RAF Avro Arrows

By Lee Bagnall (aka The Wooksta!)

Hobbycraft, 1/72

These are the Hobbycraft 1/72 kit and the scenario is as follows: 1961: It is becoming obvious that the RAF's latest interceptor, the Lightning, although blessed with superb performance, is having severe difficulties due to lack of range and missile shortage. Consequently, the Ministry suspends their orders for Lightnings and tells BAC to sort it out, resulting in the F6 and TF7. Hawker offer the RAF their P.1121 strike fighter with air intercept radar - two prototypes are sitting nearly complete in the Kingston workshops without funds to complete them - the RAF agrees to this, as the aircraft can also be used to replace the Hunters with the fighter bomber units. In the meantime, the RAF is left without a high speed interceptor and the only option is to buy from abroad. The RAF had expressed an interest in the Avro Arrow and as the aircraft is being produced for the RCAF fifty aircraft are purchased and distributed the the Lightning squadrons. These aircraft serve until well into the 1980s and are on the verge of retirement when the Gulf War breaks out and they are hurriedly re-equipped as light bombers for use against Iraq.

Gulf War Arrow

Standard RAF Arrow

Text and photos Copyright © 2002 Lee Bagnall

Page created August 31 2002.