{"title":"WWII Aircraft","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"curtiss-p-40b-warhawk","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Curtiss P-40B Warhawk","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Aircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe P-40 served the United States Army Air Force throughout the Second World War, fighting in Europe, across Asia and in the deserts of North Africa. While not as maneuverable as the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero, or as fast as the German Messerschmitt Bf109, the P-40B still proved to be a tough opponent. Pilots liked the fact it could often get them home after sustaining heavy damage, as well as being able to inflict it with its armament of six machine guns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIf you're after an aircraft that's reliable in both service and looks, then now's the perfect time to bring home the P-40B for your Airfix model range! With an eye-catching livery, sprues and decals as well as measuring 134.5mm in length, this is the perfect addition to any Military or aircraft collection!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45339237974330,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A01003B","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a01003b_curtiss-p40b-tomahawk_box-front.jpg?v=1692428277"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-35th-scale-fiesler-fi-156-c-3-trop","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/35th scale Fiesler Fi-156 C-3\/TROP","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e     In 1936, RLM issued requirements for liaison and artillery fire spotting aircraft for the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe. This aircraft must have a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) performance. The Fi-156 entered small scale series production in 1937. When she is in flight, the landing gear hung down. This is giving aircraft the appearance of a very long-legged with big-winged bird. The Fi156 was given a nickname--Storch (Crane).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e     The Storch was widely spread for Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe as air taxi for high ranking officer and general, reconnaissance plane and air ambulance. The Storch was produced into different version, A, C and D version. The high success Storch was exported to German allied—Croatia,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFinland,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSweden,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBulgaria,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSlovakia,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eRomania\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eItaly. After WWII, the Storch was continued service on frontline in different countries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46248095187258,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB80181","price":43.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/61efaf8649297.jpg?v=1692443783"},{"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-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":"italeri-1-32nd-mc202-folgore","title":"Italeri 1\/32nd MC202 Folgore","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Macchi C.202 Folgore (Italian \"thunderbolt\") was an Italian fighter aircraft developed and manufactured by Macchi Aeronautica. It was operated mainly by the Regia Aeronautica (RA; Royal (Italian) Air Force) in and around the Second World War. According to aviation author David Mondey, the Folgore has been considered to be one of the best wartime fighters to serve in large numbers with the Regia Aeronautica.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe C.202 was designed by a team headed by the company's chief of design, Italian aeronautics engineer Mario Castoldi. As per company tradition, Macchi aircraft designed by Mario Castoldi received the \"C\" letter in their model designation, hence the Folgore is commonly referred to as the C.202 or MC.202. The C.202 was a development of the earlier C.200 Saetta, powered by an Italian-built version of the German Daimler-Benz DB 601Aa engine and featuring a redesigned fuselage for greater streamlining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring July 1941, the Folgore went into service with the Regia Aeronautica. In combat, it very quickly proved itself to be an effective and deadly dogfighter against its contemporaries.[5][6] During its service life, the C.202 was deployed on all fronts in which Italy was involved. During late 1941, it commenced offensive operations over Malta and in North Africa, where Italian and German forces were engaged in heavy combat against British and later American operations. The C.202 continued to be used in North Africa as late as mid-1943, by which point the type was withdrawn to support defensive efforts in Sicily and the Italian mainland following their invasion by Allied forces. It also saw limited use on the Eastern Front. Following the 1943 Armistice with Italy, the type was mostly used as a trainer aircraft. It was also operated by Croatia.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Macchi C.202 was flown by almost all of the most successful Italian aces. During mid-1942, in North Africa, the Folgore achieved a ratio kill\/loss better than that of the Messerschmitt Bf 109. The Australian ace Clive Caldwell, who fought a wide variety of German, Italian and Japanese fighters during 1941–45, later stated that the C.202 was \"one of the best and most undervalued of fighters\".