet-powered flight on 18 July 1942. Progress was delayed by problems with engines, metallurgy, and interference from Luftwaffe chief Hermann Göring and Adolf Hitler. The German leader demanded that the Me 262, conceived as a defensive interceptor, be redesigned as ground-attack\/bomber aircraft. The aircraft became operational with the Luftwaffe in mid-1944. The Me 262 was faster and more heavily armed than any Allied fighter, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor. The Allies countered by attacking the aircraft on the ground and during takeoff and landing.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne of the most advanced WWII combat aircraft,[6] the Me 262 operated as a light bomber, reconnaissance, and experimental night fighter. The Me 262 proved an effective dogfighter against Allied fighters; German pilots claimed 542 Allied aircraft shot down, although higher claims have sometimes been made. The aircraft had reliability problems because of strategic materials shortages and design compromises with its Junkers Jumo 004 axial-flow turbojet engines. Late-war Allied attacks on fuel supplies also reduced the aircraft's effectiveness. Armament production within Germany was focused on more easily manufactured aircraft. Ultimately, the Me 262 had little effect on the war because of its late introduction and the small numbers that entered service.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46248124088634,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB80379","price":17.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/91rXrwCfomL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1695051398"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-focke-wulf-ta-152-c-1-r14","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale Focke-Wulf Ta 152 C-1\/R14","description":"The Focke-Wulf Ta 152 is a World War II German high-altitude fighter-interceptor designed by Kurt Tank and produced by Focke-Wulf.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Ta 152 was a development of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 aircraft. It was intended to be made in at least three versions—the Ta 152H Höhenjäger (\"high-altitude fighter\"); the Ta 152C designed for medium-altitude operations and ground-attack, using a Daimler-Benz DB 603 and smaller wings; and the Ta 152E fighter-reconnaissance aircraft with the engine of the H model and the wing of the C model.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe first Ta 152H entered service with the Luftwaffe in January 1945. The Ta 152 was produced too late and in insufficient numbers to have a significant role in the war.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46248127103290,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB81703","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/61mbQ3YhsRL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1695050674"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-hawk-t-mk-100-102","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale Hawk T Mk.100\/102","description":"The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, jet-powered advanced trainer aircraft. It was first known as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk, and subsequently produced by its successor companies, British Aerospace and BAE Systems. It has been used in a training capacity and as a low-cost combat aircraft.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOperators of the Hawk include the Royal Air Force (notably the Red Arrows display team) and several foreign military operators. The Hawk was produced until 2020 in the UK and also produced under licence in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with over 1000 Hawks sold to 18 operators around the world.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564719264058,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB81735","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/91IzjyRZ7UL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1695050963"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-fw-190-v18","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale Fw 190 V18","description":"Tank started looking at ways to address the altitude performance problem early in the program. In 1941, he proposed a number of versions featuring new powerplants, and he suggested using turbochargers in place of superchargers. Three such installations were outlined\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFw 190 V12\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e(an A-0) would be outfitted with many of the elements which eventually led to the B series.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFw 190 V13\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e(W.Nr. 0036) first C-series prototype\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFw 190 V15\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e(W.Nr. 0036) second C-series prototype\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFw 190 V16\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e(W.Nr. 0036) third C-series prototype\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFw 190 V18\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e(W.Nr. 0036) fourth C-series prototype","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564722540858,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB81747","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/61mbQ3YhsRL._AC_SL1000_317cb205-500a-4a47-98ba-b7dc2822715a.jpg?v=1695050809"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-bf-109g-2","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale Bf 109G-2","description":"The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is a German World War II fighter aircraft that was, along with the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, the backbone of the Luftwaffe's fighter force. The Bf 109 first saw operational service in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War and was still in service at the end of World War II in 1945. It was one of the most advanced fighters when it first appeared, with an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. It was powered by a liquid-cooled, inverted-V12 aero engine. It was called the Me 109 by Allied aircrew and some German aces, even though this was not the official German designation.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt was designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser who worked at Bayerische Flugzeugwerke during the early to mid-1930s. It was conceived as an interceptor, although later models were developed to fulfill multiple tasks, serving as bomber escort, fighter-bomber, day-, night-, all-weather fighter, ground-attack aircraft, and aerial Reconnaissance aircraft. It was supplied to several states during World War II and served with several countries for many years after the war. The Bf 109 is the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with a total of 34,248 airframes produced from 1936 to April 1945. Some of the Bf 109 production took place in Nazi concentration camps through slave labor.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Bf 109 was flown by the three top-scoring fighter aces of all time, who claimed 928 victories among them while flying with Jagdgeschwader 52, mainly on the Eastern Front. The highest-scoring, Erich Hartmann, was credited with 352 victories. The aircraft was also flown by Hans-Joachim Marseille, the highest-scoring ace in the North African campaign who shot down 158 enemy aircraft (in about a third of the time). It was also flown by many aces from other countries fighting with Germany, notably the Finn Ilmari Juutilainen, the highest-scoring non-German ace. Pilots from Italy, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Hungary also flew the Bf 109. Through constant development, the Bf 109 remained competitive with the latest Allied fighter aircraft until the end of the war.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564724867386,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB81750","price":19.