BUNDLEA33 British Jet Innovation Bundle

Avro Vulcan B.2 BLACK BUCK

Product code: A12013

This remarkable 1:72 scale model of the iconic Avro Vulcan B.2 showcases one of the most recognisable aircraft in British aviation history. Featuring an expansive delta wing design and a wingspan of 470mm, this 271-piece kit enables enthusiasts to construct the renowned bomber, which was the fastest nuclear-capable strike aircraft globally when it joined the RAF in 1957.

Key Features

• Detailed 1:72 scale replica with an impressive 470mm wingspan
• 271 precision-moulded plastic components for a realistic assembly experience
• Includes two paint schemes to depict various Vulcan versions
• Skill level 3 - ideal for modellers aged 8 years and above
• Represents the notable Black Buck raid aircraft from the Falklands War

History

Holding a pivotal role in the evolution of post-war British aviation, the Avro Vulcan, with its vast delta wing shape, stands out as one of the most unique aircraft ever to fly. Designed to meet a stringent Air Ministry demand for a swift, high-altitude strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear armaments, the Vulcan marked a doubling in the capability of any prior British bomber. When it first took to the skies in August 1952, the Avro team was on the verge of delivering to the Royal Air Force not only the first delta-winged bomber but also one of the most formidable strike bombers worldwide. By the time it was operational with No.83 Squadron at RAF Waddington in July 1957, Britain had the world's fastest nuclear-capable bomber.

As the Falklands conflict unfolded in 1982, the esteemed Avro Vulcan was nearing the end of its service life. The responsibility for nuclear deterrence had shifted to Royal Navy submarines, signalling the end for this distinctive delta aircraft. However, the Argentine occupation of the Falkland Islands necessitated one final mission for the ageing bomber. The Vulcan was the sole aircraft capable of reaching the islands from RAF Wideawake on Ascension Island, despite requiring several mid-air refuelling operations. The Vulcans from the remaining three squadrons (Nos 44, 50 & 101) executed a series of missions known as 'Black Buck' between April and June, with 'Black Buck One' being the most renowned. During this mission, XM607 successfully damaged the Port Stanley runway with one of its twenty-one bombs, preventing fast jets from utilising the airfield and marking the longest bombing raid in history at that time.

Individual price: £74.99

Vickers Valiant B(PR)K.1

Product code: A11001A

The Valiant was the first of the RAF’s V Bomber trio to enter service. The most conventional of the three designs, it was also the first to drop bombs in anger against Egyptian airfields during the Suez campaign. It was also the first RAF machine to drop a Hydrogen bomb during the Operation Grapple tests in 1957. However its career was cut short by serious problems with its rear spar, leading to fatal accidents and subsequent grounding of the fleet.

Individual price: £59.99

BAe Sea Harrier FRS.1

Product code: A04051A

This version of the Sea Harrier is best known for its successful campaign in the war of 1982 in the South Atlantic, where it suffered no air-to-air losses against the Argentinian forces. They flew from both the carriers used in the operation; HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Individual price: £24.99

English Electric Lightning F.2A

Product code: A04054A

This remarkable 1:72 scale replica of the English Electric Lightning F.2A showcases a key Cold War interceptor with meticulous attention to detail. Comprising 92 parts and rated at skill level 2, this model kit is perfect for builders aged 8 and up, featuring a wingspan of 149mm and offering a choice between two genuine paint schemes.

Key Features

• 92-part plastic kit with intricate components
• 1:72 scale model with a wingspan of 149mm
• Skill level 2 - ideal for builders aged 8 and older
• Includes two genuine Cold War paint schemes
• Accurately represents square cut fin and kinked leading edges
• Enlarged ventral tank precisely depicted

History

The F2, which debuted in 1962, underwent significant modifications in 1968, resulting in the F2A. This version featured a square cut fin, kinked leading edges, and an enlarged ventral tank, extending its combat air patrol duration to approximately 2 hours.

