Corgi y Corgi Premiums Europa (precio EUR)

Don't panic! The beloved yet bumbling Home Guard platoon of Walmington-on-Sea protected the Second World War front line of England for nine series of classic British television comedy. One of the most useful tools at Captain Mainwaring's disposal was Corporal Jones' Thornycroft van, modified from its usual use as a butchers delivery van to transport the platoon on manoeuvres. With the addition of moving port holes for the men to deploy their rifles while staying in relative safety, the vehicle bolstered the reach of the platoon on many of their exterior training missions. This release includes a white metal figure of Corporal Jones, trusty bayonet in hand.

Jaguar's sublime 1968 XJ6 Series 1 was always designed to accept the refined new 5.3-litre V12 the company had been developing for some years. When the XJ12 was finally revealed in 1972 it was the best and most refined car in the world, effortlessly powerful, supremely comfortable, and whisper quiet. The 1973 Series 2 built on that, improving the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, grouping the minor gauges in front of the driver, and altering the switching so a number of functions were controlled by stalks rather than switches. The most obvious external change was the two-piece grille, split by a higher front bumper that was designed to meet new US minimum bumper-height regulations. Jaguar purchased Daimler in 1960 and, when they amalgamated with BMC in 1965 to form BMH, became part of the same group as renowned coachbuilder Vanden Plas, Kingsbury, London. The V12 engine enabled the historic Daimler Double-Six name to be revived and so, the car modelled here became the most luxurious long-wheel-base XJ-derived car available. Hand finished by Vanden Plas' craftsmen, the Double-Six featured: unique colour schemes, Vanden Plas badges, a vinyl roof with chrome finisher at the rear, chrome-swage-line trim, chrome door mirrors, unique leather seats with individualised rear seats, boxwood inlayed interior wood trim, enhanced door trims, Birstall Evlan carpets, rear console cigar lighter and lambs' wool over-rugs. The resulting machine was a distinctive and serious rival to far more expensive cars. Engine: 5343cc V12 SOHC; Power: 285bhp@5750rpm; Torque: 294lb.ft@3500rpm; 0-60mph: 7.8 seconds; Maximum speed: 147mph; Weight: 4032bs.

Back in 1924, the first Glasgow Corporation Tramways (GCT) motorbuses were ordered to cover services in Coatbridge and Airdrie while road maintenance was being carried out to the tramway service. Soon after, motorbuses became a regular sight in Glasgow with the first double decker buses being ordered by the GCT in 1928. The livery was the same as the single deckers but with the addition of apple green for the panels between the upper and lower deck windows, but in 1959 it was simplified to aid spray painting.

The Daimler modelled was built in Jaguar's Coventry factory then shipped to Vanden Plas' Kingsbury Works in North West London (their home since 1923) to be trimmed. It was finished on December 3rd, 1973, and registered by dealers Drabble and Allen, Manchester, on March 11th, 1974 to first owner Grangewood Allan Co Ltd, London. Both the exterior and the exquisite hand-made Chamois coloured leather interior (one of three available colours, the others being Deep Olive and Tuscan) have survived well because the car has always been looked after. The current owner, Northampton-based Paul Somerscales, is the eighth and bought it in March 2018, at which point it had covered only 68,000 miles from new. The Double Six Vanden Plas was the flagship of the Daimler range and only 1,723 were made between September 1973 and March 1979. The aim was to produce a car with the cachet to be chauffeur driven during the week but which was cheaper than a Rolls-Royce, and could be driven by the owner over the weekend. It featured a bright silver side moulding with a coachline below it, Vanden Plas' unique leather seats, Birstall Evlan carpets, nylon footwell-rugs, adjustable rear-quarter reading lamps, red door-opening lights, a rear console cigar lighter and a vinyl roof. For these, a unique colour scheme and other luxuries the purchaser paid a premium of £1256 over the £4812 cost of the Double Six on which it was based. Engine: 5343cc V12 SOHC Power: 285bhp@5750rpm Torque: 294lb.ft@3500rpm 0-60mph: 7.8 seconds Maximum speed: 147mph Price: £6068 including taxes.