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/14052_rd.jpg?v=1695129552"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-lavochkin-la-11-fang","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale Lavochkin La-11 Fang","description":"","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564736106810,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB81760","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hbb81760.jpg?v=1695051218"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-mig-31bm-w-khh-47m2","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale MiG-31BM w\/KHH-47M2","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Mikoyan MiG-31 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-31; NATO reporting name: Foxhound) is a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed for the Soviet Air Forces by the Mikoyan design bureau as a replacement for the earlier MiG-25 \"Foxbat\"; the MiG-31 is based on and shares design elements with the MiG-25.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe MiG-31 is among the fastest combat jets in the world. It continues to be operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces and Kazakh Air Defense Forces following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Russian Defence Ministry expects the MiG-31 to remain in service until at least 2030; that was confirmed in 2020 when an announcement was made to extend the service lifetime of the existing airframes from 2,500 to 3,500 hours\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (Russian: Х-47М2 Кинжал, IPA: [kʲɪn'ʐaɫ], \"Dagger\", NATO reporting name AS-24 Killjoy) is a Russian hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile. It has a reported range of 1,500–2,000 km (930–1,240 mi) and speed up to Mach 10. It can carry either conventional or nuclear warheadsand can be launched by MiG-31K interceptors. It has been deployed at airbases in Russia's Southern Military District and Western Military District.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Kinzhal entered service in December 2017 and was one of the six new Russian strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564741120314,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB81770","price":66.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hbb81770.jpg?v=1695051606"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-ch-47d-chinook","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale CH-47D Chinook","description":"The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a tandem-rotor helicopter developed by American rotorcraft company Vertol and manufactured by Boeing Vertol. The Chinook is a heavy-lift helicopter that is among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters. Its name, Chinook, is from the Native American Chinook people of Oregon and Washington state.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Chinook was originally designed by Vertol, which had begun work in 1957 on a new tandem-rotor helicopter, designated as the Vertol Model 107 or V-107. Around the same time, the United States Department of the Army announced its intention to replace the piston-engine–powered Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave with a new, gas-turbine–powered helicopter. During June 1958, the U.S. Army ordered a small number of V-107s from Vertol under the YHC-1A designation; following testing, it came to be considered by some Army officials to be too heavy for the assault missions and too light for transport purposes. While the YHC-1A would be improved and adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps as the CH-46 Sea Knight, the Army sought a heavier transport helicopter, and ordered an enlarged derivative of the V-107 with the Vertol designation Model 114. Initially designated as the YCH-1B, on 21 September 1961, the preproduction rotorcraft performed its maiden flight. In 1962, the HC-1B was redesignated CH-47A under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Chinook possesses several means of loading various cargoes, including multiple doors across the fuselage, a wide loading ramp located at the rear of the fuselage and a total of three external ventral cargo hooks to carry underslung loads. Capable of a top speed of 170 knots (200 mph; 310 km\/h), upon its introduction to service in 1962, the helicopter was considerably faster than contemporary 1960s utility helicopters and attack helicopters, and is still one of the fastest helicopters in the US inventory. Improved and more powerful versions of the Chinook have also been developed since its introduction; one of the most substantial variants to be produced was the CH-47D, which first entered service in 1982; improvements from the CH-47C standard included upgraded engines, composite rotor blades, a redesigned cockpit to reduce workload, improved and redundant electrical systems and avionics, and the adoption of an advanced flight control system. It remains one of the few aircraft to be developed during the early 1960s – along with the fixed-wing Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft – that has remained in both production and frontline service for over 60 years.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe military version of the helicopter has been exported to nations across the world; the U.S. Army and the Royal Air Force (see Boeing Chinook (UK variants)) have been its two largest users. The civilian version of the Chinook is the Boeing Vertol 234. It has been used by civil operators not only for passenger and cargo transport, but also for aerial firefighting and to support logging, construction, and oil extraction industries","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564748165434,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB81773","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hbb81773.jpg?v=1695129711"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scalehurricane-mk-i","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale Hurricane Mk.I","description":"The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft of the 1930s–40s which was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. for service with the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was overshadowed in the public consciousness by the Supermarine Spitfire during the Battle of Britain in 1940, but the Hurricane inflicted 60% of the losses sustained by the Luftwaffe in the campaign, and fought in all the major theatres of the Second World War.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Hurricane originated from discussions between RAF officials and aircraft designer Sir Sydney Camm about a proposed monoplane derivative of the Hawker Fury biplane in the early 1930s. Despite an institutional preference for biplanes and lack of interest by the Air Ministry, Hawker refined its monoplane proposal, incorporating several innovations which became critical to wartime fighter aircraft, including retractable landing gear and the more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. The Air Ministry ordered Hawker's Interceptor Monoplane in late 1934, and the prototype Hurricane K5083 performed its maiden flight on 6 November 1935.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Hurricane went into production for the Air Ministry In June 1936 and entered squadron service in December 1937. Its manufacture and maintenance were eased by using conventional construction methods so that squadrons could perform many major repairs without external support. The plane was rapidly procured prior to the outbreak of the Second World War; in September 1939, the RAF had 18 Hurricane-equipped squadrons in service. It was relied upon to defend against German aircraft operated by the Luftwaffe, including dogfighting with Messerschmitt Bf 109s in multiple theatres of action.","brand":"hob","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564756521274,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB81777","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/HBB81777.jpg?v=1695051135"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-18th-scale-p-51d-mustang-iv-fighter","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale P-51D Mustang IV Fighter","description":"The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II and the Korean War, among other conflicts. The Mustang was designed in April 1940 by a team headed by James H. Kindelberger of North American Aviation (NAA) in response to a requirement of the British Purchasing Commission. The commission approached NAA to build Curtiss P-40 fighters under license for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Rather than build an old design from another company, NAA proposed the design and production of a more modern fighter. The prototype NA-73X airframe was rolled out on 9 September 1940, 102 days after the contract was signed, and first flew on 26 October.