[10] The type also had well-known design flaws: in particular, like the C.200, the C.202 was prone to suddenly entering dangerous spins. Its radios were also unreliable, routinely forcing pilots to communicate by waggling their wings. The C.202 was lightly armed relative to its contemporaries, with just a pair of machine guns that had a tendency for jamming. To improve its performance it was developed into its successor: the Macchi C.205 Veltro.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46538734534970,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT2518","price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/61u9h01-VTL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1693420745"},{"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-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-1-32nd-scale-il-2m3-ground-attack-aircraft","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/32nd scale IL-2M3 ground Attack aircraft","description":"The Ilyushin Il-2 (Russian: Илью́шин Ил-2) is a ground-attack plane that was produced by the Soviet Union in large numbers during the Second World War. The word shturmovík (Cyrillic: штурмовик), the generic Russian term for a ground-attack aircraft, became a synecdoche for the Il-2 in English sources, where it is commonly rendered Shturmovik, Stormovik and Sturmovik.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTo Il-2 pilots, the aircraft was known by the diminutive \"Ilyusha\". To the soldiers on the ground, it was called the \"Hunchback\", the \"Flying Tank\" or the \"Flying Infantryman\". Its postwar NATO reporting name was Bark.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring the war, 36,183 units of the Il-2 were produced, and in combination with its successor, the Ilyushin Il-10, a total of 42,330 were built, making it the single most produced military aircraft design in aviation history, as well as one of the most produced piloted aircraft in history along with the American postwar civilian Cessna 172 and the German then-contemporary Messerschmitt Bf 109.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Il-2 played a crucial role on the Eastern Front. When factories fell behind on deliveries, Joseph Stalin told the factory managers that the Il-2s were \"as essential to the Red Army as air and bread.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564807082298,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB83204","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/71hhKeeGVFL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1695116936"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-32nd-scale-spitfire-mk-vb-trop","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/32nd scale Spitfire Mk.Vb\/Trop","description":"The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. Many variants of the Spitfire were built, from the Mk 1 to the Rolls-Royce Griffon-engined Mk 24 using several wing configurations and guns. It was the only British fighter produced continuously throughout the war. The Spitfire remains popular among enthusiasts; around 70 remain airworthy, and many more are static exhibits in aviation museums throughout the world.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Spitfire was designed as a short-range, high-performance interceptor aircraft by R. J. Mitchell, chief designer at Supermarine Aviation Works, which operated as a subsidiary of Vickers-Armstrong from 1928. Mitchell developed the Spitfire's distinctive elliptical wing (designed by Beverley Shenstone) with innovative sunken rivets to have the thinnest possible cross-section, achieving a potential top speed greater than that of several contemporary fighter aircraft, including the Hawker Hurricane. Mitchell continued to refine the design until his death in 1937, whereupon his colleague Joseph Smith took over as chief designer, overseeing the Spitfire's development through many variants.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring the Battle of Britain (July–October 1940), the public perceived the Spitfire to be the main RAF fighter; however, the more numerous Hurricane shouldered more of the burden of resisting the Luftwaffe. Nevertheless, the Spitfire was a better fighter aircraft than the Hurricane. Spitfire units had a lower attrition rate and a higher victory-to-loss ratio than those flying Hurricanes, probably because of the Spitfire's higher performance. During the battle, Spitfires generally engaged Luftwaffe fighters—mainly Messerschmitt Bf 109E–series aircraft, which were a close match for them.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAfter the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire superseded the Hurricane as the principal aircraft of RAF Fighter Command, and it was used in the European, Mediterranean, Pacific, and South-East Asian theatres. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire operated in several roles, including interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter-bomber, and trainer, and it continued to do so until the 1950s. The Seafire was an aircraft carrier–based adaptation of the Spitfire, used in the Fleet Air Arm from 1942 until the mid-1950s. The original airframe was designed to be powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine producing 1,030 hp (768 kW). It was strong enough and adaptable enough to use increasingly powerful Merlins, and in later marks, Rolls-Royce Griffon engines producing up to 2,340 hp (1,745 kW). As a result, the Spitfire's performance and capabilities improved over the course of its service life.