This exceptional CORGI Aviation Archive 1:72 scale diecast model celebrates one of history's most accomplished nightfighter pilots and the legendary de Havilland Mosquito he flew into combat. Ready to display straight from the box, this meticulously crafted collectible captures FB.VI LR364/SY-E, the aircraft 'Bob' Braham borrowed from RAF No.613 Squadron on 5th March 1944 to score his first Mosquito victory. Perfect for discerning collectors of RAF history and World War Two aviation, this model commemorates Britain's most decorated Fighter Command airman and his relentless pursuit of Luftwaffe nightfighters over occupied Europe. Key Features Ready to display with included stand - no assembly required Authentic 1:72 scale diecast construction Rotatable propellers for dynamic presentation Visible gun bay detailing Historically accurate paint scheme and markings History When Britain desperately needed heroes to rally the nation, RAF airman John Randall Daniel 'Bob' Braham answered the call with extraordinary courage and skill. An accomplished twin-engined fighter pilot, Braham pioneered a daring tactical innovation, flying 'freelance' hunting sorties alongside main RAF bomber formations over enemy territory. His strategy was brilliantly simple yet devastatingly effective: draw enemy nightfighters away from vulnerable bombers and eliminate them before they could strike. In this role, he's credited with shooting down at least four of the Luftwaffe's leading nightfighter aces, becoming the scourge of German defensive operations. Britain's most decorated Fighter Command airman, Braham ended the war as the most successful British pilot operating twin-engined aircraft. He achieved 30 aerial victories total, with 19 scored under cover of darkness, establishing him as a leading nightfighter ace. Nine of his victories came whilst flying the de Havilland Mosquito on intruder missions, and his actions undoubtedly saved hundreds of Bomber Command airmen from Luftwaffe nightfighters. This model represents the Mosquito he borrowed from RAF No.613 Squadron on 5th March 1944, the aircraft in which he claimed his first Mosquito kill and continued his legendary campaign against Germany's nocturnal hunters.

Representing today's modern and highly capable Royal Air Force, the Eurofighter Typhoon now performs the same interceptor role as that previously carried out by the famous Spitfires and Hurricanes of the Battle of Britain, protecting Britain's skies from unauthorised incursion. With RAF bases at Coningsby and Lossiemouth maintaining around the clock Quick Reaction Alert cover for the country 365 days a year, any potential hostile aircraft incursion is immediately challenged by one of the world's most capable fighting aeroplanes. In order to effectively maintain the security and defence of the United Kingdom, the RAF continues to evolve by the introduction of ever more capable aircraft types, which most recently saw the arrival of the first of 138 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning multi-role aircraft. A fifth generation combat aircraft, the F-35 can perform a wide variety of mission profiles, utilising the latest stealth technology and operating in conjunction with the Eurofighter Typhoon. With Britain selecting the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35, these aircraft will have the ability to operate from standard airfields, or from the decks of Britain's two new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, as well as working as part of a cohesive international force in conjunction with other NATO nations. The RAF's F-35 will actually be the third aircraft to carry the name Lightning, after the previous P-38 and English Electric fighters. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.LOCKHEED MARTIN, (Vehicle/Aeroplane Models) associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation in the USA and/or other jurisdictions, used under license by Hornby Hobbies Ltd.

Designed to compliment your 00 gauge model rail layout, Corgi Trackside presents die-cast scale models of the vehicles that helped the railways to run. Maintenance, engineering and supply vehicles are all here to bring your layout to life!

Bringing you the ultimate Diet Coke break, this uniquely liveried Volkswagen Campervan features an oversized bottle of the iconic drink mounted on the roof rack.