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Mustang was designed to use the Allison V-1710 engine without an export-sensitive turbosupercharger or a multi-stage supercharger, resulting in limited high-altitude performance. The aircraft was first flown operationally by the RAF as a tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber (Mustang Mk I). Replacing the Allison with a Rolls-Royce Merlin two-stage supercharged engine resulted in the P-51B\/C (Mustang Mk III) model, and transformed the aircraft's performance at altitudes above 15,000 ft (4,600 m) (without sacrificing range), allowing it to compete with the Luftwaffe's fighters. The definitive version, the P-51D, was powered by the Packard V-1650-7, a license-built version of the two-speed, two-stage-supercharged Merlin 66, and was armed with six .50 caliber (12.7 mm) AN\/M2 Browning machine guns.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrom late 1943, P-51Bs and P-51Cs (supplemented by P-51Ds from mid-1944) were used by the USAAF's Eighth Air Force to escort bombers in raids over Germany, while the RAF's Second Tactical Air Force and the USAAF's Ninth Air Force used the Merlin-powered Mustangs as fighter-bombers, roles in which the Mustang helped ensure Allied air superiority in 1944. The P-51 was also used by Allied air forces in the North African, Mediterranean, Italian, and Pacific theaters. During World War II, Mustang pilots claimed to have destroyed 4,950 enemy aircraft.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564849811770,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB85802","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hbb85802.jpg?v=1695051998"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-72nd-scale-f8f-1-bearcat","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/72nd scale F8F-1 Bearcat","description":"The Grumman F8F Bearcat is an American single-engined, carrier-based, fighter aircraft introduced in late World War II. It served during the mid-20th century in the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the air forces of other nations. It was Grumman Aircraft's last piston-engined fighter aircraft.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eModified versions of the Bearcat have broken speed records for piston-engined aircraft. Today, the Bearcat is popular among warbird owners and air racers.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564856430906,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB87267","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hb87267.jpg?v=1695052907"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-72nd-scale-f8f-2-bearcat","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/72nd scale F8F-2 Bearcat","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Grumman F8F Bearcat is an American single-engined, carrier-based, fighter aircraft introduced in late World War II. It served during the mid-20th century in the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the air forces of other nations. It was Grumman Aircraft's last piston-engined fighter aircraft.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eModified versions of the Bearcat have broken speed records for piston-engined aircraft. Today, the Bearcat is popular among warbird owners and air racers.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564864459066,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB87269","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hbb87269.jpg?v=1695116567"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-72nd-scale-u-2a-dragon-lady","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/72nd scale U-2A Dragon Lady","description":"The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed \"Dragon Lady\", is an American single-engine, high altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated from the 1950s by the United States Air Force (USAF) or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It provides day and night, high-altitude (70,000 feet, 21,300 meters), all-weather intelligence gathering.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLockheed Corporation originally proposed it in 1953, it was approved in 1954, and its first test flight was in 1955. It was flown during the Cold War over the Soviet Union, China, Vietnam, and Cuba. In 1960, Gary Powers was shot down in a CIA U-2C over the Soviet Union by a surface-to-air missile (SAM). Major Rudolf Anderson Jr. was shot down in a U-2 during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eU-2s have taken part in post-Cold War conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and supported several multinational NATO operations. The U-2 has also been used for electronic sensor research, satellite calibration, scientific research, and communications purposes. The U-2 is one of a handful of aircraft types to have served the USAF for over 50 years, along with the Boeing B-52, Boeing KC-135, Lockheed C-130 and Lockheed C-5. The newest models (TR-1, U-2R, U-2S) entered service in the 1980s, and the latest model, the U-2S, had a technical upgrade in 2012. The U-2 is currently operated by the USAF.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564880875834,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB87270","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hbb87270_1.jpg?v=1695138135"},{"product_id":"icm-1-48th-scale-ju-88a-4","title":"ICM 1\/48th scale Ju 88A-4","description":"The Junkers Ju 88 is a German World War II Luftwaffe twin-engined multirole combat aircraft. Junkers Aircraft and Motor Works (JFM) designed the plane in the mid-1930s as a so-called Schnellbomber (\"fast bomber\") that would be too fast for fighters of its era to intercept. It suffered from technical problems during its development and early operational periods but became one of the most versatile combat aircraft of the war. Like a number of other Luftwaffe bombers, it served as a bomber, dive bomber, night fighter, torpedo bomber, reconnaissance aircraft, heavy fighter and at the end of the war, as a flying bomb.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDespite a protracted development, it became one of the Luftwaffe's most important aircraft. The assembly line ran constantly from 1936 to 1945 and more than 15,000 Ju 88s were built in dozens of variants, making it the second-most produced bomber of all time, behind the four-engined Consolidated B-24 Liberator, and the most-produced twin-engine German aircraft of the period. Throughout production the basic structure of the aircraft remained unchanged.","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46565041733946,"sku":"MMMS-CML-ICM48237","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/1628590590-78106500.jpg?v=1695206676"},{"product_id":"icm-1-48th-scale-do-17z-7","title":"ICM 1\/48th scale Do 17Z-7","description":"The Dornier Do 17 is a twin-engined light bomber produced by Dornier Flugzeugwerke for the German Luftwaffe during World War II. Designed in the early 1930s as a Schnellbomber (\"fast bomber\") intended to be fast enough to outrun opposing aircraft, the lightly built craft had a twin tail and \"shoulder wing\". Sometimes referred to as the Fliegender Bleistift (\"flying pencil\"), it was popular among its crews due to its handling, especially at low altitude, which made the Do 17 harder to hit than other German bombers.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Do 17 made its combat debut in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, operating in the Condor Legion in various roles. Along with the Heinkel He 111 it was the main bomber type of the German air arm in 1939–1940. The Dornier was used throughout the early war, and saw action in significant numbers in every major campaign theatre as a front line aircraft until the end of 1941, when its effectiveness and usage was curtailed as its bomb load and range were limited.