{"title":"AIRFIX 1\/48TH SCALE","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"airfix-a11006-westland-sea-king-has-1-has-5-hu-5-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - A11006 WESTLAND SEA KING HAS.1 \/ HAS.5 \/ HU.5 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAIRFIX - A11006 WESTLAND SEA KING HAS.1 \/ HAS.5 \/ HU.5 1\/48\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKing of land, sea, and sky, we introduce the newly tooled 1:48 Westland Sea King HAS.1\/HAS.5\/HU.5, the most complete Sea King kit ever released with 348 pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its captivating narrative, this kit portrays the evolution of a single aircraft, from its inaugural flight to its current livery, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe newly designed Westland Sea King boasts an intricately detailed exterior, featuring a fully riveted external skin and overlapping panels. Its interior is equally detailed, showcasing raised cockpit elements and instrument surfaces, and three distinct cabin configurations tailored to each scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the very forefront of world helicopter design and development in the post war era, the US Sikorsky Company were awarded an important contract to produce an all-weather amphibious helicopter for the United States Navy in 1957. Its primary mission profile would be that of an anti-submarine warfare aircraft, protecting the US fleet from possible attack, however, the aircraft would prove adaptable enough to take on a multitude of secondary roles, going on to become one of the truly great aircraft of the 20th Century. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft, which was given the designation SH-3 Sea King, was produced with an amphibious hull, giving it the capability to land on water, in addition to its more usual environment on the decks of numerous US Navy warships. Powered by a twin turboshaft engine arrangement, the Sea King was an impressive machine, capable of carrying significant loads of men, equipment, or general supplies, providing the US Navy with a truly revolutionary new aircraft. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn entering service in 1961, the Sea King was the most advanced aircraft of its type in the world and presented the US Navy with one of the most flexible aviation platforms at that time. In Britain, an existing licence agreement between Westland Helicopters and Sikorsky to build their helicopters in the UK was extended to include the SH-3 Sea King not long after the first flight of the prototype aircraft, because even at that early stage, the incredible potential of this new helicopter was clear, and Britain wanted its own Sea Kings. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExternally, Westland manufactured Sea King helicopters featured the same classic lines of the original US design, however internally, they were very different machines, with numerous modifications geared towards British military use. The Westland Sea King was selected by the Royal Navy to meet their requirement for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter, replacing the venerable Westland Wessex in this role, with an order for 60 aircraft being placed in the summer of 1966. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first Westland built Sea King HAS.1 flew from their factory facility at Yeovil on 7th May 1969, with the first Royal Navy machines delivered to No.700 Naval Air Squadron (OEU) at RNAS Yeovilton later that same year. As the Sea King became established in Royal Naval service, it quickly showed itself to be both operationally capable and highly adaptable and was destined for a long and illustrious career not only with the Fleet Air Arm, but also with the Royal Air Force. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcelling in every role it was assigned, it was perhaps its use as a Search \u0026amp; Rescue helicopter which made these some of the best loved aircraft in British military service and undoubtedly one of the most successful aircraft of the post war era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"heading--3\"\u003eWhat's Inside\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--2-col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item wysiwyg\"\u003ePlastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item wysiwyg\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAIRFIX CODE : A11006\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHIS IS A BIG AND BULKY PRODUCT - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"KHAKI AND GREEN BOOKS SHIPPING AND HANDLING POLICY\" href=\"https:\/\/khaki-green.com.au\/policies\/shipping-policy\"\u003eREFER TO OUR SHIPPING AND HANDLING POLICY\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : \u003cspan\u003eAFA11006\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43988170244345,"sku":"AFA11006","price":123.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/a11006_1.jpg?v=1694554221"},{"product_id":"airfix-a05139-supermarine-spitfire-mk-xiv-civilian-schemes-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - A05139 SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK. XIV CIVILIAN SCHEMES 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAIRFIX - A05139 SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK. XIV CIVILIAN SCHEMES 1\/48\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossessing grace, beautifully clean lines and lots of power, several Spitfires would survive the war to become highly distinctive aircraft on the civilian aviation scene either operating as Airshow display aircraft, or competing in air race competitions around the world. The aggressive profile of the Spitfire XIV made for a particularly striking air racer and helped to reaffirm the enduring legacy of this famous aeroplane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"heading--3\"\u003eWhat's Inside\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--2-col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item wysiwyg\"\u003esprues \u0026amp; decals\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item wysiwyg\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAIRFIX CODE : A05139\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAFA05139\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43988192329977,"sku":"AFA05139","price":58.