This exceptional CORGI Aviation Archive 1:72 scale diecast model captures the distinctive Dornier Do 17Z-5, one of the Luftwaffe's most recognisable bombers of the Second World War. Ready to display straight from the box, this premium collectible showcases the aircraft's striking nocturnal camouflage scheme with remarkable accuracy and attention to detail. Perfect for the dedicated aviation collector, this model represents a significant piece of wartime history from the Battle of Britain period. Key Features Ready to display - no assembly required Authentic 1:72 scale diecast construction Historically accurate nocturnal camouflage markings Includes display stand Premium quality painted finish History Known affectionately as the Fliegender Bleistift or 'Flying Pencil', the Dornier Do 17 earned its nickname from its remarkably slender fuselage design. The Z variant represented the most successful iteration of this distinctive bomber, with the Z-5 being the final major production version equipped with specialist survival and flotation equipment for operations over water. This particular aircraft, W.Nr.2787 coded 7T+HH, was operated by 1./KüFlGr 606 and participated in a daring twilight raid on 11th October 1940, targeting aircraft factories around Liverpool. The mission quickly turned desperate when British radar detected the incoming formation, scrambling Spitfires from No.611 Squadron to intercept. In the ensuing engagement, this Do 17Z-5 took severe damage from the defending fighters, with smoke pouring from both engines as it fought to stay airborne. Despite the catastrophic damage and losing two crew members who bailed out over Wales, the pilot demonstrated extraordinary skill and determination, nursing the crippled bomber back across the Channel to make a crash landing at Brest. This harrowing experience proved decisive for the unit - following this costly daylight operation, 1./KüFlGr 606 abandoned such missions entirely, restricting themselves solely to night-bombing sorties for the remainder of their operations.

When it comes to allowing the public to interact with historic aeroplanes, nobody does so quite like the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). Honouring the heroes of yesterday by inspiring the heroes of tomorrow, those involved with CAF are dedicated to this vital mission, inspiring millions of people by educating them about their aircraft and the people who built, flew, and maintained them. One of the latest aircraft to join the CAF fleet is a Douglas AC-47 Gunship, known as ‘Spooky 086.’ The aircraft is assigned to the CAF’s Texas-based Gulf Coast Wing, where members have worked hard to prepare it for its debut on the US historic aviation scene. The AC-47 is a beautiful example of the fire support platforms that served with distinction during the Vietnam War. This aircraft was originally built as a C-47B in 1944 and later assigned to the US Navy as an R4D-6. Although this aircraft didn’t serve in Vietnam, the CAF intends for this project to highlight the aircraft's adaptability, which enabled its conversion into an airborne fire support platform 25 years after it was originally built. Spooky gunships could loiter over a battlefield, circling and concentrating fire, making them an effective early counterinsurgency aircraft. The code markings worn by “Spooky 086” do not designate a specific AC-47 that served but rather pay tribute to 86 individual AC-47 crew members who lost their lives whilst serving during the Vietnam War.

In the dark night skies over Vietnam, a terrifying new weapon had been introduced by American forces trying to protect their troops on the ground, a combination of older aeroplanes and cutting edge technology that resulted in the creation of fire spewing dragons capable of laying down 6,000 rounds of suppressing fire every minute. The venerable Douglas C-47 Skytrain had been modified to become one of the most feared weapons of the conflict, however, ‘Spooky’ crews wouldn’t always have it their own way. On the night of 24th February 1969, the crew of gunship 43-49770 ‘Spooky 71’ had been called to provide fire support for troop under attack at Long Binh, but whilst doing so, their aircraft had taken a direct mortar round hit in the right wing, resulting in a gaping hole and the aircraft being peppered with 3,500 shrapnel holes. The aircraft lurched violently and the fire crew were thrown off their feet, all suffering from multiple shrapnel wounds. Bleeding profusely, Airman First Class John Levitow could see one of his crewmates was in danger of falling out of the open cargo door, and fought through the pain of his wounds to drag him to a safer position. Unfortunately, he also saw that the flare his colleague had been trying to throw out of the aircraft prior to the mortar hit had blown back into the cabin and was smoking, about to detonate. He threw his body on top of the flare and slowly ushered it towards the open door using his last reserves of strength, rolling it into the night sky seconds before it detonated. For his heroic, selfless actions which saved both his aircraft and crewmates, John Levitow was rightfully awarded the Medal of Honor. Despite the drama and devastation in the night sky above the Long Binh US Army post, the aircraft did manage to make it back to its home base safely, where ground crews were able to assess the damage from the mortar strike, and count every one of the 3,500 shrapnel holes which peppered the wings and fuselage of the aircraft.

