Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA36004
McDonnell Douglas (BAe) T-45 Goshawk Diecast Model
USN, Prototype, 1991

1:72 Scale		Length		Width
McDonnell Douglas (BAe) T-45 Goshawk		6.25"		5.25"

In 1975, the USN began a study for a new carrier-capable jet trainer to replace the T-2c Buckeye and TA-4J Skyhawk. Capability was important, but procurement, operational, and life-cycle cost were emphasized. BAE pitched the Hawk to the USN in 1978, leading to a formal partnership agreement with MDD in 1980, and selection of the Hawk from a wide field of competitors in 1981. However, the Hawk had never really been designed for carrier operations, and the T-45 Goshawk, as the USN trainer as designated, was by no means just another tweaky variant of the Hawk. Carrier operations meant more robust and wider landing gear with catapult attachment; an arresting hook; good low-speed flight characteristics; and other substantial changes. The changes were so extensive that the first Goshawk prototype did not fly until 1988, the same year a production contract was awarded. USN evaluation of the initial prototype resulted in a long list of deficiencies that had to be corrected. Most of the items were nitpicky, but there was a small set of critical difficulties, which became known as "The Big Five'.

Further delays were introduced by a decision to move production from the Douglas plant in California to the McDonnell plant in Saint Louis, Missouri. Carrier trials did not take place until 1991. Even then, the aircraft's troubles were not over, with one being lost in 1992 in a very wild landing caused by a landing gear defect, the pilot ejecting safely. All Goshawk prototypes were grounded until the problem was properly reviewed. Flight instruction with the Goshawk did not begin until 1994. The first 83 production Goshawks were T-45As, which were followed in 1997 by the "T-45C" with a digital glass cockpit layout featuring twin multifunction displays (MFDs); a head-up display (HUD) 1553B digital data bus. The Goshawk was originally to have been fitted with a glass cockpit, but the USN had to drop that plan due to cost constraints. Later, the glass cockpit requirement was revived and implemented as a "Cockpit 21" effort in 1994, leading to the T-45C. Existing T-45As are being upgraded to the T-45C standard.

McDonnell Douglas (BAe) T-45 Goshawk

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi's 1:72 scale Hawks recognize a "tradition of excellence" from Hawker Siddeley Aircraft (now BAE Systems); a British aircraft manufacturer responsible for some of the most famous products in British aviation history. Corgi has done a excellent job in reproducing this compact tandem seat aircraft, making it a fine addition to the modern jet collector. Corgi has even replicated the distinctive cordite charge embedded in the canopy used to shatter the canopy during the ejection sequence. The landing gear with rotating wheels and rubber tires is simple and easy to install for ground display. A custom display stand is also included that cradles the model for in-flight display.

© Copyright 2003-2019 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range 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.
• Interchangeable 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.