Atlas Editions Jet Age 4675-101
Avro Vulcan B.Mk 2 Diecast Model
RAF No.44 Sqn, XM607, Falkland Islands, Operation Black Buck 1982 |
| 1:144 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Avro Vulcan B.Mk 2 | | 8.25" | | 9.25" |
As the final RAF Avro Vulcan squadrons were contemplating their impending withdrawal from service in early 1982, developments in the South Atlantic would see this mighty bomber go to war for the first time in its 26-year service history. Operation "Black Buck" would require a Vulcan to drop 21 conventional 1,000lb bombs on the runway at Port Stanley, in the Falkland Islands, preventing Argentine forces from using their most capable strike and support aircraft. It would also send a strong message to Argentina's political leaders that Britain would stop at nothing in re-taking the Islands. The raid would be launched from RAF Ascension Island, which was some 6,300km from the Falklands and presented something of a logistical nightmare for military planners. Flown almost entirely over the sea, the Black Buck raids would require the support of twelve Victor tankers on the outbound leg, with a further two for the return flight and all the associated contingency plans. Taking off from Ascension Island at midnight on 30th April 1982, Avro Vulcan B.2 XM607 piloted by Flight Lieutenant Martin Withers was to fly as reserve aircraft to the primary bomber XM598 on this highly complex raid, but was quickly promoted to lead aircraft on "Black Buck 1" following technical difficulties encountered by XM598. Embarking on what was the longest bombing raid attempt in history, XM607 was refuelled seven times on its way to the Falkland Islands, before successfully releasing its payload of bombs across the Port Stanley runway. Following a further rendezvous with a Victor tanker on the way home, XM607 returned to its base on Ascension Island and a place in the history books - if nothing else, this raid illustrated Britain's determination to take back the Falkland Islands and that they had the capability to do it. Of the seven Black Buck raids planned against Argentine forces on the Falkland Islands, five actually took place and proved to be the only time that Britain's Mighty Avro Vulcan went to war.
Please note: This model ships with the landing gear packaged separately, however it may require some glue to hold it in place correctly. The model can be displayed on its stand without the landing gear, although there are closed gear doors included to cover the open landing gear bays.
Designed to meet an Air Ministry specification for a high-speed, high-altitude, long-range nuclear bomber, the Avro Vulcan was first flown on August 30, 1952. Though revolutionary, the Vulcan's original delta wing tailless design was an unknown quantity. The first prototype crashed in the fall of 1949 and the early straight leading edge design was later modified to kink towards the wingtip, giving the service aircraft superior flying characteristics. Carrying Britain's first nuclear weapon (the Blue Danube), the Vulcan's original role was nuclear deterrence, but it was later modified for air-to-air refueling missions and maritime radar reconnaissance. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Atlas Editions "Jet Age" range presents affordable, ready made diecast models of military aircraft in 1:144 and 1:200 scale.
Atlas Editions diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal and plastic construction.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
