BAe Harrier GR.3 – XZ993 / M, 4 Squadron RAF Gutersloh Germany 1989 1/72

Hachette 1/72 scale FX04: Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3 XZ993 / M, 4 Squadron RAF Gutersloh Germany 1989

Length 7.75 inches Wingspan 4.25 inches

PLEASE NOTE: These are Diecast and Plastic models in sealed plastic blister packaging which may have some dents or detachment from the base. Model is supplied with separate undercarriage and stand. However these are not expensive finely finished models, so some over spray or small glue marks are very likely. There are no moving parts, but the undercarriage and stand may need blue tack for them to be successfully affixed.

4 Sqn began operations with the Harrier on 22nd June 1970, moving to RAF Wildenrath in Germany with 4 GR1 Harriers. The squadron grew rapidly and was soon a major part of Britain’s Harrier force, and was a key part of NATO in defending Germany against Soviet aggression. On 4th January 1977 the Sqn moved to RAF Gutersloh but has also been active in other places, with its aircraft being deployed to Belize and the Falkland Islands after the conflict. The GR3 aircraft modelled carries a special commemorative tailfin, with a stylised version of 4 Sqn’s crest applied to the tailfin. 4 Sqn remains at the forefront of RAF Harrier operations to this day, currently operating the GR7/9 as part of Joint Force Harrier.

Designed to meet a NATO specification for a light tactical support fighter that was also capable of Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL), the Harrier first flew in 1960. This unique aircraft has the distinction of being the only successful V/STOL design out of the many that were put forth during the 1960s. There are four different versions of the Harrier, which uses thrust vectoring to achieve V/STOL: the first generation Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the Naval strike/air defense BAE Sea Harrier, the US AV-8B Harrier II variant and the British BAE Harrier II. The Harrier was produced between 1969 and 2003.