Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA32403
BAe AV-8A Harrier Diecast Model
USMC VMA-231 Ace of Spades, MCAS Cherry Point, NC, 1973 | Limited Edition
8500
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| BAe AV-8A Harrier | | 7.75" | | 4.25" |
The Harrier has become famous as the world's first vertical take-off and landing strike fighter, ever since the prototype Hawker P.1127 flew in 1960. The United States placed an initial order of 12 Harriers under the designation AV-8A, but these proved so successful that the order was increased to 110, including eight two-seaters. These aircraft can carry AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for air-to-air combat and the USMC have adapted their Harriers to use thrust-vectoring (VIFF) in dog-fight situations. VMA-231 'Aces' was the first U.S. Marine Corps Harrier squadron, formed on the 15th May 1973 at Cherry Point, North Carolina. 158390 is the subject of this model and was one of the first USMC Harriers delivered and wears the squadron's 'Ace of Spades' on the nose.
The Harrier—a British-designed military jet capable of Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (VSTOL)—was first flown on August 31st, 1966. Versions are in use by several NATO countries, including the United States, Spain, and Italy. Control nozzles apply downward thrust, which allows the Harrier to behave as a helicopter and take off vertically or use a minimum of runaway distance to achieve forward momentum. The Harrier is typically operated from small aircraft carriers, and its high-tech radar gives it the ability to fly without much support. Retired by the Royal Navy in 2006, the U.S. F-35 will replace the Harrier sometime in 2010. © Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Harrier series includes the early GR.1, the upgraded GR.3 and the FRS.1 Sea Harrier. Each version features a different nose style, and a radar warning receiver has been added to the fins of the later two variants. The large canopy provides a clear view of a detailed pilot figure, with details of the massive turbofan compressor blades clearly visible through the air intake behind the cockpit. All four exhaust nozzles rotate in unison, with simulated heat shielding on the rear nozzles. Each release features drop tanks and two ventral mounted cannon pods, and a Matra rocket pod or AS-37 missiles have been included on some releases.
© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Optional extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