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eProduction of the Dornier ended in mid-1940, in favour of the newer and more powerful Junkers Ju 88. The successor of the Do 17 was the much more powerful Dornier Do 217, which started to appear in strength in 1942. Some remaining Do 17s continued in various Luftwaffe roles until the end of the war, as a glider tug, research, and trainer aircraft. A considerable number were sent to other Axis nations, with few surviving the war. The last was scrapped in Finland.","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46565053825338,"sku":"MMMS-CML-ICM48245","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/22906_rd.jpg?v=1695206585"},{"product_id":"icm-1-48th-scalehe-111h-6-north-africa","title":"ICM 1\/48th scaleHe 111H-6 North Africa","description":"The Heinkel He 111 is a German airliner and bomber designed by Siegfried and Walter Günter at Heinkel Flugzeugwerke in 1934. Through development, it was described as a \"wolf in sheep's clothing\". Due to restrictions placed on Germany after the First World War prohibiting bombers, it was presented solely as a civil airliner, although from conception the design was intended to provide the nascent Luftwaffe with a heavy bomber.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePerhaps the best-recognised German bomber of World War II due to the distinctive, extensively glazed \"greenhouse\" nose of the later versions, the Heinkel He 111 was the most numerous Luftwaffe bomber during the early stages of the war. It fared well until it met serious fighter opposition during the Battle of Britain, when its defensive armament was found to be inadequate. As the war progressed, the He 111 was used in a wide variety of roles on every front in the European theatre. It was used as a strategic bomber during the Battle of Britain, a torpedo bomber in the Atlantic and Arctic, and a medium bomber and a transport aircraft on the Western, Eastern, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African Front theatres.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe He 111 was constantly upgraded and modified, but had nonetheless become obsolete by the latter part of the war. The failure of the German Bomber B project forced the Luftwaffe to continue operating the He 111 in combat roles until the end of the war. Manufacture of the He 111 ceased in September 1944, at which point piston-engine bomber production was largely halted in favour of fighter aircraft. With the German bomber force virtually defunct, the He 111 was used for logistics.[","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46565062213946,"sku":"MMMS-CML-ICM48265","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/icm48265.jpg?v=1695206819"},{"product_id":"icm-1-48th-scale-a-26-invader-pacific-war-theatre","title":"ICM 1\/48th scale A-26 Invader Pacific War Theatre","description":"The Douglas A-26 Invader (designated B-26 between 1948 and 1965) is an American twin-engined light bomber and ground attack aircraft. Built by Douglas Aircraft Company during World War II, the Invader also saw service during several major Cold War conflicts. A limited number of highly modified United States Air Force aircraft served in Southeast Asia until 1969. It was a fast aircraft capable of carrying a large bomb load. A range of guns could be fitted to produce a formidable ground-attack aircraft.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA re-designation of the type from A-26 to B-26 led to confusion with the Martin B-26 Marauder, which first flew in November 1940, some 20 months before the Douglas design's maiden flight. Although both aircraft were powered by the widely used Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp 18-cylinder, double-row radial engine, they were completely different and separate designs, with some 5,300 Marauders produced to 2,503 Invaders.","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46565081252154,"sku":"MMMS-CML-ICM48285","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/icm48285.jpg?v=1695205991"},{"product_id":"icm-1-48th-scale-ah-1g-arctic-cobra","title":"ICM 1\/48th scale AH-1G Arctic Cobra - Limited Edition","description":"The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a single-engined attack helicopter developed and manufactured by the American rotorcraft manufacturer Bell Helicopter. A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe AH-1 was rapidly developed as an interim gunship in response to the United States Army's needs in the Vietnam War. It used the same engine, transmission and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, which had already proven itself to be a capable platform during the conflict, but paired it with a redesigned narrow fuselage among other features. The original AH-1, being a dedicated attack helicopter, came equipped with stub wings for various weapons, a chin-mounted gun turret, and an armored tandem cockpit, from which it was operated by a pilot and gunner. Its design was shaped to fulfill a need for a dedicated armed escort for transport helicopters, giving the latter greater survivability in contested environments. On 7 September 1965, the Model 209 prototype performed its maiden flight; after rapidly gaining the support of various senior officials, quantity production of the type proceeded rapidly with little revision.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring June 1967, the first examples of the AH-1 entered service with the US Army and was promptly deployed to the Vietnam theater. It commonly provided fire support to friendly ground forces, escorted transport helicopters, and flew in \"hunter killer\" teams by pairing with Hughes OH-6A Cayuse scout helicopters. In the Vietnam War alone, the Cobra fleet cumulatively chalked up in excess of one million operational hours; roughly 300 AH-1s were also lost in combat. In addition to the US Army, various other branches of the US military also opted to acquire the type, particularly the United States Marine Corps. Furthermore, numerous export sales were completed with several overseas countries, including Israel, Japan, and Turkey.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor several decades, the AH-1 formed the core of the US Army's attack helicopter fleet, seeing combat in Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and the Gulf War. In US Army service, the Cobra was progressively replaced by the newer and more capable Boeing AH-64 Apache during the 1990s, with the final examples being withdrawn during 2001. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) operated the Cobra most prolifically along its land border with Lebanon, using its fleet intensively during the 1982 Lebanon War. Turkish AH-1s have seen regular combat with Kurdish insurgents near Turkey's southern borders. Upgraded versions of the Cobra have been developed, such as the twin engined AH-1 SeaCobra\/SuperCobra and the experimental Bell 309 KingCobra. Furthermore, surplus AH-1 helicopters have been reused for other purposes, including civilian ones; numerous examples have been converted to perform aerial firefighting operations.","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46565087576378,"sku":"MMMS-CML-ICM48299","price":33.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/icm48299.jpg?v=1695206125"},{"product_id":"icm-1-48th-scale-1991-desert-storm-ov-10a-and-ov-10d","title":"ICM 1\/48th scale 1991 'Desert Storm' OV-10A and OV-10D+ (2 kits in 1 box)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is an American twin-turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency (COIN) combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control (FAC) aircraft. It can carry up to 3,200 lb (1,450 kg) of external munitions and internal loads such as paratroopers or stretchers, and can loiter for three or more hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNB\u003c\/strong\u003e This ICM kit contains TWO aircraft! - Both the OV-10A plus the OV-10D+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46565105369402,"sku":"MMMS-CML-ICM48302","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/47279_icm48302-2.jpg?v=1695205803"},{"product_id":"airfix-starter-set-bugatti-chiron","title":"Airfix 1\/43rd scale Starter Set - Bugatti Chiron","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Bugatti Chiron is a mid-engine two-seater sports car designed and developed in Germany by Bugatti Engineering GmbH and manufactured in Molsheim, France, by French automobile manufacturer Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. The successor to the Bugatti Veyron,[8] the Chiron was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2016. The car's design was initially previewed with the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo concept car unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe car is named after the Monégasque driver Louis Chiron. The car shares the name with the 1999 Bugatti 18\/3 Chiron concept car.