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564813701434,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB83206","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/71coLTaHzNL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1695117084"},{"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-1-72nd-scale-fw-189a-2","title":"ICM 1\/72nd scale Fw 189A-2","description":"The Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu (\"Eagle Owl\") is a German twin-engine, twin-boom, three-seat tactical reconnaissance and army cooperation aircraft. It first flew in 1938 (Fw 189 V1), entered service in 1940 and was produced until mid-1944.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn addition, Focke-Wulf used this airframe in response to a tender request by the RLM for a dedicated ground-attack airplane, and later submitted an armored version for trials. However, the Henschel Hs 129 was selected instead.","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46565120704826,"sku":"MMMS-ICM-ICM72292","price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/icm72292.jpg?v=1695206953"},{"product_id":"icm-1-24th-scale-focke-wulf-fw-190d-9","title":"Trumpeter 1\/24th scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Fw 190A series' performance decreased at high altitudes (usually 6,000 m (20,000 ft) and above), which reduced its effectiveness as a high-altitude interceptor. From the Fw 190's inception, there had been ongoing efforts to address this with a turbosupercharged BMW 801 in the B model, the much longer-nosed C model with efforts to also turbocharge its chosen Daimler-Benz DB 603 inverted V12 powerplant, and the similarly long-nosed D model with the Junkers Jumo 213. Problems with the turbocharger installations on the -B and -C subtypes meant only the D model entered service in September 1944. These high-altitude developments eventually led to the Focke-Wulf Ta 152, which was capable of extreme speeds at medium to high altitudes (755 km\/h (408 kn; 469 mph) at 13,500 m (44,300 ft)). While these \"long nose\" 190 variants and the Ta 152 derivative especially gave the Germans parity with Allied opponents, they arrived too late to affect the outcome of the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe D-9 series was rarely used against heavy-bomber raids, as the circumstances of the war in late 1944 meant that fighter-versus-fighter combat and ground attack missions took priority. This model was the basis for the follow-on Focke-Wulf Ta 152 aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46565137023290,"sku":"MMMS-CML-TRU02411","price":93.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/1164_20041018111031.jpg?v=1695049835"},{"product_id":"rareplane-1-72nd-scale-breda-ba-64","title":"Second Hand: Rareplane 1\/72nd scale Breda BA-65","description":"The Breda Ba.64 was an Italian single-engine ground-attack aircraft used by the Regia Aeronautica during the 1930s.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesigned by Antonio Parano and Giuseppe Panzeri, it saw limited service in two units from 1936, together with the contemporary Caproni A.P.1. It was retired from active service in 1939, replaced by the more powerful derivative, the Ba.65.","brand":"Rareplane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46581882290490,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-RPBB01","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3707.jpg?v=1695049400"},{"product_id":"copy-of-frog-1-72nd-scale-fairey-barracuda","title":"Collectors: Frog 1\/72nd scale Fokker D.XXI","description":"The Fokker D.XXI fighter was designed in 1935 by Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker in response to requirements laid out by the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force (Militaire Luchtvaart van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger, ML-KNIL).[1]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe D.XXI was designed as an inexpensive, rugged, and compact fighter aircraft that would possess respectable performance for its era. Entering operational use in the early years of the Second World War, it provided yeoman service for both the Luchtvaartafdeling (Dutch Army Aviation Group) and the Finnish Air Force. Additionally, a few examples were constructed by the El Carmolí factory before it fell into rebel hands during the Spanish Civil War. Following the invasion and occupation of the Netherlands in May 1940, several captured Dutch D.XXIs were subsequently placed into service with the Luftwaffe.","brand":"Frog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46581947662650,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-FGFD01","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3722.jpg?v=1695049319"},{"product_id":"airdfix-1-72nd-scale-bagged-mustang-p-51d","title":"Collectors: Airfix 1\/72nd scale Bagged Mustang P-51D","description":"Over twenty variants of the North American P-51 Mustang fighter were produced from 1940, when it first flew, to after World War II, some of which were employed also in the Korean War and in several other conflicts.","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46582132474170,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-AXNM01","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3731.jpg?v=1695044941"},{"product_id":"kader-lincoln-internatinal-1-72nd-scale-venom","title":"Collectors: Kader (Lincoln International) 1\/72nd scale Venom","description":"The de Havilland DH 112 Venom is a British post-war single-engined jet aircraft developed and manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. Much of its design was derived from the de Havilland Vampire, the firm's first jet-powered combat aircraft; it was initially referred to as the Vampire FB 8 prior to the adoption of the Venom name.