1/72 Fairey Battle Mk.I ‘Bloodbath over France’
1/72nd scale plastic model construction kit of British light bomber Fairey Battle Mk.I. This sleek, single-engine low-flying aircraft was the RAF's first operational aircraft powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, but in May 1940 it became a casualty of the catastrophic losses during the Battle of France due to its slow speed and inadequate armament - hence the thematic title of the edition. This kit from Special Hobby features four markings of the machines whose crews faced fierce Luftwaffe attacks and anti-aircraft fire over France and Belgium.
The Fairey Battle aircraft was designed in the mid-1930s in response to a British Air Ministry requirement (Specification P.27/32) for a fast, single-engine light bomber with all-metal airframe and covering to replace the obsolete Hawker Hart biplanes. At the time of its first flight in 1936 and entry into service in 1937, it appeared to be a modern and elegant machine. It made history as the first operational Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft powered by the legendary Rolls-Royce Merlin engine (specifically the Merlin I/II/III versions).
Unfortunately, the rapid development of fighter aircraft in Germany had rendered the Battle hopelessly obsolete by the outbreak of World War II . Its top speed of around 400 km/h made it easy prey for the modern German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters.
When the Battle of France began in May and June 1940, the Battle machines were deployed as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force (AASF) for unescorted low-level tactical attacks against advancing German tank columns. This role was fatal to the aircraft. In just a few days, Battle squadrons suffered unbearably high losses, often exceeding 50% in a single mission. The aircraft lacked self-locking fuel tanks and armor, making them extremely vulnerable targets. Although the crews showed tremendous bravery, the Fairey Battle was quickly withdrawn from frontline operations and subsequently served mainly as a trainer and towing target (Battle TT) in Canada, Australia and South Africa until the end of the war.
Description of plastic kit
Special Hobby 's 1/72nd scale Fairey Battle Mk.I 'Bloodbath over France' kit is made from new tooling and allows you to build a detailed model of this tragic 1940 hero.
The kit consists of several grey plastic frames, clear parts for the cockpit and a detailed decal sheet. The model features a detailed cockpit for a crew of three (pilot, observer/navigator and gunner/radar) and a detailed bomb bay.
The "Bloodbath over France" edition focuses on the most historically important and cruel period of service for these aircraft, offering four camouflage schemes of the machines that were deployed on the front line over France and Belgium in the spring of 1940:
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An RAF machine from either Group 1 or Group 2, taking part in AASF combat.
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An attractive Belgian version (the Belgian Air Force received 16 units), which also suffered heavy losses.
The kit is intended for advanced modellers who appreciate accuracy and historical context.
⚠️ Please note: This plastic kit does not contain paint or glue. These essential items must be purchased separately.
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World War II (early phase, 1939-1940)
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Nationality of machine: United Kingdom 🇬🇧 / Belgium 🇧🇪
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Type: Light Bomber/Tactical Bomber
| Category: | Aircraft 1/72 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 0.266 kg |
| EAN: | 8595593133201 |
| Scale: | 1/72 |
| Nationality: | United Kingdom |
| Period: | WW2 |
| Series: | Special hobby |
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