Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA39807
Panavia Tornado F.Mk 3 Diecast Model
RAF No.29 Sqn, ZG797 Desperation, RAF Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands | Limited Edition
1000
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Panavia Tornado F.Mk 3 | | 9.25" | | 7.75" |
The successful liberation of the Falkland Islands from invading Argentine forces in June 1982 was a triumph of logistics, determination and the sheer bravery of Britain's military personnel. It did, however, clearly illustrate the vulnerability of this British Overseas Territory to attack and a permanent defensive presence would be required in the future. Central to this plan would be the protection of the airspace above the Islands and the exclusion zone beyond, but in the months following the end of the conflict, this air defence task would be the responsibility of the available Harrier GR.3 ground attack aircraft of the Royal Air Force. The unsuitable runway at Port Stanley would require significant upgrade before any dedicated RAF air defence fighters could be stationed there, but as the work neared completion, the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2s of No.29 Squadron prepared to embark on their transit to the South Atlantic. Arriving in October 1982, the Islands now had a dedicated air defence force. After ten years of steadfast service, the Phantoms were replaced by Britain's latest air superiority fighter the Panavia Tornado F.3 in 1992, which in turn went on to defend the Falkland Islanders for the next seventeen years.
The long association between the Falkland Islands and 1435 Flight began on 1st November 1988, when No.23 Squadron began to re-equip with the new Tornado F.3. With the Falklands based detachment now reduced to just four Phantom FGR.2s, the flight drew on its heritage during the WWII siege of Malta and the defiant defence mounted by a small number of Gloster Sea Gladiators, which were given the names "Faith, Hope and Charity". The fourth Phantom which acted as a reserve aircraft was given the name "Desperation". With the Phantoms eventually giving way to the Panavia Tornado in July 1992, the flight continued this proud tradition, with the Maltese cross and the Falklands Islands crest displayed prominently on many of their aircraft. Over the next seventeen years, around twenty-nine different Tornado F.3 airframes made the long journey to serve in the South Atlantic, some on more than one occasion. They defended the Falkland Islands with distinction and the Tornado F.3s of 1435 Flight RAF Mount Pleasant remain as some of the most interesting post war British military aircraft. ZG797/D Desperation was one of the last Tornado F3s to serve with 1435 Flight and was present when the unit handed over to the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4.
Designed in collaboration with Britain, West Germany and Italy, the Tornado was first flown on August 14th, 1974 and is thought by many to be the most important military aircraft in Western European history. Nicknamed "The Flying Fin" because of its large tail fin, the Tornado has a variable wing sweep design and is capable of taking off and landing on short airstrips. It is equipped with terrain-following radar, which allows for hands-off, low-level flight in any weather. There are three primary versions: an electronic combat/reconnaissance version, an interceptor and a highly versatile strike fighter-bomber capable of carrying almost all of NATO's air-launched weapons. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Tornados feature the distinctively large tail fin that gives the real aircraft its nickname, "The Fin". The models also incorporates an articulating swing-wing design that can be configured in varying sweep positions, movable elevators that rotate in unison, and simulated stainless-steel heat shielding around the detailed engine exhaust. The wing mounted fuel tanks and ordnance can be positioned to fit any swept-wing configuration, and the repositionable canopy opens to reveal pilot figures and cockpit detail, including the distinctive embedded cordite charge used to shatter the canopy during the ejection sequence. The mold itself is exceptionally rich in detail, with every access panel and antenna faithfully reproduced. Pad-printed unit markings and placards provide the finishing touches.
© Copyright 2003-2021 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.