[2]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Venom was developed during the late 1940s to fulfil Air Ministry Specification F.15\/49, under which the aircraft was intended to be operated as an interim solution, lying between the first generation of British jet fighters – straight-wing aircraft powered by centrifugal flow engines such as the Gloster Meteor and the Vampire – and later swept wing, axial flow-engined combat aircraft, such as the Hawker Hunter and de Havilland Sea Vixen. In comparison with the Vampire, it had a thinner wing and a more powerful de Havilland Ghost 103 turbojet engine, making the aircraft more suitable for high altitude flight. Both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy took interest in the type; in order to suit the needs of the latter, a specialised derivative, the Sea Venom, was produced; it was a navalised model of the aircraft that was suitable for carrier operations. A dedicated model for aerial reconnaissance was also procured by the Swiss Air Force. On 2 September 1949, the first Venom prototype, VV612, performed its maiden flight.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Venom entered service with the RAF in 1952, where it was operated as both a single-seat fighter-bomber and two-seat night fighter. Despite the type's relatively short service life with the RAF, British Venoms saw active combat on multiple occasions, including the Suez Crisis, the Malayan Emergency, and the Aden Emergency. It was withdrawn from frontline operations by the service in 1962 following the introduction of more capable aircraft. The Venom had also proved to be popular on the export market, having been sold in substantial numbers to Iraq, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland and Venezuela. The Swiss Air Force was the final operator to use the type in an active military role, finally retiring their last examples during 1983. Large numbers of ex-military Venoms have since been acquired by private entities and several have continued to fly, performing aerial displays at various air shows, while many examples have been preserved in static display conditions in museums and as gate guardians.","brand":"Kader","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46582152134970,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-KRDV01","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3724.jpg?v=1695049373"},{"product_id":"replikits-1-133rd-scale-b-25","title":"Collectors: Replikits 1\/133rd scale B-25","description":"The North American B-25 Mitchell is an American medium bomber that was introduced in 1941 and named in honor of Brigadier General William \"Billy\" Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation.[2] Used by many Allied air forces, the B-25 served in every theater of World War II, and after the war ended, many remained in service, operating across four decades. Produced in numerous variants, nearly 10,000 B-25s were built,[1] It was the most-produced American medium bomber and the third most-produced American bomber overall. These included several limited models such as the F-10 reconnaissance aircraft, the AT-24 crew trainers, and the United States Marine Corps' PBJ-1 patrol bomber.","brand":"Replikits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46582163341626,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-RKNM01","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3710.jpg?v=1695049473"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-gloster-gladiatort-mk-i-mk-ii","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Gloster Gladiator Mk.I\/Mk.II","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Aircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Gloster Gladiator was developed from the Gloster Gauntlet as a private venture, and represented both the peak and the end of the biplane fighter. In many air arms it smoothed the transition to monoplane fighters, and in confronting aircraft of its own era it performed well. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuch a high-performing and equally eye-catching aircraft has well and truly deserved a spot in your Airfix collection. With two choices of livery to choose from and complete with sprues and decals, the Gloster Gladiator Mk.I\/Mk.II airfix model kit is a worthy addition, not to mention a fantastic gift for military enthusiastst and model makers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46778035732794,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A02052A","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a02052a_gloster-gladiator-mk.i-ii_pack.jpg?v=1695463327"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-hawker-tempest-mk-v","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Hawker Tempest Mk.V","description":"\u003cp class=\"heading--3\"\u003eAn aircraft which has to be considered one of the finest aeroplanes of the Second World War, the Hawker Tempest V could trace its design lineage back to the Hurricane fighters which proved so decisive during the Battle of Britain only two years earlier, but would represent the absolute zenith of piston engined fighter design. Indeed, when accomplished designer Sydney Camm was looking to produce his '˜Super Hurricane'™ replacement for the aviation saviour of the Battle of Britain, the aircraft he surely had in mind was the Tempest V. As it was, the Tempest is often confused with its predecessor in Royal Air Force service, the Typhoon, even though the two are very different aeroplanes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--1-col@medium\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original fighter replacement for the Hawker Hurricane was the Typhoon, an aircraft which attempted to combine the most powerful piston engine available at the time with a small, yet strong and heavily armed airframe. Although intended as an interceptor fighter, it