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/a05139_1_supermarine-spitfire-mkxiv-civilian-schemes_pack.jpg?v=1694558196"},{"product_id":"airfix-a06108-de-havilland-vampire-fb-5-fb-9-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - A06108 DE HAVILLAND VAMPIRE FB.5 \/ FB. 9 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAIRFIX - A06108 DE HAVILLAND VAMPIRE FB.5 \/ FB. 9 1\/48\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough historically in the shadow of the Gloster Meteor, the de Havilland Vampire may have been the second jet fighter to enter Royal Air Force service, but was a hugely significant aircraft in its own right. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first RAF aircraft capable of exceeding 500mph, the Vampire was also the first single-engined jet-powered aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, marking it as one of the most important of the world's early jets. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FB.5 fighter bomber was the most important variant of the aircraft with 1123 aircraft built and 930 seeing service with the Royal Air Force - those destined for service overseas were designated FB.9 and had cockpit air conditioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAFA06108\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44049882251513,"sku":"AFA06108","price":71.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/a06108_1.jpg?v=1697595924"},{"product_id":"airfix-a11008-westland-seaking-hc-4-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - A11008 WESTLAND SEA KING HC.4 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAIRFIX - A11008 WESTLAND SEA KING HC.4 1\/48\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eBIG \u0026amp; BULKY ITEM\u003c\/span\u003e ( ADDITIONAL POSTAGE APPLIES )\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis latest iteration of the Airfix 1:48 scale Westland Sea King 2023 tooling includes new parts, not included in the first release. These include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFolding rotor blades and tail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUndercarriage without sponsons unique to HC.4 variant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNew interior parts including lengthened cabin and extra seats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen\/closed door option\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGPMG machine gun mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNew cockpit detail parts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtra antenna and countermeasures detail parts to suit the HC.4’s front-line role\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eKnown as ‘King of the Junglies’, ZA298 was the longest serving Sea King HC.4. For over 30 years, it was active in wars in the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq and, most recently, Afghanistan.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA specialist variant of the Westland Sea King, the HC.4 was the Royal Navy's Commando troop carrying and resupply helicopter replacement for their Wessex HU.5 helicopters and a development of similar aircraft produced for the Egyptian and Qatari Air Forces. 42 newly built helicopters were eventually produced in this configuration, which by their nature, were never too far from any action hotspots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeployed to combat zones right across the world during their 36 year service career, the Junglie as it was affectionately known, served with distinction from the Falklands War, through to the UK's campaign in Afghanistan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : AFA11008\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46334027694329,"sku":"AFA11008","price":123.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/Screenshot_2025-03-17_085637.png?v=1742162217"},{"product_id":"airfix-a11009-fairey-gannet-cod-4-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - A11009 FAIREY GANNET COD.4 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAIRFIX - A11009 FAIREY GANNET COD.4 1\/48\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eBIG \u0026amp; BULKY ITEM\u003c\/span\u003e ( ADDITIONAL POSTAGE APPLIES )\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArguably the most unconventional Fairey-designed aircraft to enter full production, the Gannet was developed to meet a 1945 Royal Navy requirement for an advanced carrier-based turboprop-powered anti-submarine hunter-killer. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntended to counter the recent expansion of the Soviet submarine fleet at the start of the Cold War era, the Gannet was equipped with the last electronic detection equipment and if an enemy submarine was detected, it could be marked, tracked and attacked using bombs, depth charges, rockets and air-launched acoustic torpedoes. It was a highly effective anti-submarine aircraft, able to attack submarines on the surface or submerged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne feature of the Gannet that gave it a unique appearance was its innovative Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba powerplant. This arrangement saw two gas turbine engines mounted side by side, sharing a common gearbox, but operating independently, each engine driving its own coaxially mounted, contra-rotating propeller. Another unique feature was the bi-folding wing system, designed to allow this large aircraft to be stored aboard relatively small aircraft carriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : AFA11009\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46336484737273,"sku":"AFA11009","price":123.