{"title":"Bombardier GBR RAF 1\/48 WW2","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"airfix-a07116-1-48-westland-lysander-mk-i-iii","title":"Westland Lysander Mk I\/III","description":"\u003cp\u003ePacked full of detail, this brand-new mould includes closed or open canopy options, to reveal the detailed internal fuselage structure. The wings can be built with open or closed leading edge slats and dropped flaps. The undercarriage features covered or uncovered wheels, with optional bomb racks and full bomb load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the more unusual aircraft to see action during the Second World War, the Lysander was designed to provide the British Army with a modern aircraft for reconnaissance, observation and artillery spotting. Possessing exceptional short take-off and landing capabilities, the Lysander was just what the Army were looking for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately, many of the design requirements incorporated into the aircraft were the result of outdated thinking. Of 175 Lysanders sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force, 118 would be lost, the aircraft unable to defend itself against Luftwaffe fighters.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234352627979,"sku":"A07116","price":35.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a07116-westland-lysander-mk-i-iii-1160787008.jpg?v=1749035639"},{"product_id":"tamiya-61111-1-48-avro-lancaster-b-iii-dambusters","title":"Avro Lancaster B.III ‘Dambusters’","description":"\u003cp\u003eLegendary British Bomber\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Avro Lancaster was the representative British bomber aircraft of WWII. It was a robust design which was capable of dropping massive 10-ton bombs from its cavernous bomb bay. In addition to the Mk.I, which was powered by Merlin engines made by Rolls-Royce, the Packard Merlin-powered Mk.III was also produced. Over 7,000 Lancasters were built and they played a vital part in the destruction of Germany's industrial base by flying 156,000 sorties and dropping approximately 600,000 tons of bombs.\u003cbr\u003e\nAbout the Model\u003cbr\u003e\n★Length: 443mm, Wingspan: 648mm ★Includes two kinds of nose windows, rear gun turret, and exhausts to enable depiction of early- and late-production the Mk.I and Mk.III variants. ★Both pre-painted and unpainted canopy parts are included (with some exceptions). ★Interiors of cockpit, gun turrets, and bomb bay feature fine details. ★Movable nose, dorsal, and tail gun turrets. ★Parts for two Merlin engines are included and cowlings may be detached to showcase them even after assembly. ★Bomb bay doors may be assembled in open or closed positions. Parts for ordnance such as 200lb and 4,000lb. bombs included. ★Slick tires for landing gear feature realistic weighted effect. ★Pilot, radio operator, bombardier, gunner, and ground crew figures are included (5 figures total). ★Comes with four marking options.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51471883305227,"sku":"61111","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/tamiya-61111-avro-lancaster-b_iii-dambusters.jpg?v=1749113074"},{"product_id":"tamiya-61112-1-48-avro-lancaster-b-i-b-iii","title":"Avro Lancaster B.I \/ B.III","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51471883370763,"sku":"61112","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/tamiya-61112-avro-lancaster-b_i-b_iii.jpg?v=1749113080"},{"product_id":"italeri-2656-1-48-douglas-boston-mk-iii-a-20b-c-havoc","title":"Douglas Boston Mk III \/ A-20B\/C Havoc","description":"\u003cp\u003eNEW DECAL EDITION - SUPER DECALS SHEET FOR 5 VERSIONS - COLORS INSTRUCTION SHEET\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFIGURE NOT INCLUDED\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe twin-engine Douglas A-20 was developed by the American company to perform two main operational roles. Its airframe, featuring the distinctive mid\/high-mounted cantilever wing, could be configured as a night fighter and attack aircraft by adopting a powerful weapon system in the forward nose section, or configured as a light bomber. The light bomber version achieved significant success not only with the U.S.A.F. but also with the British RAF, which renamed the Douglas aircraft ‘Boston.‘ The nose of the Boston was glazed to accommodate the bombardier but retained the nosewheel tricycle landing gear, innovative for its time. It could carry up to 1,800 kg of offensive payload and was produced in large numbers, being employed by the RAF, various Commonwealth air forces, and some units of the Soviet Air Forces.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51762908823819,"sku":"2656","price":41.