This exceptional CORGI Aviation Archive 1:72 scale diecast model captures the English Electric Canberra B.6, perfect for discerning collectors of Cold War aviation history. Ready to display straight from the box, this premium collectible showcases the distinctive markings of WT370 from Operation Musketeer in 1956, arguably the most colourfully presented aircraft to take part in this controversial period in British history. Every authentic detail has been meticulously recreated, from the accurate paint scheme to the historically correct squadron markings of RAF No.139 Squadron. Key Features Ready to display with included stand - no assembly required Authentic 1:72 scale diecast construction Historically accurate Operation Musketeer markings Opening sliding door feature Premium painted finish with intricate squadron details History When the English Electric Canberra entered Royal Air Force service in spring 1951, it was unquestionably the world's most advanced jet-powered bomber. Though it missed service in Korea, the conflict accelerated its production significantly, with the jet designated 'Super priority' status. The Suez Crisis of 1956 finally gave RAF Canberra units the opportunity to demonstrate their offensive capabilities. Five Canberra squadrons were deployed against Egyptian forces, with No.139 Squadron's jets from Binbrook assigned to RAF Nicosia for crucial target-marking missions. These aircraft would illuminate targets using Target Indicator incendiaries and 1000lb bombs for the bomber waves following from Malta. On 3rd November 1956, Wing Commander Paul Mallorie led No.139 Squadron against the Egyptian airfield at Luxor, targeting Soviet-made Il-28 'Beagle' bombers. After marking the targets, Mallorie made a bold decision. With smoke obscuring the site and daylight fading, he led his squadron in an audacious dive bombing attack against the parked Egyptian bombers to devastating effect. The Operation Musketeer Canberras of RAF No.139 Squadron remain among the most distinctive aircraft involved in this significant chapter of British military history.

As one of the most exciting RAF aeroplanes in aviation history, the English Electric Lightning F.6 makes a wonderful 1:48 scale die-cast model. This modern masterpiece is replicated in high detail, with removable engine and intake covers and even a crew ladder. The undercarriage is also removable and the box includes a stand so you can proudly display your model at the centre of your aviation collection. This die-cast model has a limited-edition run of only 1,200 units. ​​​​​​​ History Occupying a prominent position in the history of Britain’s aviation industry, for young men hoping to join the Royal Air Force during the 1960s and 70s, the English Electric Lightning must have offered the most exhilarating experience anyone could hope to have. On joining a Lightning unit, students would usually be given a ‘taster flight’ with their instructor, something which would whet their aviation appetite still further, showing them what was available to them if they knuckled down and did the work. This would be followed by weeks of Ground School and time on the Lightning simulator, where they were brought up to speed on what was required if they were to become Lightning pilots – you had to think fast when travelling at these speeds. Once posted to an operational squadron, they knew they were considered an elite pilot, flying an aircraft most people could only dream of spending time in, and for them, no other aircraft would ever come close to matching the sheer adrenalin rush of the Lightning. Lightning XR726 was constructed as an F.6 variant during late 1964, making her first flight in June the following year. Spending much of her RAF career with No.5 Squadron, she wore the majority of the different camouflage finish variations worn by Lightnings during their service lives, including this particularly striking one in natural metal.

