Academy 12657 1/144 Sea Harrier FRS.1 Fighter, Plastic Model Kit (A12657)

Contents

Model Specifications

• Scale: 1/144
• Material: Plastic
• Level: Intermediate level (Beginner to Expert)

The British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS.1 (Fighter, Reconnaissance, Strike, Mk 1) entered service with the Fleet Air Force in 1978 as a unique solution to provide fighter support from light aircraft carriers. Unlike conventional seaplanes, the Sea Harrier used vectored thrust nozzles to perform short takeoffs and vertical landings, thus eliminating the need for catapults or brake lines.

This aircraft's brightest moment occurred during the Falklands War in 1982. Twenty-eight Sea Harriers from 800, 801 and the reconstituted 809 Naval Air Squadrons, armed with AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles and fitted with Blue Fox radar for target acquisition, were deployed aboard HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible, supported by ten Harrier GR.3s from RAF 1(F) Squadron, providing Britain's only squadron air defence.

Despite initial doubts about their limited radar and modest speed, the Sea Harriers proved decisive, achieving twenty confirmed air-to-air victories against Argentine fighters and attack aircraft and suffering no losses in air combat. They also carried out offensive and patrol missions, flying hundreds of sorties, often in harsh weather conditions and at the limits of their endurance.