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/italeri-2656-douglas-boston-mk-iii-a-20bc-havoc-1.jpg?v=1750695340"},{"product_id":"icm-48268-1-48-heinkel-he-111-h-20","title":"Heinkel He 111 H-20","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the He 111H-20 aircraft has a remarkable history. Built as a transport variant of one of the Luftwaffe’s most widely produced bombers, it was manufactured in 1944 with factory number 701152. During the final days of World War II in Europe, American forces captured and transported it to Cherbourg. The pilots of the 56th Fighter Group USAAF, who were assigned the aircraft, painted it their unit’s signature deep purple color. By September 1945, when it was time to return to the USA, the American pilots faced leaving the aircraft behind. Unwilling to abandon it, the crew made a daring decision—without higher command’s approval, they flew their He 111 to the British airbase at North Weald, where bewildered British pilots discovered it on their airfield the following morning. This bold action ensured the aircraft’s preservation. It was subsequently featured at the German aircraft exhibition at RAE Farnborough, before finding its permanent home in 1978 at the Royal Air Force Museum in London, where it remains today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51497408725259,"sku":"48268","price":53.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/icm-48268-heinkel-he-111-h-20-1.jpg?v=1751311320"},{"product_id":"icm-48310-1-48-bristol-beaufort-mk-i","title":"Bristol Beaufort Mk I","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe geographical location of Great Britain led to increased attention of the Royal Air Force\u003cbr\u003e\nto land-based seaplanes. The Bristol Beaufort, which began to enter service with the Coastal Command at the end of 1939, was a twin-engine naval torpedo bomber with a combat load\u003cbr\u003e\nof up to 908 kg, and it could also perform reconnaissance operations. In the first modification – Mk I – were produced 1014 aircrafts. These aircrafts began combat operations in April 1940 – they carried out aerial mining of seaports, carried out day and night torpedo attacks, hit coastal targets with bombs. Among the most famous episodes of their combat use is the torpedoing of the German battleship “Gneisenau” in April 1941. From March 1942, Bristol Beauforts began to be used in the Mediterranean Sea, where their main base was Malta. Service on them was difficult and dangerous, and in some periods of the war losses among the crews of torpedo boats were the highest in the entire Royal Air Force. However, despite all the difficulties and combat losses, these aircraft had a significant number of successful attacks on enemy convoys and warships.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51497419309323,"sku":"48310","price":52.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/icm-48310-bristol-beaufort-mk-i-1.jpg?v=1751311424"},{"product_id":"icm-48311-1-48-bristol-beaufort-mk-ia-trop","title":"Bristol Beaufort Mk IA (trop)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDeveloped by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber began to enter service with the RAF Coastal Command in late 1939. The aircraft was actively used to perform various tasks, and its peak monthly production was up to 30 machines per month. Later the Bristol Beaufort was improved, the composition of armament and equipment changed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.IA modification had a new machine gun turret, similar to the one installed on the Bristol Blenheim bomber. Also, ASV radars began to be installed on torpedo bombers, which were used to search for surface targets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis aircraft was on combat at Mediterranean Sea and North Africa. Here their targets were convoys of transport ships and warships of the Axis countries. Operation in high temperature conditions also led to the use of modified carburetor air intakes on Bristol Beaufort engines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51497419604235,"sku":"48311","price":52.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/icm-48311-bristol-beaufort-mk-ia-trop-1.jpg?v=1751311427"},{"product_id":"icm-48313-1-48-bristol-beaufort-mk-ia-with-pilots-and-ground-staff","title":"Bristol Beaufort Mk IA with Pilots and Ground Staff","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber began to arrive at the RAF Coastal Command in late 1939, and the following spring they began to see combat. The aircraft carried out aerial mining of sea harbors, conducted day and night torpedo attacks, and bombed coastal targets. In the course of its operation, the Bristol Beaufort was improved, its armament and equipment changed. The Mk.IA modification received a new machine-gun turret, and ASV radars were installed on the torpedo battleship to search for ships. One of the areas of combat service of this aircraft was the Mediterranean Sea, where the targets were transport convoys and warships of the Axis countries. It should be noted that service on torpedo battleships was extremely difficult and dangerous, and in some periods of the war, losses among their crews were the highest in the entire Royal Air Force. However, despite all the difficulties, torpedo bomber pilots were able to carry out a significant number of successful attacks on enemy ships.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51497420259595,"sku":"48313","price":56.