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46600080556346,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55005","price":13.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55005_1.jpg?v=1755943404"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-starter-set-bugatti-chiron","title":"Airfix 1\/43rd scale Starter Set - McLaren 765","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAt McLaren, we do not fear the unknown. We do not fear the challenge. The new McLaren 765LT has a legend to live up to: Longtail. Every car that’s carried this name has been unique. Extreme and utterly focused around the driver. All about maximum engagement. Searing performance. Sensational handling.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeing based on the incredible 720S, the latest McLaren 765 Long Tail has everything in its favour. A flying start. And it delivers on every level. Radically lightened and lower, this powerful supercar uses innovative aerodynamics to create 25% more downforce than the 720S.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd this is the most powerful LT yet, with a shattering 765PS. Just 765 will ever be produced. For the lucky few, the next chapter is beginning…\u003cbr\u003eIntroducing the new McLaren 765LT. Born from fearless supercar engineering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46600088355130,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55006","price":13.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55006_1.jpg?v=1695045068"},{"product_id":"airfix-starter-set-pagani-huayra","title":"Airfix 1\/43rd scale Starter Set - Pagani Huayra","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Pagani Huayra (Italian pronunciation: [ˈwaira]) is a mid-engine sports car produced by Italian sports car manufacturer Pagani, succeeding the company's previous offering, the Zonda. It is named after Wayra Tata, the Quechua (aboriginal South American) wind god. The Huayra was named \"The Hypercar of the Year 2012\" by Top Gear magazine. On 11 February 2015 it was reported that the Pagani Huayra has been sold out. The Huayra was limited to just 100 units as part of Pagani's agreement with engine supplier Mercedes-AMG.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Pagani Huayra was officially debuted online with several pictures in a press release on 25 January 2011. The official world debut was at the headquarters of Pirelli in Milan in February 2011.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46600093335866,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55008","price":13.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55008_1.jpg?v=1695037795"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-starter-set-pagani-huayra","title":"Airfix 1\/43rd scale Starter Set - Jaguar E-Type","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Jaguar E-Type, or the Jaguar XK-E for the North American market, is a British sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1974. Its combination of aesthetics, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world. The E-Type's claimed 150 miles per hour (240 km\/h) top speed, sub-7-second 0 to 60 mph (97 km\/h) acceleration, unitary construction, disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension distinguished the car and spurred industry-wide changes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe E-Type was based on Jaguar's D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for three consecutive years beginning in 1955.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe E-Type employed what was, for the early 1960s, a novel design principle, with a front subframe carrying the engine, front suspension and front bodywork bolted directly to the body tub. No ladder frame chassis, as was common at the time, was needed and as such the first cars weighed only 1,315 kg (2,899 lb).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is rumoured that, on its debut on 15 March 1961, Enzo Ferrari called it \"the most beautiful car ever made\", but this statement is not fully confirmed.[8] In 2004, Sports Car International magazine placed the E-Type at number one on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s. In March 2008, the Jaguar E-Type ranked first in The Daily Telegraph's online list of the world's \"100 most beautiful cars\" of all time. Outside automotive circles, the E-type has featured in the Diabolik comic series, Austin Powers films and the television series Mad Men.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46600098152762,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55009","price":13.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55009_1.jpg?v=1695037772"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-westland-sea-king","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Westland Sea King HAS.1\/HAS.5\/HU.5","description":"The Westland WS-61 Sea King is a British licence-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines (derived from the US General Electric T58), British-made anti-submarine warfare systems and a fully computerised flight control system. The Sea King was primarily designed for performing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. A Sea King variant known as the Commando was developed by Westland to serve as a troop transport.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn British service, the Westland Sea King provided a wide range of services in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. As well as wartime roles in the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the Sea King is perhaps most well known in its capacity as a Royal Navy Search and Rescue (red and grey livery) and RAF Search and Rescue Force (yellow livery) helicopter. The Sea King was also adapted to meet the Royal Navy's requirement for a ship-based airborne early warning platform.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn 26 September 2018, the last remaining Sea King variant in Royal Navy service was retired. Most operators have replaced, or are planning to replace, the Sea King with more modern helicopters, such as the NHIndustries NH90 and the AgustaWestland AW101. HeliOperations continue to operate three Mk 5 Sea Kings, based at RNAS Portland, training German Navy pilots.","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46727335182650,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A11006","price":54.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a11006_1.jpg?v=1695212247"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-1-48th-scale-westland-sea-king-has-1-has-5-hu-5","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Westland Lynx HMA8\/Mk.88A\/Mk.90B","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Westland Lynx is a British multi role helicopter that has seen service in both land based army forms as well as ship based naval variants. Entering service in 1977, the Lynx has since seen many upgrades and improvements throughout its service history. The Mk8 naval variant entered service with the Royal Navy in the early 1990s and has since gone on to provide them with an excellent maritime attack helicopter, performing well in the anti-submarine role as well as search and rescue and more recently anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. Fiercely armed with either missiles, depth charges or a heavy machine gun the Lynx is a formidable machine and is more than capable of taking on the best of the world's surface vessels as well as any potential underwater threat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804628767034,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A10107A","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a10107a_1.jpg?v=1696509284"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-gloster-meteor-f-8-korea","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Gloster Meteor F.8 