became apparent during development that the new aircraft would not be able to fulfil this role, as the thickness of the wing was not conducive to high performance at high altitude. In fact, the Typhoon would endure quite a troubled development and service introduction, to the point where cancellation of the programme was seriously considered at one time. Nevertheless, the Typhoon would eventually go on to find its aviation niche as a hard-hitting ground attack aircraft and one which would come into its own during the time of the Allied invasion of Normandy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAware that their Typhoon had great potential but was in need of improvement, the Hawker design team started work on a new fighter project, one which incorporated many of the same philosophies as Typhoon, but also, several significant modifications. Indeed, the new aircraft was initially referred to as the Typhoon Mark II, but this was changed to Tempest as the prototype aircraft'™s first flight approached. Although this was still a big aeroplane for a single engined fighter, its airframe was light and it would be powered by the massively powerful 24 cylinder Napier Sabre engine, a powerplant which would give the new fighter spectacular performance. Making its first flight on 2nd September 1942, the new Hawker Tempest featured a newly designed laminar flow wing, which was much thinner than the wing used on its predecessor and allowed the new fighter to slip through the air at incredible speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first glance, the Typhoon and Tempest do share many similarities, however, if you know where to look, it is not difficult to tell them apart. Without doubt, the wing is the most obvious distinguishing feature, as not only is this thinner than the one used on the Typhoon, it is also a completely different shape. With a straighter leading edge and more elliptical trailing edge, the Tempest's wing was designed for speed, even though it could still be used effectively in a ground attack role. Other Tempest design differences include a slightly longer nose and a tail section which appears to be much larger, with a more generous vertical stabiliser which features a pronounced dorsal fillet. During the prototype aircraft'™s maiden flight, it posted an impressive top speed of 477 mph in level flight, impressing both the design team and the watching Air Ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hawker Tempest V entered Royal Air Force service in early 1944, with the first two squadrons to receive the type having both previously operated the Typhoon. It was thought that managing the incredible power generated by the Tempest'™s engine could pose problems for pilots converting from smaller aircraft types and that former Typhoon units would be best placed to negotiate its squadron introduction. In advance of the D-day landings, Tempests were being used in a similar ground attack role to the one being flown so effectively by Typhoon squadrons, however, should it be required to make the shift to air combat operations mid-mission, the Tempest was much more suited to this task. Possessing significantly greater range than the Typhoon, Tempests could loiter in the combat zone for longer periods, allowing offensive strikes deeper into occupied Europe, or allowing pilots to wait patiently for the Luftwaffe to come up and fight, where they could show them what their new fighter could really do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the fastest Allied fighter at low and medium altitudes, Tempest squadrons were held back for home defence duties in the weeks which followed the successful D-day landings, due to the onslaught of a sinister new weapon, the V-1 '˜Doodlebug'™ pulse jet flying bomb. The Tempest proved to be an excellent V-1 killer, using the speed of the fighter, effectiveness of its guns and bravery of its pilots to destroy large numbers of these terrifying weapons before they could wreak their havoc on British towns and cities. Britain'™s most effective force against these indiscriminate weapons, hundreds of Doodlebugs were shot down by the RAF'™s Hawker Tempest V squadrons, with Squadron Leader Joseph Berry proving to be the most proficient at this work, with no fewer than 61 V-1 '˜kills'™ to his name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the V-1 threat diminishing, the RAF'™s Tempest V squadrons were free to embark on aggressive seek and destroy missions into occupied Europe, using the speed, range and firepower of their latest fighter to great effect. Looking for potential V-1 launch sites and increasingly, the new German jet fighters which had started operating against the Allied air forces, the Tempest began to show that it was undoubtedly one of the most capable fighting aeroplanes in the world. Indeed, it has been reported that the aggressively flown Tempest was the Allied aircraft Messerschmitt Me262 jet pilots most feared during those early days of jet powered operations, particularly if they were caught during the landing and taking off phases of flight, when their jets were much more vulnerable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no doubt that the Hawker Tempest V was a real brute of an aeroplane, fast, heavily armed and possessing performance which could better any fighter the Luftwaffe had in service, perhaps with the exception of the Me262 at full speed. Pilots who had experience flying both the Tempest V and its predecessor, the Typhoon, describe the difference as being like night and day - they actually said that it was like comparing a cart horse with a race horse. Although this seems a little harsh, as they flew the aircraft in combat, we should certainly bow to their