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/icm-48313-bristol-beaufort-mk-ia-with-pilots-and-ground-staff-1.jpg?v=1751311434"},{"product_id":"icm-48314-1-48-bristol-beaufort-mk-i-bombing-raid","title":"Bristol Beaufort Mk I ‘Bombing Raid’","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe supply of Bristol Beaufort Mk.I torpedo bombers to the Coastal Command of the RAF began in November 1939. They were immediately utilized in combat operations during the early stages of World War II. In addition to their primary role of torpedo attacks against enemy warships and transports, the aircraft were also employed for bombing raids on land targets, such as the strike on Hamburg oil storage facilities in May 1940 or targets along the western coast of France. Standard armaments for such bombing raids included 250-pound and 500-pound high-explosive bombs. Until April 1941, the Bristol Beaufort remained the sole aircraft capable of carrying the entire range of British aviation ordnance. Following the fall of France, RAF combat aircraft continued to conduct bombing raids against Wehrmacht forces in occupied territory. Air attacks against ground targets – ports and airfields – were carried out by units of Bristol Beaufort until 1942.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51497420620043,"sku":"48314","price":56.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/icm-48314-bristol-beaufort-mk-i-bombing-raid-1.jpg?v=1751311437"},{"product_id":"icm-48315-1-48-bristol-beaufort-mk-ia","title":"Bristol Beaufort Mk IA","description":"\u003cp\u003eWWII British torpedo bomber\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber was developed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It was a four-seat, twin-engine aircraft with a mid-wing configuration and an all-metal structure. Its defensive armament included a rearward-facing machine gun turret for protection of the rear hemisphere, as well as machine guns mounted in the fuselage sidewalls for firing to the sides. In the nose, one or two Vickers machine guns on a movable mount could be installed for front hemisphere defense, and some aircraft also had a lower machine gun position for rearward fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the end of 1939, the Bristol Beaufort began to be deployed with the RAF Coastal Command. The aircraft started its combat operations in April 1940, conducting air mining of sea harbors, performing daylight and nighttime torpedo attacks, and bombing coastal targets. The Mk.IA modification received a new machine gun turret, and radar systems (ASV) were installed on some torpedo bombers for ship detection. The aircraft were actively used in naval combat and bombing raids over German-occupied territory. From around 1943, most British Bristol Beauforts were primarily used for training and auxiliary roles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51497420947723,"sku":"48315","price":55.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/icm-48315-bristol-beaufort-mk-ia-1.jpg?v=1751311441"},{"product_id":"icm-48324-1-48-conquerors-of-europes-sky","title":"Conquerors of Europe’s Sky","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt the beginning of World War II, U.S. aviation possessed aircraft of varying types and sophistication levels. While American fighters initially lacked significant advantages over enemy aircraft, designers soon created outstanding combat planes to overcome this deficit. In 1942, North American developed the P-51 Mustang, which became one of the world’s finest piston fighters. British combat aviation also entered the war with diverse fighter types, with the Spitfire emerging as their standout aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spitfire not only became Britain’s most mass-produced fighter but remained in service in several countries until the 1960s. In U.S. front-line bomber aviation, the B-26 Marauder played a notable role, seeing widespread use in the European theatre during 1944–1945. The exceptional combat experience and expertise of U.S. and British pilots, combined with their aircraft’s superior technical capabilities, enabled them to turn the tide of the air war in Western Europe and achieve air supremacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eModel Features\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eSet includes P51 Mustang, Spitfire, and B-26 Marauder\u003cbr\u003e\n    Includes decal sheet for each of the planes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003eModel Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eScale: 1:48\u003cbr\u003e\n    Number of Parts: 362 pieces\u003cbr\u003e\n    Includes detailed assembly instructions\u003cbr\u003e\n    Highly detailed sprues with high accuracy made from quality plastic\u003cbr\u003e\n    Box size: 294 x 230 x 58 mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51497423700235,"sku":"48324","price":80.