Maintaining the aviation heritage which includes such famous aircraft as the Sopwith Camel and Supermarine Spitfire, the Eurofighter Typhoon is the current air defence fighter of the Royal Air Force and one of the most advanced multi-role aircraft in the world. First entering RAF service in 2006, the agile Typhoon provided the UK with an effective air superiority fighter, one capable of protecting Britains airspace against all hostile incursions and possessing the ability to engage in close air to air combat when required. The aircraft has since evolved to include the ability to fly armed reconnaissance and strike missions, making this arguably the most important aircraft in recent Royal Air Force history. For the RAF student pilot hoping to eventually fly the capable Eurofighter Typhoon, he or she will first have to successfully negotiate a flying training programme which will include time at the controls of such aircraft as the Grob Prefect, Texan T.1 and Hawk T.2, before eventually arriving at either RAF Coningsby or Lossiemouth to realise their dream of becoming a fighter pilot. The final stage of this process would be a seat in a Typhoon T.3 trainer and the potential of securing the most exciting job in the world, that of an RAF fast jet pilot. About Showcase: Corgi Showcase is a series of top quality die-cast model aircraft suitable for children aged three and over. Each model comes with a display stand and all classic aircraft have a moving propeller. This series is ideal for the young aviation fan and offers a wide range of models to collect including biplanes, fighters, bombers and modern jets.Corgi has been recognised as the market leader in die-cast toys and collectables since 1956 when the brand was launched as 'The ones with Windows'. One of the most famous models created was the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 of which over 10 million have been purchased. The Corgi Toys range of aircraft has been created with the young aviation enthusiast in mind to provide an introduction to all those budding 'air cadets' wanting to start their die-cast collection. A display stand is included.

Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4, ZK349 GN-A, Flt. Lt. Ben Westoby-Brooks, RAF No.29(R) Squadron, Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary commemorative scheme, Typhoon Display Team, RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, Summer 2015. As Britain prepared to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain in the early summer of 2015, the RAF were determined that their tribute would be a particularly impressive one. Under a cloak of relative secrecy, but soon to delight aviation enthusiasts everywhere, Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 ZK349 emerged from Coningsby™s paint shops wearing very different markings to the standard grey scheme worn by Britain™s current air superiority fighter. Looking completely different to any other Typhoon on the Coningsby ramp, this commemorative tribute aircraft was finished in a representation of a 1940 Fighter Command Battle of Britain scheme and RAF officials proudly announced that it would also be performing a synchro pair display routine with one of the BBMF™s Spitfires at several Airshows that summer. The markings were a representation of the scheme worn by Hawker Hurricane Mk.I P3576 of No.249 Squadron, the mount of Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson on 16th August 1940, the day on which he would be awarded Fighter Command™s only Victoria Cross of the Second World War. Wearing the same GN-A fuselage codes as Nicholson™s Hurricane and displaying his personal Red Devil™ emblem under the cockpit canopy, this Typhoon immediately became something of an Airshow phenomenon and was simply referred to as GINA™ by Britain™s army of besotted enthusiasts. Doing much for RAF public relations and recruitment numbers, this beautiful Typhoon definitely became the most popular individual RAF aircraft of the modern era. Since stories of the air battles of the First World War began to captivate the British public, fighter pilots and the nation™s latest front line fighter aircraft have been a source of constant fascination and the main reason why so many young people dreamt about a career serving in the Royal Air Force. Over the past century, aircraft types such as the Sopwith Camel, Supermarine Spitfire and English Electric Lightning have not only protected the nation from potentially hostile air incursions, but also represented the most exciting machines produced by the British aviation industry, aircraft that anybody would love to have the opportunity fly. As the latest incarnation of these classic air defence fighters, the Eurofighter Typhoon is an incredibly capable fourth generation combat aircraft and one which is the product of a collaborative programme between the UK, Germany Italy and Spain, with the Royal Air Force currently having around 150 examples of the aircraft in service. An aircraft which is continually upgrading its list of impressive capabilities, the Typhoon has matured into a true multi-role combat aircraft and one which is likely to be in service for at least another 20 years, by which time it will have been wearing the roundel of the Royal Air Force for almost 40 years. An extremely agile aircraft, the Typhoon is the country™s current Spitfire™ and as such, is probably the aircraft type most familiar to the majority of the British public.

