Buccaneer S2B - Luftwaffe S.E.A.D Version

Blackburn Buccaneer S2B - Luftwaffe S.E.A.D Version

Airfix, 1/72

Drawing on the lessons learned from both WW2 and the conflicts that came afterwards, the Luftwaffe realised that there was a requirement in their inventory for an low level strike aircraft that could be utilised in the defence suppression role as well as the traditional strike role. Aircraft were evaluated from four countries; Italy (Fiat G91), Canada (Avro CF100), The United Kingdom (Blackburn Buccaneer S2B) and the United States (LTV A7 Corsair).

During the evaluation period, both the CF100 and the A7 were found to be insufficient for the operational requirements, leaving the G91 and the S2B. The final fly-off declared the Buccaneer the overall winner, although the G91 was found to be good in the close support role.
Subsequently, the Luftwaffe ordered 150 Buccaneer S2B's which equipped 4 wings, each with it's own dedicated defence suppression squadron. Deliveries of the aircraft started in October 1965 and the aircraft remained in service until the early 90's.

Following the deployment of the Buccaneer with the Luftwaffe, the Bundesmarine started to show an interest in the machine and after evaluation ordered 100 for maritime strike and patrol over the North Sea and Baltic. The type was used until the early 90's until replaced by the less than capable Tornado, much to the disappointment and frustration of the crews.

The Kit is the Airfix 72nd kit with the resin replacement kit from SAM. Considering the role it was selected for, the aircraft was painted in the following colours. Medium Sea Grey underside with RLM71 Black Green over RLM72 Dark Green. The armament consists of 2x500lb bombs on the inner pylons with Martel Radar missiles for radar killing on the outer pylons. The decals come from the Modeldecal set.

Page created December 4, 2003