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/icm-48324-conquerors-of-europes-sky-1.jpg?v=1751311456"},{"product_id":"airfix-a09191-1-48-avro-anson-mk-i","title":"Avro Anson Mk I","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlthough not generally regarded as one of the most fashionable British aircraft to see service during the Second World War, the Avro Anson was nevertheless one of the most important aircraft not only of the inter-war years, but also during WWII itself and is deserving of more recognition than it usually receives. An aircraft which began its development in 1933 as a high speed, long range, modern mail carrying charter aircraft, the Avro 652 was still in development when the British Air Ministry issued a requirement for a twin engined, general reconnaissance and multi-role aircraft capable of performing a variety of roles for both the Royal Air force and the Royal Navy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Avro team felt that their new aircraft would be perfect for the role and later entered it in an official evaluation programme with the competitor de Havilland DH89M, the military version of their biplane Dragon Rapide. The Avro design was found to possess greater range and endurance and whilst not without a few areas which would require some design modifications, an initial order for 174 militarised aircraft was placed. The Avro 652 would be given the name Anson after an Eighteenth Century British Admiral of the fleet, a development which did not please everyone at the Air Ministry, but as the aircraft was intended to undertake maritime patrols, the name did seem rather appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHighlighting the importance of the Avro Anson as a British aircraft type, when it entered service with No.48 Squadron at RAF Manston in March 1936, it became the first monoplane type to achieve squadron service status, but was also the first RAF aircraft to feature a retractable undercarriage. At this time, the advanced Anson quickly began to attract attention from several other countries and in order to capitalise on this interest, some aircraft were diverted from existing RAF orders to fulfil these requirements, with full production forcing Avro to open new manufacturing facilities in the North West of England. The RAF Anson Mk.I was equipped with a fixed forward firing .303 machine gun operated by the pilot and a single Lewis gun mounted in the manually traversed dorsal turret. It could also be equipped with a modest bomb load, something which was required by submarine hunting aircraft operated by Coastal Command and whilst there were no reports of an Anson sinking a U-Boat, their presence would keep these feared hunters submerged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Dunkirk evacuations, Ansons used to cover the operation came under attack by Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters, which had real difficulty engaging the slow flying British aircraft. Consistently overshooting the Ansons, they came in the sights of the aircraft's forward firing gun and astonishingly, two of the Luftwaffe fighters were shot down and a third was badly damaged, with all the Ansons escaping from the engagement unscathed. Despite the fact that the RAF entered the Second World War with 26 squadrons equipped with Avro Ansons, they were basically obsolete as a fighting machine and particularly for the ones assigned to Bomber Command, they were quickly withdrawn to secondary training roles, a task for which the 'Faithfull Annie' was particularly well suited. As part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, many thousands of aircrew destined for service with Bomber Command were trained both in the UK and overseas, including those destined to serve in the Avro Lancaster, the mighty bomber which was produced in some of the same factories previously used to produce Ansons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith just under 11,000 Ansons eventually produced, the final RAF example was only withdrawn from service as a station communications aircraft in 1968.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51532641632523,"sku":"A09191","price":44.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a09191-avro-anson-mk-i.jpg?v=1749147666"},{"product_id":"icm-48352-1-48-handley-page-hampden-mk-i","title":"Handley Page Hampden Mk I","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn October 1931, the British Air Ministry began preparing specifications for a new bomber to replace obsolete biplanes. Specification B.9\/32 was created in August 1932, with several manufacturers competing. Handley Page’s HP.52 was selected, with its prototype completed in spring 1936. In June, it flew successfully, reaching 426 km\/h and carrying over 1,800 kg of bombs. It was shown to King Edward VIII in July. On October 4, 1937, the Air Ministry approved the HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I (named after 17th-century defender John Hampden).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProduction began in spring 1938, with aircraft entering service by autumn. By July 1940, Handley Page produced 500 units. English Electric joined production in February 1940, building 770 more by March 1942. Canadian production followed. From the start of WWII, the HP.52 Hampden was actively used against Germany, conducting ground attacks, bombing raids, ship attacks, and mine-laying. It served with Bomber Command until autumn 1942, then transferred to Coastal Command from spring 1942, where many became torpedo bombers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52555930435851,"sku":"48352","price":62.