This attractive Eurofighter Typhoon model is a 1:48 scale replica of the ever-popular 'Moggy'. Wearing its attractive D-Day commemoration markings, this die-cast delight features detailed crew figures and comes with a convenient display stand. This die-cast model has a limited edition run of 1,000 units. Those who enjoy attending UK airshows in the summer will agree that the highest profile individual aircraft in current Royal Air Force service is their display Typhoon, an aircraft which makes a celebrity of its pilot for the season and attracts thousands of youngsters to consider a career in the RAF. Over recent years, it has become tradition for the RAF Display Team’s Typhoon display jet to wear attractive special markings, making the aircraft a highlight display act on any airshow programme, and one of the most appealing subjects for enthusiast photographers. To mark last year’s 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorations, the RAF presented Eurofighter Typhoon ZJ913 in the markings of a Second World War Hawker Typhoon of No.257 (Burma) Squadron. The livery represents a plane flown by Squadron Leader Denzil Jenkins in support of the D-Day landings in summer 1944. During the airshow season, at commemorative events in both the UK and France and a successful Canadian tour, the aircraft, which its support team and enthusiasts referred to as ‘Moggy’, displayed the legendary agility of the Eurofighter Typhoon and highlighted the professionalism of the modern Royal Air Force in style. Although now retired to perform duties as an instructional airframe, ‘Moggy’ will be remembered as one of the most popular RAF aircraft of the post-war era.

Every airshow enthusiast needs a 'Blackjack' in their die-cast collection. This striking aircraft features a bold flag-inspired livery and our highly detailed 1:48 scale model includes detailed crew figures, fuel tanks, airbrakes, an opening canopy and retractable undercarriage. With so many moving parts and incredible accuracy, this model is almost as exciting as the real thing. History As if a Typhoon display wasn’t appealing enough as an Airshow attraction, RAF officials sanctioned the ‘special presentation’ of their display jet for the 2021 season, a scheme which immediately ensured that Typhoon ZJ914 went on to become the highest profile aircraft in current RAF service. The scheme is a real head-turner, taking design inspiration from the Union Flag and Royal Air Force roundel, applied over a smart black aggressor scheme and it didn’t take long before it worked its way into the hearts of enthusiasts and aviation photographers everywhere. Colloquially referred to as ‘Blackjack’, the RAF’s display Typhoon is a headline performer of growing repute, and for the 2022 airshow season, it was flown by Flt Lt Adam O’Hare, operating the aircraft under the dramatic callsign ‘Anarchy 1’. Flight Lieutenant O’Hare took the stunning good looks of his jet and married it with a dynamic display routine full of exciting high energy manoeuvres and high-speed passes, making full use of the aircraft's powerful afterburners to leave spectators in awe and desperate for more. Ensuring the RAF Typhoon was always the highlight of any display in which it appeared, Flt Lt ‘Paddy’ O’Hare used every ounce of power his Typhoon’s EJ200 engines could generate to demonstrate the incredible agility of the aircraft, ensuring that everyone went home with an appealing selection of photographs, and a renewed appreciation of the Typhoon's impressive performance after every show.

