Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33506
Boeing B-52H Stratofortress Diecast Model
USAF 5th BW, 23rd BS, Minot AFB, ND, Operation Iraqi Freedom, April 2003
Limited Edition | 1:144 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Boeing B-52H Stratofortress | | 13.5" | | 15.5" |
For the operation "Iraqi Freedom" an enormous build-up of coalition forces was initiated, not only in the Gulf region but also at other locations, like Bulgaria (KC-10), Spain (KC-10 and KC-135), Turkey (KC-130, F-16, EA-6B) and the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, the main offensive buildup was the deployment of 14 B-52H to RAF Fairford (Gloucestershire). On March 3rd 2003, the BUFF's (BUFF is a nickname for the B-52, meaning "Big, Ugly, Fat ... Fellow") arrived at RAF Fairford with RIPPER callsigns. The B-52s belong to 23 Bomber Squadron of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot (coded "MT") in North Dakota.
Designed to replace the piston-engined B-50, the B-52 Stratofortress was first operated by the United States Air Force on April 15th, 1952 and is expected to fly until at least 2040. This massive aircraft served during the Cold War as a nuclear deterrent, on bomber and reconnaissance missions in Vietnam, as a carpet-bomber in the Persian Gulf War and in Afghanistan and Iraq. The B-52 has a 185-foot wingspan, eight turbofan engines positioned in pairs, a length of more than 160 feet and a gross weight of more than 480,000 pounds, characteristics that earned it the nickname BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fellow).© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi’s 1:144 scale B-52s are surprisingly large and heavy, weighing in at almost three pounds. Each model includes a heavily constructed all metal display-stand for in-flight display. The series includes most production variants, from early versions with large tail fins and pivoting tail machine gun turrets to the later B-52H, with its clipped tail fin and 20mm Vulcan cannons. The engine nacelles contain both intake and exhaust details, and the cockpit windscreen is masterfully integrated. The center landing gear is keyed to provide easy configuration for ground display with a set of wing tip gear for balance. © 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 pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
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