judgement. Although appearing relatively late in WWII, the Tempest V still takes its place as one of the most effective piston engined fighters of the Second World War and was perhaps the '˜Super Hurricane' designer Sydney Camm had always envisaged developing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46778157957434,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A02109","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a02109_1.jpg?v=1695463643"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-hawker-typhoon-mk-ib","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB","description":"\u003cp class=\"heading--3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Aircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy 1943 the RAF needed a dedicated ground attack fighter, and the Typhoon was suited to the role. The powerful engine allowed the aircraft to carry a load of up to two 1,000lb (454kg) bombs. From September 1943, Typhoons could also be armed with four, eight or in some cases even 12 \"60lb\" RP-3 rockets. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom its reliability and enging power to the two impressive livery schemes, the Typhoon has it all! Measuring 134mm and containing 74 pieces per kit, the Airfix Typhoon model will make a fantastic addition to any collection for model makers and military enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--1-col@medium\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46778335592762,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A02041A","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a02041a_hawker-typhoon-mkib_pack_web.jpg?v=1695464119"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-hawker-typhoon-mk-ib-gift-set","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB Gift Set","description":"\u003cp class=\"heading--3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Aircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy 1943 the RAF needed a dedicated ground attack fighter, and the Typhoon was suited to the role. The powerful engine allowed the aircraft to carry a load of up to two 1,000lb (454kg) bombs. From September 1943, Typhoons could also be armed with four, eight or in some cases even 12 \"60lb\" RP-3 rockets. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom its reliability and enging power to the two impressive livery schemes, the Typhoon has it all! Measuring 134mm and containing 74 pieces per kit, the Airfix Typhoon model will make a fantastic addition to any collection for model makers and military enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--1-col@medium\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46778492518714,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55208A","price":16.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55208a_1.jpg?v=1695464177"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-avro-lancaster-b-iii-special-the-dambusters","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Avro Lancaster B.III (SPECIAL) 'THE DAMBUSTERS'","description":"\u003cp\u003eFollowing a short but intense period of training, the volunteer group of crack airmen who made up the new RAF No.617 Squadron took off from RAF Scampton on the night of 16th\/17th May 1943, at the start of the most audacious bombing raid in history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by their enigmatic and inspirational commanding officer Guy Gibson, he is reputed to have said, 'This squadron will either make history, or it will be completely wiped out', but nevertheless, every man was determined to play their part in this historic raid. Nineteen 'Special' Lancaster's and their crews sent a message to the German nation that could not be disguised by their propaganda ministers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804661535034,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A109007A","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A09007_1_Avro-Lancaster-BIII_PACK.jpg?v=1695828783"},{"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-avro-lancaster-b-ii","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Avro Lancaster B.III","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs the third of Britain's four engined heavy bombers to enter RAF service during WWII, the Avro Lancaster proved to be an exceptional aircraft, possessing a large unobstructed bomb bay, which allowed it to carry some of the largest bombs of the war. At least thirty five Lancasters managed to complete an astonishing 100 missions or more and are referred to by historians and enthusiasts as the Lancaster Centurions, an exclusive group of extremely hard working bombers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScheme 1: R5868 S-Sugar 467 Squadron RAAF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScheme 2: LM624 57 Squadron.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46810865860922,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08013A","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08013A_Avro-Lancaster-BIII_Box-Front.jpg?v=1695829439"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-douglas-c-47a-d-skytrain","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Douglas C-47A\/D Skytrain","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDescribed by General Eisenhower as one of the four weapons that helped the Allies to win the Second World War, the Douglas DC3 and its military variant the C-47 Skytrain (Dakota in RAF service) has since gone on to be an instantly recognizable symbol of both air travel and the liberation of occupied lands that so characterized the Second World War. Continuing to serve even today in both modernized and original formats the DC3\/C-47 