Tamiya 61026 - 1/48 Hawker Sea Harrier FRS.1  [61026]

The FRS.1 is easily distinguished from its land based counterparts by a modified nose area incorporating an elevated pilots chair and Ferranti Blue Fox radar, plus principal armament of Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles and AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Martel or Harpoon ASMs might be carried as alternatives to water Eagle until the latter become operational. The initial FRS.1 to travel was actually the initial production water Harrier, on 20 August 1978, as well as the prototype model later on in December 1978. Your home associated with Sea Harriers had been designated Yeovilton Navy Base, as well as received 1st aircraft in June 1979, where intensive journey trials began with '100/VL' squadron four days later on.

This IFTU device was designated 700A squadron in September 1979 and ended up being re-designated 899 Squadron in March 1980. Three "Through - Deck" cruisers had been ordered for Sea Harrier operations: Invincible; Illustrious and Ark Royal, 1st of which ended up being commissioned in July 1980. All three vessels can be fitted with a "Ski-jump" to assist take-off with complete load, and also this installation was also put into the commando carrier HMS Hermes with regards to ended up being allotted a Sea Harrier squadron. A tiny export order for Sea Harriers had been put by India in November 1979 for six FRS.51's and two T.60 trainers.

The ocean Harrier, along aided by the GR3 Harriers from the RAF, were put to actual combat tests throughout the present Falkland Isles crisis. The Uk South Atlantic force ended up being built up with the addition of GR3 and FRS.1 Harriers bringing the sum total jump jet energy to around 40 aircraft providers Hermes and Invincible. The Ocean Harrier (FRS.1) has about 30percent more re-action control for easier landings, and better 'over the nose' visibility; however, the GR3's through the RAF worked well in overall operations during the conflict and both aircraft distinguished themselves toward utmost. The Royal Navy Harriers, throughout the conflict, were painted in the new "toned down" finish of matte ocean blue overall, although the RAF aircraft were in the extra dark sea gray scheme. With a cruise rate of mach .9 and a premier speed of 1.25, and landing speed of 0, this will be truly a versatile combat aircraft and one that will undoubtedly be in tools inventories for several years to come.