As Britain's aviation enthusiasts finally came to terms with the fact that the Panavia Tornado GR4 had been withdrawn from RAF service during March 2019, many will have been pleased to note that one of the final Tornado squadrons was to immediately re-equip with the Eurofighter Typhoon. As one of the two final RAF Tornado squadrons, No.IX(B) Squadron is one of the oldest units in the Royal Air Force and one which had been associated with the Tornado since the aircraft first entered service back in 1982. Its distinctive 'Green Bat' emblem had adorned the tail of one of the specially presented Tornados during the final months of the aircraft's service. On the day No.IX Squadron surrendered their Tornado GR4s at Marham, they immediately re-formed at RAF Lossiemouth- this time equipped with the Eurofighter Typhoon. During the transitional period, the RAF mounted an iconic photo sortie where the IX(B) Squadron retirement Tornado GR4 ZG775 flew over RAF Lossiemouth in formation with Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 ZJ924, with both aircraft proudly displaying the unit's famous 'Green Bat' motif and confirming this interesting aviation development. Relinquishing their strike and reconnaissance roles, No.IX(B) Squadron will now serve as an air defence unit, providing Northern QRA cover for the UK, with an additional responsibility for providing air-to-air aggressor support for other fast jet units throughout Europe, simulating the tactics of potential adversaries. Situated on the beautiful Moray coastline in north-eastern Scotland, RAF Lossiemouth is now the most northerly of the remaining Royal Air Force bases and is certainly one of the most active. Scheduled to welcome the first of the RAF's new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in 2020, Lossiemouth is also home to no fewer than four Typhoon fighter squadrons, including No.IX(B) Squadron, which only arrived at the station in April 2019, having relinquished their long association with the Panavia Tornado. Equipped with some of the RAF's early Tranche 1 Typhoons, in addition to undertaking vital air defence duties, No.IX(B) Squadron will also undertake the fascinating aggressor role, where these aircraft will provide air combat training support for other fast jet units by adopting tactics used by potential adversaries. This role has previously been undertaken by the Hawk T.1A trainers of No.100 Squadron, so the Typhoon will offer a significant upgrade in role capability, with their services being in high demand. It remains to be seen if any of these aircraft will be given distinctive new schemes to resemble those found on Russian aircraft, which will immediately make these Typhoons favourites with aviation enthusiasts. In recognition of the illustrious wartime history of No.IX Squadron, Typhoon ZJ924 carries the codes WS-J on its tail, which refer to Lancaster Centurion W4964 'Johnnie Walker Still Going Strong', one of only 35 wartime Lancasters to complete 100 operational sorties or more. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 ZJ935/DJ, RAF No.11 Squadron, Operation Ellamy deployment, Gioia del Colle Air Base, 2011. Now a familiar sight in Britain's skies, the Eurofighter Typhoon is the RAF's current airspace defender and whilst the aircraft entered service in back in 2006 as a dedicated air superiority fighter, this fourth generation combat aircraft has gone on to prove itself to be much more than this. Now described as the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, the Typhoon has developed into a true multi-role aircraft and arguably one of the most effective combat aircraft in service today, equally adept at undertaking reconnaissance and precision ground strike missions as it is at chasing off the latest Russian aircraft incursion into British airspace. Forming the backbone of the modern Royal Air Force, the Typhoon has been continually upgraded throughout its service life and is a far more capable aircraft today than the one which first arrived at RAF Coningsby back in 2006. In early 2010, ten Typhoons from RAF No.XI Squadron were sent to operate from Gioia del Colle Air Base in Southern Italy as part of 'Operation Ellamy', Britain's contribution to Operation Unified Protector, an international effort to enforce a United Nations resolution to protect the citizens of Libya during a bitter civil war in the country. The Typhoon's initial task was to help enforce a blanket no-fly zone, with coalition aircraft threatening to shoot down any unidentified aircraft in the zone, effectively crippling the Libyan military from mounting operations which may result in civilian casualties. Ellamy would be the first time the Typhoon had been deployed in an operational role and on 21st March 2011, RAF Typhoons completed their first combat mission, patrolling the no-fly zone in a show of strength which kept the Libyan Air Force firmly on the ground. Much of the early coalition air force effort was directed towards suppressing Libyan air defences and their command and control infrastructure, whilst dedicated interceptor aircraft mounted Combat Air Patrols to ensure the security of aircraft involved in ground operations. It soon became clear to Libyan officials that mounting air operations in the face of such a powerful opposing force was futile at best and with negligible threat to coalition aircraft, the RAF's Typhoons soon converted to an air to ground role. Working in tandem with Tornado GR.4 aircraft, the Typhoons performed their new role with distinction, with the 12th April 2011 marking the aircraft's first operational use in a ground attack role, as aircraft launched strikes against Libyan armour. The RAF's Tornados and Typhoons performed the strike role working in unison, with the more capable radar and communications technology of the Typhoon allowing their pilots to link with the Tornadoes and harness the awesome attack capabilities of this proven performer. With Tornado crews being extremely proficient in this tactical strike environment, they were able to support Typhoon pilots who were using their aircraft in this role for the very first time. Whilst engaged in these tandem strike operations, the reduced air threat now facing Operation Ellamy Typhoons often allowed them to carry a reduced number of air to air missiles, a weight saving measure which preserved fuel and shortened turnaround times, whilst the aircraft were hauling heavy precision guided munitions. Often carrying just a single AMRAAM on the front port station, these aircraft would also carry up to four Paveway laser-guided bombs in what not only proved to be an effective show of force for coalition air power, but also clearly highlighted the continuing maturity of the RAF's Typhoon as one of the world's premier combat aircraft. Royal Air Force Typhoons would perform impressively during their Operation Ellamy deployment, with aircraft conducting 578 sorties between March 2011 and their eventual withdrawal the following September, flying more than 3,000 hours in the process. In the ground attack role, they would release 234 'Smart Bombs' on targets ranging from armoured vehicles to command and control installations, working seamlessly with the Tornado crews who were well versed in undertaking these types of missions. In an ever evolving operational environment, the retirement of the RAF's Tornado force in 2019 brought about the transferal of ground attack responsibilities to the Eurofighter Typhoon and whilst this move clearly underlined the wider operational effectiveness of the aircraft, it did also place additional strain on the aircraft currently in RAF service. As a true multi-role aircraft, the Typhoon now has even greater responsibilities than it did during its time serving during 'Operation Ellamy', however, as it's now able to wield an incredible array of offensive weaponry, in addition to patrolling Britain's skies, the Typhoon can also claim to be a formidable air to ground platform.