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/a11009_1.jpg?v=1742242844"},{"product_id":"airfix-a05137-north-american-mustang-mk-iv-p-51k-mustang","title":"AIRFIX - A05137 NORTH AMERICAN MUSTANG MK. IV \/ P-51K MUSTANG 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAIRFIX - A05137 NORTH AMERICAN MUSTANG MK. IV \/ P-51K MUSTANG 1\/48\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe North American P-51 Mustang is one of the most iconic American fighters of the Second World War. Designed to fulfil an RAF specification, the Mustang was transformed once the Rolls Royce Merlin was installed. The P-51D model’s long range and excellent firepower made it a superb escort fighter, able to protect the bombers all the way to Berlin and back. The P-51 is recorded as being the top-scoring Allied fighter of the war with 4,950 enemy aircraft destroyed. In 1948, the type designation for the Mustang changed to F-51D and it continued in USAF and RAAF service as a ground attack aircraft through the Korean War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"heading--5 u-mb-half\"\u003eINCLUDES SCHEME FOR : No.3 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, Lavariano, Italy, July 1945.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : AFA05137\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46518494298361,"sku":"AFA05137","price":63.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/a05137_1.jpg?v=1748476504"},{"product_id":"airfix-a09101a-westland-lynz-ah-7-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - A09101A WESTLAND LYNZ AH-7 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAIRFIX - A09101A WESTLAND LYNZ AH-7 1\/48\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ever-popular Westland Lynx is now available in 1:48 model kit form and is sure to delight more experienced Airfix modellers. With 233 parts and three scheme options, this kit will keep you hobby happy for a while.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA groundbreaking helicopter design, the Westland Lynx was developed as the potential replacement for several rotary types in British service during the 1970s, and produced in collaboration with French manufacturer Sud Aviation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the prototype's maiden flight, it was clear this was a very special aircraft. It set many helicopter speed records and became famous for its incredible agility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith variants produced for the British Army and the Royal Navy, the Lynx was used in many roles and remained in service for 40 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : AFA09101A\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46778500940025,"sku":"AFA09101A","price":102.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/a09101a_1.jpg?v=1755981234"},{"product_id":"airfix-a03313a-wwii-raf-15-cwt-4-x-2-g-s-truck-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - A03313A WWII RAF 15-CWT 4 X 2 G.S. TRUCK 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAIRFIX - A03313A WWII RAF 15-CWT 4 X 2 G.S. TRUCK 1\/48\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith the nickname “pneumonia wagon” due to its collapsible windscreen, the Bedford MWD truck was used throughout the Second World War by the RAF. Seen here with both early and late war options, this vehicle that transported the RAF ground crew was considered to be just as important as the aircraft they flew and maintained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : AFA03313A\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46796528222457,"sku":"AFA03313A","price":37.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/a03313a_1.jpg?v=1756506939"},{"product_id":"airfix-a05133a-curtiss-tomahawk-mk-ii-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - A05133A CURTISS TOMAHAWK MK.II 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAIRFIX - A05133A CURTISS TOMAHAWK MK.II 1\/48\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first Curtiss Tomahawk fighters to arrive in Britain during the Second World War operated in the tactical reconnaissance role and were deemed unsuitable for fighter sweeps into German-held Europe. Later models incorporated several improvements and saw extensive service with the Western Desert Air Force.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : AFA05133A\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47012174921977,"sku":"AFA05133A","price":61.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/a05133a_1.jpg?v=1762737515"},{"product_id":"airfix-a08111-north-american-f-86f-sabre-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - A08111 NORTH AMERICAN F-86F SABRE 1\/48","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAIRFIX - A08111 NORTH AMERICAN F-86F SABRE 1\/48\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most important aircraft of the early jet era, the North American F-86 Sabre was in many ways a jet powered version of the company’s hugely successful P-51D Mustang from WWII and an aircraft which made full use of captured German aerodynamic research material. