Airfix 1/48 de Havilland Vampire FB.5/FB.9 Plastic Model Kit

Although historically in the shadow of the Gloster Meteor, the de Havilland Vampire may have been the second jet fighter to enter Royal Air Force service, but was a hugely significant aircraft in its own right. 

The first RAF aircraft capable of exceeding 500mph, the Vampire was also the first single-engined jet-powered aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, marking it as one of the most important of the world's early jets. 

The FB.5 fighter bomber was the most important variant of the aircraft with 1123 aircraft built and 930 seeing service with the Royal Air Force - those destined for service overseas were designated FB.9 and had cockpit air conditioning.

Contents:

Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals.

This detailed 1:48 scale model of the de Havilland Vampire FB.5/FB.9 recreates one of Britain's pivotal early jet aircraft with 124 precisely crafted plastic components. Featuring three genuine paint options and a skill level 2 build, this kit is perfect. It showcases the unique twin-boom structure and 250mm wingspan of the RAF's first aircraft to surpass 500mph.

Key Features

• 124 precisely crafted plastic components for intricate assembly
• Three genuine paint options for both FB.5 and FB.9 models
• Skill level 2 build, ideal for modellers aged 8 years and older
• 1:48 scale model with a wingspan of 250mm
• Options to build either FB.5 or FB.9 variants
• Faithfully replicated twin-boom structure and cockpit features
• Markings for aircraft that served with the Royal Air Force during the Cold War period

History

While often overshadowed by the Gloster Meteor, the de Havilland Vampire was the second jet fighter to join the Royal Air Force, yet it played a crucial role in aviation history. As the first RAF aircraft to break the 500mph barrier, it was also the first single-engine jet to fly across the Atlantic, establishing its place among the world's pioneering jets.

The FB.5 fighter bomber was the most significant version of this aircraft, with 1123 units produced and 930 serving in the Royal Air Force. Those intended for overseas deployment were designated as FB.9 and equipped with cockpit air conditioning.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Key Specifications

• Finish: Plastic
• Skill Level: 2

Full Specifications