Korea","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804692959546,"sku":"MMMS-AHM-A09184","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A09184_Gloster_Meteor_F8_3D_Box.jpg?v=1696507935"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-bristol-blenheim-mk-1","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Avro Anson Mk.I","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlthough not generally regarded as one of the most fashionable British aircraft to see service during the Second World War, the Avro Anson was nevertheless one of the most important aircraft not only of the inter-war years, but also during WWII itself and is deserving of more recognition than it usually receives. An aircraft which began its development in 1933 as a high speed, long range, modern mail carrying charter aircraft, the Avro 652 was still in development when the British Air Ministry issued a requirement for a twin engined, general reconnaissance and multi-role aircraft capable of performing a variety of roles for both the Royal Air force and the Royal Navy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Avro team felt that their new aircraft would be perfect for the role and later entered it in an official evaluation programme with the competitor de Havilland DH89M, the military version of their biplane Dragon Rapide. The Avro design was found to possess greater range and endurance and whilst not without a few areas which would require some design modifications, an initial order for 174 militarised aircraft was placed. The Avro 652 would be given the name Anson after an Eighteenth Century British Admiral of the fleet, a development which did not please everyone at the Air Ministry, but as the aircraft was intended to undertake maritime patrols, the name did seem rather appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighlighting the importance of the Avro Anson as a British aircraft type, when it entered service with No.48 Squadron at RAF Manston in March 1936, it became the first monoplane type to achieve squadron service status, but was also the first RAF aircraft to feature a retractable undercarriage. At this time, the advanced Anson quickly began to attract attention from several other countries and in order to capitalise on this interest, some aircraft were diverted from existing RAF orders to fulfil these requirements, with full production forcing Avro to open new manufacturing facilities in the North West of England. 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 and whilst there were no reports of an Anson sinking a U-Boat, their presence would keep these feared hunters submerged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Dunkirk evacuations, Ansons used to cover the operation came under attack by Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters, which had real difficulty engaging the slow flying British aircraft. Consistently overshooting the Ansons, they came in the sights of the aircraft's forward firing gun and astonishingly, two of the Luftwaffe fighters were shot down and a third was badly damaged, with all the Ansons escaping from the engagement unscathed. Despite the fact that the RAF entered the Second World War with 26 squadrons equipped with Avro Ansons, they were basically obsolete as a fighting machine and particularly for the ones assigned to Bomber Command, they 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, including those destined to serve in the Avro Lancaster, the mighty bomber which was produced in some of the same factories previously used to produce Ansons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith just under 11,000 Ansons eventually produced, the final RAF example was only withdrawn from service as a station communications aircraft in 1968.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804809974074,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A09191","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a09191_1g__75943.jpg?v=1696501917"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-1-48th-scale-bristol-blenheim-mk-i","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Bristol Blenheim Mk.I","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen the first Bristol Blenheim Mk.I light bomber entered Royal Air Force service with No.114 Squadron at Wyton in March 1937, they not only replaced the squadrons Hawker Hind biplane bombers, but also pointed to the future of a new, modern air force. Capable of speeds approaching 100 mph faster than its predecessor, the Blenheim was the most capable light\/medium bomber in the world at that time and would be the benchmark for all future aircraft designs, including those it would soon be forced to meet in combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the early months of WWII, Blenheim crews would carry a heavy burden of strike operations against enemy targets, both from bases in the UK and in France as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force and British Expeditionary Force. Being relatively lightly armed and with constant equipment additions increasing the aircrafts weight, the Blenheim was no match for the modern fighters of the Luftwaffe and despite the heroic actions of a great many Allied pilots, the RAF suffered significant losses during this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e68.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804831273274,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A09190","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A09190_1_Bristol-Blenheim-Mk1_PACK.jpg?v=1696502055"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-bristol-blenheim-mk-i","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Hawker Hunter FGA.9\/FR.10\/GA.11","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProving the old adage 'If it looks right, then it is right', the Hawker Hunter was a thing of aviation beauty, streamlined and cultured, but a deadly fighting aeroplane at heart. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderlining the Hunter's adaptability, the FGA.9 variant was developed in response to an RAF requirement to replace ground attack Venoms serving with units in the Middle East and was basically an F.6 airframe optimised for close air support operations. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrengthening the Hunter's wing enabled it to carry an impressive array of offensive ordnance, with the FGA.9 presenting the RAF with one of their most capable ground attack fighters. 128 Hunter FGA.9s would see service with home based and overseas squadrons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--40\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section section--default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804837531962,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A09192","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A09192_1.jpg?v=1696508010"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-canadair-sabre-f-4","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Canadair Sabre F.4","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46811041890618,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08109","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08109_1_CANADAIR-SABRE-F4_PACK.jpg?v=1696502098"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-north-american-f-86f-40-sabre","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale North American F-86F-40 Sabre","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46811077181754,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08110","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08110_1.jpg?v=1696508336"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-north-american-f-86f-40-sabre-1","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Junkers JU87B-2\/R-2","description":"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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAt 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs 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!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOnce 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis 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.","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842234306874,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A07115","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A07115_Junkers-Ju87B-2-Stuka_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1696508203"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-supermarine-seafire-f-xvii","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Supermarine Seafire F.XVII","description":"\u003cp\u003eBrace yourself for a stealthily guarded FAA revelation!