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing a distinctive 35-degree wing sweep, the Sabre also incorporated three nose mounted .50 calibre machine guns positioned on either side of the aircraft’s nose, with this jet powered gunslinger sharing many design philosophies with its famous piston powered predecessor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn entering service with the U.S Air Force in 1949, the North American F-86 Sabre would have the distinction of not only being America’s first swept wing fighter, but also the fastest fighter aircraft in the world at that time, a true aviation classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. CODE : AFA08111\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AIRFIX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47055929901305,"sku":"AFA08111","price":86.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/4703\/2569\/files\/a080111_1.jpg?v=1764023983"},{"product_id":"airfix-afa06107-de-havilland-vampire-f-3-1-48","title":"AIRFIX - AFA06107 DE HAVILLAND VAMPIRE F.3 1\/48","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith the magnificent de Havilland Mosquito only just entering Royal Air Force service towards the end of 1941, designers at the company were next asked to turn their attentions to developing a new jet engine, one which was capable of powering a new generation of high speed fighter aircraft. Entrusted to the brilliant mind of engine designer Frank Halford, he was determined that his engine would be less complicated and of simpler design than the one being developed by his rival, Frank Whittle and he was ready to test his engine by April 1942. Showing great promise and producing the intended level of thrust, the only thing to do now was to see how it performed in the air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a time when jet engine technology was still in its infancy and these early engines were both a little lacking in power and slow to respond to power input commands, de Havilland's decision to produce their first jet aircraft as a single engined design was a brave one and placed great faith in the performance of their new jet engine. The diminutive new aircraft was initially designated de Havilland DH.100 'Spider Crab', with this codename used to mask the secret nature of the aircraft's development. Constructed around the new de Havilland Goblin 1 turbojet, the aircraft featured a relatively short, egg shaped central fuselage nacelle and employed a unique twin-boom tail configuration for control stability which allowed the engine'â„¢s thrust to egress directly from the central fuselage. With a requirement to take the pressure off the wartime aviation industry, this experimental aircraft had to be constructed of both wood and metal and it is interesting to note that the majority of the fuselage employed the same laminated plywood construction the company had perfected during Mosquito production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately for the de Havilland team working on the new jet, their Mosquito was proving to be such a war winner that this experimental project was deemed of lesser importance than producing Mosquitos, probably rightly so for Britain's war effort. To rub salt into this aviation wound, the first flight of the aircraft would be further delayed for an unbelievable reason - the only serviceable jet engine was ordered to be sent to America to help with the advancement of their own jet powered project. Mosquito production priority and a series of unforeseen delays eventually dictated that the Gloster Meteor's development outpaced that of its de Havilland competitor, with the Meteor taking the honour of being Britain's first jet aircraft to enter service and the only Allied jet of WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking its first flight on 20th September 1943, de Havilland DH.100 'Spider Crab' LZ548\/G took off from the company's Hatfield airfield in the hands of chief test pilot Geoffrey de Havilland Jr. Interestingly, the 'G' used in the identification code highlights the secret nature of the project and required that the aircraft must be guarded at all times whilst on the ground. This first flight lasted just over 30 minutes, during which time the aircraft exceeded 400mph and showed great promise, however, it would be April 1945 before a production aircraft would take to the air, by which time the new jet fighter had been christened the Vampire. Despite its protracted development, Britain's second jet fighter to enter service would prove to be something of a classic and is now regarded as one of the most successful early jet aircraft in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eAIRFIX - AFA06107 DE HAVILLAND VAMPIRE F.3 1\/48\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vampire F.Mk.I entered Royal Air Force service in March 1946, to be followed by the revised and more capable F.3 just two years later. The Vampire F.3 was basically a longer range version of its predecessor, featuring increased internal fuel capacity and the ability to carry two external fuel tanks. This latest variant also differed visually, in that it incorporated taller and more rounded vertical stabilisers, a lowered horizontal stabiliser and distinctive 'acorn' fairings at the base of each vertical stabiliser. Although this was still relatively new technology, de Havilland cleverly designed the aircraft to be simple to maintain and operate, earning the aircraft an enviable reputation for reliability amongst air and ground crews alike and allowing more pilots to safely make the transition to jet powered flight. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a number of significant firsts to its name, the Vampire was the first RAF aircraft to exceed 500 mph, with the extra range of the F.3 allowing this to be the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic. The Vampire F.3's of No.32 Squadron were also the first RAF jet fighters to be deployed outside Northwest Europe and the first to operate in the higher temperatures of the Mediterranean. Without doubt, the de Havilland Vampire has to be considered one of the most important early jet fighters in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROD. 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