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/48352_en.jpg?v=1762130970"},{"product_id":"icm-48326-1-48-martin-marauder-mk-iii","title":"Martin Marauder Mk III","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe American factory in Middle River, which built B-26 Marauders, produced 200 bombers for British military aviation that were delivered to the RAF and SAAF. These aircraft, designated Marauder Mk.III with serial numbers HD402 through HD601, were based on the B-26F Marauder model. The B-26F featured significant wing modifications compared to earlier versions, along with a new ventilation mast for fuel tank air access and redesigned nose glazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Marauder Mk.III had only minor differences from the B-26F. All Mk.IIIs featured spoked nose wheel landing gear, whereas B-26Fs typically used solid wheel discs. The tail gun position was also modified—the plexiglass covering near the machine guns was replaced with canvas. Some sources indicate that Marauder Mk.IIIs were equipped with British-designed bomb sights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese aircraft served in the RAF’s 14th and 39th squadrons as well as in the South African Air Force’s 12th, 21st, 24th, 25th, and 30th squadrons. As part of the SAAF, they provided support during the Allied landing in Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52555930501387,"sku":"48326","price":69.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/48326_en.jpg?v=1762131003"},{"product_id":"airfix-a07117-1-48-westland-lysander-mk-iii-special-duties","title":"Westland Lysander Mk III Special Duties","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 1941, the RAF issued a requirement for around 40 of their Westland Lysander communications aircraft to undergo modification in support of a new clandestine role, which they described as ‘Special Duties’. The aircraft had defensive armament removed and have their range increased by adding a larger oil tank internally, and an external 150 gallon fuel tank under the fuselage.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe gunner’s compartment was also modified by adding a rear-sliding single piece canopy, and room to accommodate up to three people inside. A robust ladder was fixed to the port-side fuselage to allow passengers to quickly enter and exit the aircraft when they were engaged in this new ‘Spy Taxi’ role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOperating under cover of darkness and with the support of the French Resistance, specialist crews bravely flew these unarmed aircraft across the English Channel at night, delivering and extracting agents at great personal risk to all involved, operations which proved crucial to the eventual outcome of the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 1:48 scale Westland Lysander model kit makes a great addition to your workbench, perfectly complementing any collection of military aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52857208176907,"sku":"A07117","price":35.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a07117-1-48-westland-lysander-mk-iii-special-duties_010.jpg?v=1769726803"},{"product_id":"icm-48354-1-48-handley-page-hampden-mk-i-churchills-flying-suitcase","title":"Handley Page Hampden Mk I ‘Churchill’s Flying Suitcase’","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn June 1936, the prototype of a new bomber, developed in response to updated British Air Ministry requirements, took to the skies. The Royal Air Force required a twin-engine strike aircraft with an enclosed cockpit, retractable landing gear, and the capability to carry a relatively large bomb load over long distances. The aircraft was designed by a team led by Dr. Gustav Lachmann.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a series of trials, serial production of the new bomber began in the spring of 1938. The aircraft received the designation HP.52 and the name Hampden, in honor of John Hampden, a 17th-century defender of civil liberties. The first production aircraft entered operational service in the autumn of the same year, and by July 1940, Handley Page had produced 500 units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStarting in February 1940, English Electric also joined production, manufacturing an additional 770 aircraft by March 1942.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe bomber featured a distinctive fuselage design — narrow and vertically deep — which earned it the nickname “Flying Suitcase.” Over time, the HP.52 Hampden underwent several external modifications, including redesigns of the nose section and cockpit glazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith the introduction of newer heavy bombers, the Hampden was gradually withdrawn from RAF Bomber Command service. However, it continued to operate with RAF Coastal Command, where it served effectively as a long-range torpedo bomber.