Airfix A04057 Hawker Siddeley Harrier AV-8A Plastic Model Kit (1:72nd Scale)

Description

The Harrier had been designed from the beginning to attract export sales. The first of these was the US Marine Corps who began to take an interest around 1969 when the jet was first introduced into the RAF service. Hawker Siddeley made some modifications to the aircraft and in 1971 the AV-8A Harrier entered service with the USMC as a close support aircraft. Operating from amphibious assault ships the Harrier s role was to augment that of the larger US Navy warplanes by providing troops on the battle field with close air support at a moments notice in a similar way to that provided by helicopters but with heavier weapons. Later, starting in 1979, the AV-8As were upgraded to AV-8C specification. by this time their effectiveness had been proven in many practice exercises and their superb maneuverability demonstrated in mock dog-fights with F4 Phantom fighters. Today the Marine Corps continues to operate the AV-8B Harrier II. Please Note: Paints for the Pilot are 61, 63 & 150 - these are shown in the paint lists for both decal schemes. Humbrol Enamel paints for the kit s primary decal scheme (Paints not included): Shade 11- Silver AA0120 Shade 16- Gold AA0179 Shade 27- Sea Grey AA0299 Shade 33- Black AA0360 Shade 53- Gunmetal AA0583 Shade 61- Flesh AA0669 Shade 63- Sand AA0686 Shade 129-US Gull Grey AA1420 Shade 130- White AA1434 Shade 150- Forest Green AA1626 Shade 155- Olive Drab AA1688 Shade 163- Dark Green AA1777 Shade 164- Dark Sea Grey AA1780 Shade166- Light Aircraft Grey AA1804.