Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA35416
SEPECAT Jaguar GR.Mk 1 Diecast Model
RAF A&AEE, XX109, Lancashire, England, M55 Motorway Trials 1975 | Limited Edition
1000
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| SEPECAT Jaguar GR.Mk 1 | | 9.25" | | 4.75" |
The aviation product of a 1960s Anglo-French collaboration, the SEPECAT Jaguar was a highly effective tactical strike/attack, close air support and reconnaissance aircraft, which went on to see service with the Royal Air Force for an impressive 33 years. Featuring a high set wing and long undercarriage, the Jaguar was capable of being operated from grass airfields and roughly prepared landing strips, an ability which was famously demonstrated in front of the British press on 26th April 1975. Flying from the nearby British Aircraft Corporation airfield at Warton, second production Jaguar GR.1 XX109 made a parachute assisted landing on the carriageway of the soon to be opened M55 motorway at Weeton, near Blackpool. BAC test pilot Tim Ferguson made a familiarisation pass over the landing area, before bringing the Jaguar in low over a motorway bridge and impressively slamming it down on the carriageway, as part of the Jaguar's ongoing operating trials programme. Once landed, the aircraft was taxied back to a semi-concealed position under the motorway bridge, where it was fitted with four bombs by armourers, to represent a full tactical weapons load for the aircraft. With the carriageway clear, the Jaguar blasted into the air once more, clearly demonstrating the operational flexibility of the RAF's new strike jet, with the pilot later describing the thrilling events as posing him "no problems" and not being beyond the capabilities of the squadron pilot. Although the nuclear capable SEPECAT Jaguar's ability to operate from rough ground and motorways undoubtedly enhanced its operational effectiveness, this attribute was never actually called upon during its service career, with the M55 motorway landing in 1975 proving to be the most highly publicized demonstration of these impressive capabilities. With a number of TV cameras recording the momentous occasion, these videos not only show the Jaguar being operated in spectacular fashion, but also many members of the public appearing to be standing perilously close to the action at the side of the motorway, something which would certainly not be allowed in these current health and safety conscious times. The thrilling aviation events which took place on the M55 back in 1975 have also been beautifully captured by talented award winning aviation artist Simon Mumford, whose painting entitled "Motorway Trials" was part of the 2019 Guild of Aviation Artists annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London. It shows the moment Jaguar XX109 came in for its landing on the M55 motorway, passing only feet from a bridge and seconds before its landing parachute was deployed. Spending most of its career as a trials aircraft, SEPECAT Jaguar XX109 is now one of the prized exhibits at the City of Norwich Aviation Museum, where she can be seen wearing a smart RAF No.54(F) glossy scheme.
Designed to meet a British requirement for an advanced supersonic jet trainer and a French requirement for an inexpensive trainer and light attack aircraft, the SEPECAT Jaguar first flew on September 8, 1968. Early in its development the trainer requirement was dropped and the Jaguar went on to become a capable close air support, tactical reconnaissance and strike aircraft. This swept-wing aircraft was one of the first Anglo-French military aircraft projects and was used heavily by the French Air Force, which didn't officially replace it as its main strike/attack aircraft until 2005. It also served the RAF until 2007. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Jaguars are constructed using very little plastic and feel surprisingly heavy. Both the fin and elevators are die-cast metal, a feature that is unusual in most similar models. Among the model's notable features are movable elevators that rotate in unison, simulated stainless-steel heat shielding around the engine exhaust and the separately applied v-shaped transparent lens cover on the nose camera. The snug-fitting large, metal landing gear installs quickly and easily for ground display. The mold allows for the single-seat and the long, slender two-seat trainer variants to be produced.
© Copyright 2003-2023 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range 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.
- Interchangeable 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, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