Designed in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the need to equip the USAF with a dominant air superiority fighter, the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon was the first aircraft intentionally designed to be aerodynamically unstable, making this an extremely manoeuvrable aircraft but also one relying heavily on computer controlled fly-by-wire technology. Introduced in 1978, the F-16 is still in service today with several of the world's air arms and has become the most heavily produced modern Western jet fighter in history, serving not only in the US Air Force, but also with 25 overseas nations. A post war aviation classic, this distinctive aircraft has also become famous as the mount of the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron the Thunderbirds, who have operated the F-16 since the 1983 display season and are the highlight of any Airshow they attend the world over. LOCKHEED MARTIN, (Vehicle/Aeroplane Models) associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation in the USA and/or other jurisdictions, used under license by Hornby Hobbies Ltd.

One of the toughest fighter jets currently in service, the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet is the US Navy's primary carrier-capable fleet defender and strike fighter, proven in combat and destined to remain in service for many years to come. As an evolutionary redesign of the original F-18 Hornet, the Super Hornets airframe is 25% larger than its predecessor and incorporates a host of weapons and avionics improvements, which make this one of the most effective naval aircraft in the world today. The F-18 Super Hornet is one of the aircraft currently operated by the famous US Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program, better known as Top Gun. Following combat experiences during the Vietnam War, the US Navy established this program to better equip their pilots for future deployment against enemy air forces, using specially prepared aircraft to simulate the tactics and appearance of potential adversaries. It was hoped that these training experiences would better prepare them for success in the challenging environment of aerial combat. Produced under licensed. (Vehicle/Aeroplane Models) the distinctive logos, product markings, and trade dress are all trademarks of The Boeing Company.