Marking 80 years since the legendary Operation Chastise, this 1:72 scale gift set includes the Avro Lancaster B.III (Special) from the iconic Dambusters mission, paired with the contemporary Lockheed Martin® F-35® Lightning, currently in service with No.617 Squadron. This level 3 model kit comprises 267 parts for the Lancaster and 42 for the Lightning, along with paints, adhesives, brushes, and decals, allowing you to honour one of the RAF's most renowned squadrons.

Key Features

• Dual aircraft models celebrating 80 years of No.617 Squadron's legacy
• Lancaster B.III (Special) with a 432mm wingspan, showcasing genuine Dambusters modifications
• Modern F-35® Lightning symbolising current operations of 617 Squadron
• Complete starter kit with included paints, adhesives, brushes, and decals
• Skill level 3 assembly suitable for ages 8 and up
• Includes one authentic paint scheme

History

On 8 April 1943, the first of 20 specially adapted Avro Lancasters arrived at RAF Scampton. The volunteer crews of 'Squadron X' (later named No.617 Squadron) from 5 Group Bomber Command received B.III (Specials), known as Lancaster Type 464 Provisioning at Avro's Woodford plant, each altered to deploy the Vickers Type 464 'Upkeep' mine. Although the mines weren't yet delivered, crews speculated about their mission, with many presuming the target was the German battleship Tirpitz. As more Lancasters arrived, Wing Commander Guy Gibson selected Lancaster ED932/AJ-G as his aircraft, as its codes matched his father's initials, Alexander James Gibson. Gibson and his crew began training with their aircraft and mines at a test site in Reculver from 12 May 1943, just five days before the mission.

Following rigorous training, Gibson was informed about the targets: the significant dams of the Ruhr Valley. At 21:39 on 16 May 1943, Gibson and Lancaster ED932 led the initial wave of nine Lancasters from RAF Scampton, flying over Suffolk, across the North Sea, crossing the Dutch coast at Zeeland, and then inland to avoid Luftwaffe defences. During the Mohne Dam attack, the other Lancasters circled, observing and waiting to strike. After releasing their mine, Gibson's crew flew alongside the others to divert enemy fire, aiding the attackers in breaching the dam. The fifth mine detonated perfectly, causing the compromised dam to collapse. This mission became known as the 'Dambusters Raid,' establishing No.617 Squadron as one of the RAF's most distinguished units. Despite its success, eight Lancasters and 53 airmen were lost.

No.617 Squadron upholds the Dambusters tradition as the first operational RAF unit equipped with the Lockheed Martin® F-35® Lightning, officially reforming in April 2018, coinciding with the RAF's centenary.

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