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53059854860555,"sku":"48354","price":71.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/48354__en.jpg?v=1776602609"},{"product_id":"icm-48276-1-48-dornier-do-217-m-1","title":"Dornier Do 217 M-1","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe German Do 217M-1 bomber was a variant of the Do 217 series, equipped with DB 603A engines producing 1,750 horsepower. Combined with four-blade propellers, this significantly improved the bomber’s flight performance and increased its maximum speed to 557 km\/h, though at the cost of reduced range. The Do 217M-1 served with Luftwaffe bomber and reconnaissance squadrons until the end of World War II. In spring 1945, the Allies captured one such bomber in Beldringe, Denmark. The aircraft received RAF markings and flew to Schleswig in September 1945. In October, it was relocated to Farnborough airfield in Great Britain. On October 18, it made its first test flight, and on November 4, 1945, it participated in a demonstration flight as part of a special squadron of captured Luftwaffe aircraft. The aircraft remained in Britain until the mid-1950s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53059854893323,"sku":"48276","price":62.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/48276_en.jpg?v=1776602925"},{"product_id":"icm-48355-1-48-handley-page-hampden-mk-i-operation-gardening","title":"Handley Page Hampden Mk I ‘Operation Gardening’","description":"\u003cp\u003eOperation Gardening\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe prototype of the Handley Page HP.52 Hampden bomber first flew on June 21, 1936, and it entered service with the RAF in September 1938. The design of the HP.52 Hampden was unusual for its time: the aircraft featured an extremely narrow fuselage only 90 centimeters wide, which provided excellent aerodynamics but resulted in very cramped conditions for its four-man crew. Due to its distinctive shape, it earned the nickname “Flying Suitcase.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the early stages of the Second World War, it was used for daytime missions; however, its limited defensive armament made it an easy target for German fighters. As a result, from December 1939 it was gradually reassigned to night operations. A notable chapter in its combat history was its role in Operation Gardening, the code name for a campaign involving the laying of magnetic mines in enemy waters, mainly in bays and near harbors. In the winter of 1939–1940, several Hampdens were specially modified to carry mines in their bomb bays, and the first mines were laid on the night of April 14, 1940, off the coast of Norway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aim of the operation was to mine German coastal waters, estuaries, and harbors that were inaccessible to British naval forces. Operation Gardening proved highly effective — by the end of 1940, HP.52 Hampdens had laid 703 mines. Loss rates during mining missions were significantly lower than during bombing raids against industrial targets in Germany. The Hampden performed mine-laying duties until 1942, when it was replaced in this role by heavier four-engine RAF bombers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53292302500107,"sku":"48355","price":71.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/48355-en.jpg?v=1786264473"},{"product_id":"icm-48331-1-48-lockheed-hudson-mk-iii","title":"Lockheed Hudson Mk III","description":"\u003cp\u003eRAF Reconnaissance Bomber\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA British Purchasing Commission arrived in the United States in April 1938 seeking maritime patrol aircraft for the RAF. In response, Lockheed offered a modified Model 14 Super Electra airliner, which legendary designer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson redesigned overnight – notably adding a glazed nose for a navigator and bomb aimer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA contract for 200 aircraft was signed in late June 1938, making the newly named Lockheed Hudson the first American aircraft to enter RAF service in World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThough adapted from a civilian design, the Hudson became a vital warhorse. It executed diverse roles – including anti-submarine patrols, convoy escorts, bombing strikes, and covert insertion missions for resistance fighters in occupied Europe – before shifting to transport and training duties later in the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong its variants was the 1940 Hudson Mk III, powered by twin 1,200 hp Wright Cyclone radial engines and fitted with a retractable ventral gun for lower-rear defense.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53292302532875,"sku":"48331","price":62.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/48331_en.jpg?v=1786264159"}],"url":"https:\/\/anglia-models.com\/fr\/collections\/gbr-raf-1-48-ww2-bomber.oembed","provider":"Anglia Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}