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA masterpiece of the skies, and now your Airfix workbench, the Supermarine Seafire returns to our range after a ten-year absence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842425016634,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A06102A","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a06102a_1.jpg?v=1696508634"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-de-havilland-vampire-f-3","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale de Havilland Vampire F.3","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842439991610,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A06107","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A06107_1_de-havilland-vampire-f3.jpg?v=1696507807"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-1-48th-scale-de-havilland-vampire-fb-5-fb-9","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale de Havilland Vampire FB.5\/FB.9","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlthough 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842451722554,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A06108","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a06108_1.jpg?v=1696507881"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-messerschmitt-me109e-4-e-1-1-48","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Messerschmitt Me109E-4\/E-1","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs the battle hardened, Bf109 fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe began operations against Britain following the Dunkirk evacuation, and they would be at a disadvantage for the first time. With only enough fuel for limited time over England, any mechanical issue or damage during combat would result in their capture at best, but certainly an end to their war.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScheme 1: Franz Von Werra 1940.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScheme 2: Bf109E-3, Josef \"Pips\" Priller.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScheme 3: Bf109E-3 Aircraft flown by Kap. Milutin Grozdanovic,\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842489176378,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05120B","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05120B_Messerschmitt-BF109E_Box-Front.jpg?v=1696508236"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-spitfire-mk-xii","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XII","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Mk XII was the first production version of the Spitfire to use the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine. The Griffon was a devlopment of the 'R' sprint engine used in the Supermarine Schneider Trophy racing seaplanes of the late 1920s and early 1930s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842566672698,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05117A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05117A_1.jpg?v=1696509042"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-1-48th-scale-spitfire-mk-vb","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb","description":"\u003cp\u003eIllustrating the strength and adaptability of its basic design, the Supermarine Spitfire saw constant development throughout the Second World War, with over 20,000 aircraft eventually being produced in 24 different marks. The Mark V variant was actually something of a stop-gap upgrade from the aircraft which fought during the Battle of Britain, but with 6,487 produced, it would prove to be the most heavily produced mark of Spitfire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842615136570,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05125A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05125A_1_Supermarine-Spitfire-MkVb_PACK.jpg?v=1696508944"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-spitfire-mk-1-a","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1 a","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Supermarine Spitfire was, by 1940, the interceptor of choice for Fighter Command. It was capable of speeds of over 360mph and had exceptional manoeuvrability. An excellent dog-fighter, the Spitfire Mark I is seen as a symbol of The Few, vital to the defence of the United Kingdom against the previously all-conquering Luftwaffe. Along with the Hurricane, it cemented its place in history during the Battle of Britain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842635682106,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05126A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05126A_Supermarine-Spitfire-MkI_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1696508855"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-supermarine-spitfire-fr-mk-xiv","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XIV","description":"\u003cp\u003eContinuing the wartime development of the famous Supermarine Spitfire, the Mk.XIV saw the classic shape of Mitchell's celebrated fighter paired with the awesome power of the new Rolls Royce Griffon engine. The resultant aircraft was superb and one of the RAFs most capable fighters of WWII, proving particularly successful when employed against the V-1 flying bomb attacks which Germany launched against southern Britain, from the summer of 1944.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe adoption of the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine provided the Spitfire with a significant increase in performance, but not without presenting Supermarine designers and pilots converting to the aircraft with a few challenges. Installation of the new engine in the existing Spitfire airframe required a redesign of both the front and rear sections of the aircraft and the use of a distinctive five bladed Rotol propeller. Pilots used to flying Merlin engined versions of the aircraft would find the Griffon turned in the propeller in the opposite direction and whilst the earlier aircraft tended to veer to the left on take-off, the Griffon powered machines would veer in the opposite direction if the pilot forgot and applied their usual corrective inputs, their first flight could be a particularly short and uncomfortable one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the only British fighter type to remain in production throughout WWII, the Spitfire was constantly developed to ensure it remained at the forefront of fighter performance, with the Griffon powered aircraft being around 80 mph faster than the original Mk.I machines. With the purr of the early Merlin engines replaced by the throaty growl of the mighty Griffon, these later developments appear to be much more capable versions of the fighter than the classic early Spitfires, even though they are basically a development of them. The Griffin powered Spitfire Mk.XIV possessed greater performance than that of the thoroughbred Mk.IX and therefore was superior to both the Luftwaffe's Focke Wulf Fw 190 and the latest versions of the Messerschmitt Bf 109.