is now seen as a pioneer of air travel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46810965279034,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08014","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08014DouglasC-47Skytrain3D.jpg?v=1695830798"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-1-72nd-scale-douglas-c-47a-d-skytrain","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Boeing B17G Flying Fortress","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a much-valued and one of the most well-known fighting aircraft designs of the Second World War, the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress will look as eye-cathcing in your Airfix range as it did on the battlefield. Measuring at 457.2mm, featuring two livery schemes and a 254mm wingspan, no military collection is complete without the Boeing B-17G. Order direct from Airfix today!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46810985038138,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08017B","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08017B_1_B-17G-FLYING-FORTRESS_PACK.jpg?v=1695829928"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-vickers-wellington-mk-ii","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Vickers Wellington Mk.II","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe most capable medium bomber of the day was the twin-engine Vickers Wellington, which first flew in 1936 and entered RAF service with No.99 Squadron at Mildenhall in October 1938. The production aircraft bore little resemblance to the prototype aircraft and compared to contemporary medium bombers already in service, the Wellington appeared to be much more advanced in design and an aircraft feared by any potential enemy. Its sleek monoplane design and heavy defensive armament placed the new Wellington as one the advanced and capable medium bombers in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps the most significant feature of the Wellingtons design was the adoption of a geodetic construction method, which was developed by famous British engineer and inventor Barnes Wallis. Duralumin W-beams were used to form a metal lattice-work construction on to which wooden battens would be screwed, which would then allow the doped fabric outer skin of the aircraft to be attached. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resultant fuselage was relatively light in weight but possessed great strength and whilst the method o construction posed challenged for companies engaged in manufacturing Wellington bombers, the inherent strength proved crucial when the aircraft was thrust into combat. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapable of withstanding significant battle damage, numerous RAF Wellingtons managed to bring their crews back home, when the other bombers would have failed to do so.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46811028193594,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08021","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08021_1_VICKERS-WELLINGTON-M-II_PACK.jpg?v=1695828642"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-72nd-scale-ilyushin-il-2m3-attack-aircraft","title":"Hobbyboss 1\/72nd scale Ilyushin Il-2M3 Attack Aircraft","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ilyushin Il-2 (Russian: Илью́шин Ил-2) is a ground-attack plane that was produced by the Soviet Union in large numbers during the Second World War. The word shturmovík (Cyrillic: штурмовик), the generic Russian term for a ground-attack aircraft, became a synecdoche for the Il-2 in English sources, where it is commonly rendered Shturmovik, Stormovik and Sturmovik.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo Il-2 pilots, the aircraft was known by the diminutive \"Ilyusha\". To the soldiers on the ground, it was called the \"Hunchback\", the \"Flying Tank\" or the \"Flying Infantryman\". Its postwar NATO reporting name was Bark.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the war, 36,183 units of the Il-2 were produced, and in combination with its successor, the Ilyushin Il-10, a total of 42,330 were built, making it the single most produced military aircraft design in aviation history, as well as one of the most produced piloted aircraft in history along with the American postwar civilian Cessna 172 and the German then-contemporary Messerschmitt Bf 109.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Il-2 played a crucial role on the Eastern Front. When factories fell behind on deliveries, Joseph Stalin told the factory managers that the Il-2s were \"as essential to the Red Army as air and bread.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46830945763642,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-H80285","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hb80285_1__36570.jpg?v=1695739068"},{"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-heinkel-he111p-2","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Heinkel He111P-2","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst flying in 1935 when Germany was banned from building bombers under the Treaty of Versailles, the Heinkel He111 was at first disguised as a fast transport plane. However its real purpose soon became clear when it was used as a bomber during the Spanish Civil War. The early variants proved to be capable fast bombers with only small numbers being lost to enemy action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the start of the Second World War the He111 had undergone some major changes, resulting in the P model. The engines were now more powerful Daimler Benz DB601 units, and there was an enlarged glass nose section housing the majority of the crew. This afforded them excellent visibility but made them very vulnerable.During the Battle of Britain the P variant was being phased out, but it continued to serve in some numbers. Against the modern RAF fighters the He111 now suffered from a lack of speed and defensive armament. Before being switched to night duties the He111 formed the backbone of the Luftwaffe's bomber force, but did suffer some heavy casualties.