Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA39401
Vickers Valiant B.Mk 1 Diecast Model
RAF No.49 Sqn, XD818, Christmas Island, Operation Grapple, 1957 | Limited Edition
2400
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:144 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Vickers Valiant B.Mk 1 | | 9" | | 9.5" |
Operation Grapple was the code name given to the British Hydrogen bomb tests carried out over the Pacific Ocean during 1957. Christmas Island was chosen as the operational base with the island of Malden, 400 miles south-east, designated as the target area. No. 49 Sqn, RAF Wittering was selected for the tests and a specially modified Vickers Valiant, XD818, arrived in November 1956. The aircraft had strengthened control surfaces, additional cameras and sensors and metal anti-flash window screens. Piloted by Wg Cdr Kenneth Hubbard, at 09:00 hours on May 15th 1957, Valiant XD818 took off carrying Britain's first thermo-nuclear "H" bomb, code named "Grapple 1". Released at 10:36 hours from an altitude of 45000ft and detonated at 8000ft, the shock wave from the 0.3 megaton device was felt by the crew some 2.5 minutes after the blast. Wg Cdr Hubbard observed the mushroom cloud before landing back on Christmas Island at 11:20 hours. In recognition of their skill and professionalism, the crew of Valiant XD818 each received the Air Force Cross.
Designed for use as a high-level strategic bomber, the Vickers Valiant was first flown on May 18, 1951. This four-jet bomber was used in the RAF's V bomber force, first as a bomber and later as a tanker. A Valiant B.1 was the first RAF aircraft to drop an operational British atomic bomb (a test bomb dropped in October 1956). Valiants were originally used for high-level bombing, but increasing SAM threats forced the V bombers to train for low-level bombing-a role that the Valiant could not adjust to. The aluminum alloy used in its construction caused premature fatigue at low altitudes, and the Valiant fleet was grounded in early 1965. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi 1:144 scale Valiant is constructed almost entirely of diecast metal with only the smallest amount of plastic components used, a quality common to most of Corgi's 1:144 series aircraft. The fuselage features pad-printed cockpit and upper and lower cockpit windows that do not interrupt the lines of the aircraft. The all metal shoulder mounted wing features four “spectacle” shaped engine intakes and separately applied exhaust fairings at the rear in addition to integrated wing fences and delicate metal pilot tubes on each wing tip. The landing gear and doors are reproduced as robust sub-assemblies for easy ground display. Additional features include wing mounted fuel tanks.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
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.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
