1/48 Airfix Sea Harrier "FA2"

by Kairasp Daruwala

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This is another Sea Harrier in 1/48 by Airfix.  This model was made OOB.
This aircraft was first flown in 1978.  The Sea Harrier FA2 was the Navalised version of the RAF Harrier GR 3, the major difference being ,revised radar nose, cockpit and raised canopy.  It entered service with the Royal Navy Fleet Arm in 1980 & its capabilities fully tested during the Falklands War in early 1982.  The lessons of this conflict led to various proposals for the development & deployment of Sea Harrier FA2.

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The main Improvements were the fitting of the much enhanced GEC Marconi BlueVixen Pulse-Doppler multi-mode radar with its look down/shoot-down capabilities and the use of the AIM-120B AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-Air Missile) .

The first FRS 2 flew in September 1988 & following lengthy development and trials the first machine were in service with the operational Evaluation Unit, a part of  No.899 Naval Air Squadron at RANS Yeovilton, in 1993.  At about this time the designation was amended to Sea Harrier FA 2 .

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Humbrol Enamel # 165 was used to paint this model.  Flaps were cut and placed in a down position.  

Hope you like my model.

Kairasp 

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Photos and text © by Kairasp Daruwala