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842273562938,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A06014","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A06014_Heinkel-He111_FRONT.jpg?v=1695831289"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-north-american-b25c-d-mitchell","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale North American B25C\/D Mitchell","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe role of medium bomber proved to be one of the most crucial during the Second World War and after something of a challenging service introduction, the North American B-25 Mitchell developed into a highly successful aircraft. Seeing service in every theatre of operation, the B-25 was the most versatile aircraft of its type, fulfilling a multitude of tactical roles in many different operating environments. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArguably, the most famous action involving the North American B-25 Mitchell came just after 8am on 18th April 1942, when sixteen of the bombers lifted off the relatively short deck of USS Hornet and set course for Japan. Intended as a strike at the heart of the Japanese Empire who had infamously attacked the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, this audacious and heroic raid illustrated the resolve of the American people and the determination of their military forces to strive for victory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early B-25B aircraft used on the Doolittle Raid performed well, but were already in the process of being upgraded. The later C\/D model (different letters were used to denote the manufacturer) proved to be the definitive version of this extremely effective medium bomber and was the first truly mass produced version of the aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extremely rugged and versatile aircraft, the Mitchell saw service as an anti-submarine patrol aircraft off the coast of Florida and as a strike bomber in the deserts of North Africa, proving successful at both. Some of the later versions of the B-25 became the most heavily armed aircraft of the war, with no less than 18 machine guns and an array of other offensive weaponry. With a solid nose housing 8 heavy guns, these aircraft were lethal gunships, capable of destroying anything in its line of fire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842292011322,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A06015","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A06015_North-American-B25-Mitchell_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1695831575"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-north-american-b25b-mitchell","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale North American B25B Mitchell PREORDER","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe role of medium bomber proved to be one of the most crucial during the Second World War and after something of a challenging service introduction, the North American B-25 Mitchell developed into a highly successful aircraft. Seeing service in every theatre of operation, the B-25 was the most versatile aircraft of its type, fulfilling a multitude of tactical roles in many different operating environments. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArguably, the most famous action involving the North American B-25 Mitchell came just after 8am on 18th April 1942, when sixteen of the bombers lifted off the relatively short deck of USS Hornet and set course for Japan. Intended as a strike at the heart of the Japanese Empire who had infamously attacked the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, this audacious and heroic raid illustrated the resolve of the American people and the determination of their military forces to strive for victory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early B-25B aircraft used on the Doolittle Raid performed well, but were already in the process of being upgraded. 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With a solid nose housing 8 heavy guns, these aircraft were lethal gunships, capable of destroying anything in its line of fire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842328023354,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A06020","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A06020_North-American-B-25B-Mitchell_PACK-FRONT.jpg?v=1695831531"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-dornier-do-17z","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Dornier Do.17z","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKnown as the 'Flying Pencil', the Dornier Do 17z was designed as a fast bomber which could theoretically out run other fighter aircraft. Used extensively during the blitz in the skies over Kent, one Dornier which was shot down into the English Channel is now under conservation at RAF Cosford.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842465911098,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05010A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05010A_1.jpg?v=1695830745"},{"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"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.mannsmodelmoments.com\/collections\/wwii-aircraft.oembed?page=12","provider":"Mann's Model Moments","version":"1.0","type":"link"}