Individual price: £24.99

Gloster Meteor F.8

Product code: A04064

As the world watched in awe as the first jet powered aircraft appeared in the skies over Europe towards the end of WWII, capable of attaining speeds over 100 mph faster than the latest piston engined fighters, it is interesting to note that development work on jet propulsion actually started in the 1930s, with engineers in both Britain and Germany searching for the next generation of engine power. Indeed, the first flight of a turbojet powered aircraft actually took place just days before the outbreak of the Second World War, however, conflict would necessitate the production of thousands of aircraft powered by existing piston technology, so jet powered advancement proved to be relatively slow. In Britain, brilliant engineer Frank Whittle produced a viable turbojet engine and when the powerplant was installed in the Gloster E28/39 Pioneer for its first flight on 15th May 1941, it became the first British jet powered aircraft to fly - the race was now on to produce the first jet fighter for the Royal Air Force.

Conducted under the strictest security, the Gloster Aircraft Company prepared their new twin engined jet fighter for flight testing, but on test flight days, all non-essential personnel would be dismissed from the airfield and local police would close the surrounding roads to stop prying eyes discovering this closely guarded aviation secret. If anyone did catch a glimpse of this strange new aircraft in the air, they would have no doubt wondered where the propellers were and why did it sound so strange? By the summer of 1944, the secret was out and as No.616 Squadron prepared to take the Gloster Meteor F.1 to war from its base at RAF Manston, the Royal Air Force had their first jet fighter and a new era for British aviation had begun.

Britain's first jet fighter was still quite a primitive design and the reason it proceeded as a twin engined aircraft was down to the fact that these early jet were not overly powerful and rather slow to respond to the pilot's power input requests, so the use of two engines seemed practical. The view from the cockpit was however superb, with no propeller to obscure the pilots view and plenty of power available once the aircraft was up to speed. Undergoing almost constant development, the early marks of Meteor were all based around the first aircraft to enter service, however, the service arrival of the F.8 variant in 1950 saw the Meteor maturing into a truly exceptional early jet, one which would not only see service with the RAF, but also with several other air arms across the world. Slightly longer than its predecessors, the F.8 featured uprated engines, greater fuel capacity and the inclusion of an ejector seat. To counter some instability issues discovered during development, the new aircraft also featured a redesigned tail unit, something which really serves to identify this later mark of Meteor.

For five years following the squadron introduction of the Meteor F.8, the aircraft formed the backbone of the RAF's fighter defence force, a jet powered equivalent to the Spitfire's which patrolled Britain's skies during the Battle of Britain just ten years earlier.

Individual price: £24.99

Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B GULF WAR

Product code: A06022A

This intricately crafted 1:72 scale replica of the Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B showcases the aircraft in its unique Desert Camouflage pattern, as utilised during the 1991 Gulf War. Consisting of 141 components, this plastic model kit is designed for modellers aged 8 and up, offering a skill level 3 challenge. Once assembled, the model features a wingspan of 186mm and includes decals for two distinct paint schemes.

Key Features

• 1:72 scale model with 141 plastic components
• Completed wingspan measures 186mm
• Includes decals for two genuine Gulf War paint schemes
• Skill level 3 build, suitable for ages 8 and older
• Modern-era Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B version
• Desert Camouflage pattern as used during 1991 Gulf War missions

History

In the Gulf War of 1991, RAF air operations were hindered by the effectiveness of Iraqi anti-aircraft defences, forcing Tornado and Jaguar missions to operate at higher altitudes, which diminished their impact. To effectively deploy 'smart' munitions, the RAF relied on their older Blackburn Buccaneer jets equipped with 'Pave Spike' laser designators. However, these aircraft were stationed back in Scotland. A rapid effort was undertaken to ready and dispatch twelve Buccaneers, newly painted in 'Desert Camouflage', along with their laser equipment to the Persian Gulf. Within days, the self-proclaimed 'Sky Pirates' were en route.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Individual price: £34.99