1:72 scale diecast model airplane from the Hobby Master Air Power Series HA2306. Bristol Beaufighter Mk IF
RAF No.29 Sqn, Guy Gibson, 1941.
Length 7 inches
Wingspan 10 inches
Features:
* 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.
* Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
* Optional extended/retracted landing gear.
* Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
* Authentic detachable ordinance loads complete with placards.
* Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
The Bristol Beaufighter was designed as a two-seat long-range fighter. To speed up production many parts of the older Bristol Beaufort were used. The tail, landing gear and wings of the Beaufort were transplanted to the Beaufighter and most units were equipped with airborne radar located in the nose for night-fighting. The Mk. IF was the initial production and fitted with four 20 mm cannons in the nose along with six 7.7 mm machine guns in the wings. There were a total of 553 of the IF version produced.
When WW II started Guy Gibson was a bomber pilot but volunteered for Fighter Command and flew a Bristol Beaufighter with 29 Squadron. In the Beaufighter Gibson shot down four aircraft in 99 sorties. On April 8, 1941 his Beaufighter was shot down and crashed while attempting to land. The crew survived but the aircraft was a write off. Gibson was promoted to Wing Commander with 106 Squadron and then the 617 Squadron where he led the Dam Buster Raid.