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking part in air operations in support of and in the months following the D-Day landings, the Mk.XIV was used extensively by the 2nd Tactical Air Force, equipping all 20 of the Spitfire Squadrons that operated from the continent in the months between D-Day and VE-Day. Employed predominantly in an armed reconnaissance role, these fearsome fighters would search for targets behind German lines, attempting to disrupt both their retreat and their ability to send reinforcements to the current front line. Their speed also made them an ideal aircraft to help counter the growing Doodlebug threat endured by southern Britain in the months following Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842652164410,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05135","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05135_Supermarine-Spitfire-FR-MkXIV_PACK.jpg?v=1696508753"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-hawker-hurricane-mk-1","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Hawker Hurricane Mk.1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Hawker Hurricane was the RAFs most vital fighter in the early years of WWII. These tough, partly fabric covered monoplane fighters put in a valiant defence against the numerically superior Luftwaffe during the Blitzkrieg. Although slower than the Messerschmitt Bf109, and with a less destructive armament, the Hurricane was able to turn tighter and absorb considerable punishment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842661077306,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05127A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05127A_Hawker-Hurricane-MkI_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1696508122"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-hawker-hurricane-mk-i-tropical","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Hawker Hurricane Mk.I Tropical","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe rugged and reliable Hawker Hurricane was arguably the most important fighter aircraft available to the Royal Air Force at the beginning of WWII. Easier to produce and more forgiving to fly than the more glamorous Spitfire, the Hurricane was available in much greater numbers than any other fighter at the time of the Battle of Britain and proved decisive in securing eventual victory for the pilots of the RAF.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEarly RAF operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa saw small numbers of Hurricane Mk.I fighters pitted against vastly superior numbers of Regia Aeronautica aircraft. They proved to be more than a match for anything the Italian Air Force could hurl at them, but the arrival of battle hardened Luftwaffe fighters in 1941 saw a change in fortunes. Many of the Hurricanes were 'tropicalised' and arrived in theatre with the chin mounted Vokes carburettor dust filter, which significantly altered the profile of the Hawker fighter.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842675659066,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05129","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05129_Hawker_Hurricane_MK1_Tropical_3D_Box.jpg?v=1696508152"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-boulton-paul-defiant-mk-1","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs the least effective of the RAFs interceptor fighters at the start of the Battle of Britain, it is interesting to note that the Boulton Paul Defiant actually entered service much later than either the Spitfire or Hurricane, but was quickly relegated to nightfighter operations when it became obvious the extra weight of the power operated turret made the aircraft a relatively easy target for Luftwaffe fighters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842719928634,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05128A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05128A_Bolton-Paul-Defiant-MkI_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1696502005"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-supermarine-spitfire-fr-mk-xiv-1","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Supermarine Spitfire F Mk.XVIII","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842738737466,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05140","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05140_1.jpg?v=1696508794"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-supermarine-spitfire-mkxiv-civilian-schemes","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Supermarine Spitfire MkXIV Civilian Schemes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePossessing grace, beautifully clean lines and lots of power, several Spitfires would survive the war to become highly distinctive aircraft on the civilian aviation scene either operating as Airshow display aircraft, or competing in air race competitions around the world. The aggressive profile of the Spitfire XIV made for a particularly striking air racer and helped to reaffirm the enduring legacy of this famous aeroplane.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842752368954,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05139","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05139_1_Supermarine-Spitfire-MkXIV-Civilian-Schemes_PACK_7b99ab2e-5e1d-49e7-a716-a613133e9d13.jpg?v=1696509195"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-curtiss-p-40b-warhawk-1-48","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Curtiss P-40B Warhawk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring the early stages of WWII, the American built Curtiss P-40B proved to be one of the most important fighter aircraft available to Allied Air Forces. Flying with the RAF in North Africa and the American Volunteer Group in China, the Allison V-1710-33 powered P-40B was to became one of the most distinctive fighters of the entire war, wearing their fearsome shark-mouth artwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArguably, the most striking versions of the P-40 were the early machines, which displayed an extremely sinister profile '”œ with a shorter, more pointed nose and an extremely throaty Allison V-1710 engine, the P-40B (Tomahawk IIa in RAF service) aircraft looked almost like flying Great White sharks. When RAF No.112 Squadron of the Desert Air Force added aggressive looking sharks teeth and eyes to their aircraft in 1941, they inadvertently turned their Tomahawks into some of the most iconic aircraft of WWII and certainly some of the most visually appealing. These designs would find their way on to many different aircraft throughout the remainder of the war, but the RAF Desert Air Force certainly started the trend.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842762690874,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05130A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05130_CurtisP-40B_Warhawk_3D_Box.jpg?v=1696502161"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-north-american-p-51d-mustang","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale North American P-51D Mustang","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe North American P-51 Mustang is viewed as one of the iconic American fighters of the Second World War. Designed to fulfil an RAF specification, the Mustang was transformed once the Rolls Royce Merlin engine was installed. The P-51D model's long range and excellent firepower made it a superb escort fighter, able to protect the bombers all the way to Berlin and back. The P-51 is recorded as being the top scoring Allied fighter of the war with 4,950 enemy aircraft destroyed. After the war the P-51D saw service in Korea and was used by some South American country's air arms until the early 1980s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842773569850,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05131A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05131A_1.jpg?v=1696508429"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-north-american-f-51d-mustang","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale North American F-51D Mustang","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs arguably the finest fighter aircraft of WWII, the Mustang went on to be selected as the USAF primary piston engined fighter after the war, with all other types relegated to secondary roles, or withdrawn from service. The re-designation of USAF aircraft in 1948 saw the P for Pursuit change to F for Fighter, resulting in the Mustang becoming a North American F-51D.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScheme 1: Rotation Blues 67th FBS Korea \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScheme 2: F51D 77 Squadron RAAF Korea 1951 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScheme 3: J26 Mustang, Swedish Air Force\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced under licensed. Boeing, Douglas, McDonnell 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842780385594,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05136","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05136_F51D-Mustang_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1696508275"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/collections\/48th.jpg?v=1731690962","url":"https:\/\/www.mannsmodelmoments.com\/collections\/1-56th-to-1-43rd-scale.oembed?page=10","provider":"Mann's Model Moments","version":"1.0","type":"link"}