Airfix Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1/AV-8A Model Kit A04057A Scale 1/72

Product Information

This product for sale is the Airfix Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1/AV-8A Model Kit A04057A Scale 1/72. WWSM includes FREE Delivery to ALL UK destinations for these model kit products.

The Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1 and its American counterpart, the AV-8A, are iconic for their role as the first operational jet aircraft capable of vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) due to their revolutionary Pegasus engine.

Here's a detailed overview of the aircraft: -

• Origins: The Harrier GR.1 is a development of the earlier Hawker Siddeley Kestrel, an evolution from the P.1127 experimental aircraft.
• Manufacturer: The aircraft was developed by Hawker Siddeley in the UK.
• Role: The GR.1 was primarily a ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft for the Royal Air Force.
• Engine: It was powered by the Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine. The unique feature of this engine is its four rotating nozzles that allow the aircraft to direct thrust downwards for vertical takeoffs/landings or rearwards for forward flight.
• First Flight: The Harrier GR.1 first flew in December 1967.
• Operational Service: The GR.1 entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1969. It was designed for operations from rough forward operating bases, potentially near the front lines.
• Armament: The GR.1 was armed with two 30mm Aden cannons and could carry a range of ordnance on its underwing pylons, including rockets, bombs, and, later, Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.
• AV-8A Harrier: This is the American version of the Harrier GR.1. The U.S. Marine Corps saw the potential of the Harrier and acquired their version, the AV-8A, starting in the early 1970s. The AV-8A was similar in many respects to the GR.1 but had some modifications to meet USMC requirements.
• Legacy: The Harrier GR.1 and AV-8A marked the beginning of the Harrier family line, which saw various improved versions over the decades, including the Sea Harrier for the Royal Navy, the Harrier GR.3, GR.5, GR.7, and GR.9 for the RAF, and the AV-8B for the USMC.
• Retirement: Their more advanced successors eventually replaced the original GR.1s and AV-8As. Still, they left a lasting legacy as the pioneering V/STOL jet fighters that saw service in various conflict zones, proving the concept's viability.

The Harrier remains an iconic aircraft, with its distinctive silhouette and its unmatched V/STOL capabilities setting it apart from other jet fighters of its era.

Model Kit Specifications:

• Number of Parts: 114
• Completed Model Length: 19.8cm
• Completed Model Width: 10.7cm
• Completed Model Height: 5.04cm
• Model Scale: 1:72

Can be completed in two Schemes: -

• Scheme A Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1: Squadron No.1(F) , Royal Air Force Wittering, England, aircraft embarked on carrier trials, HMS Ark Royal, May 1971.
• Scheme B Hawker Siddeley AV-8AHarrier: Squadron VMA-231 'Ace of Spades', United States Marine Corps, Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, USA, 1983.

What's Included in the Kit?

• Unassembled Plastic Model Kit (Assembly Required)
• Decals Sheet
• Set of Instructions
• Paint Layout Sheet

Paints, Adhesive and Paintbrushes are NOT Included. These are sold seperately.

Packaging Dimensions: Length:28cm Height:16cm Width:5cm All measurements are approximates to the nearest 0.5cm

Safety Information: Suitable for ages 8+. Model Making should always be done under adult supervision.