"The F4F-4 Wildcat entered the US Navy service in 1942. The carrier has six guns and folding wings that allow more people to get on board. Although it performed the most combat service during the early war days, F4F Wildcat was less popular with the American pilots because of the additional guns which caused the decrease of firing time as the same amount of ammunition was spread to it. The F4F-4 can accommodate only 1 crew. It has a length of 28 ft and 9 in or 8.8 m; wingspan of 38 ft or 11.6 m; height of 9 ft and 2.5 in or 2.8 m; and weight of 5,760 lb (when empty). F4F Wildcat has a maximum speed of 320mph and rate of climbing 1,950 ft/min. It also has six M2 Browning machine guns and two bombs. The F4F-4 broke the dominance of the Japanese Zero. Grumman became known as the Ironworks because of its strongly designed aircrafts that were tremendously damaged but were still able to fly home. "
Scale: 1/32 scale model
Wing Span: 10.75
Length: 14.25
AF4FT
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"The F4U Corsair was a single-engine aircraft. It was conceived to be using the most powerful engine and the largest propeller a fighter aircraft ever had. The long propeller blades caused ground clearance problems, while the “W” shaped wings helped reduce the length required for the landing gear to provide good visibility on the sides. The F4U Corsair was called the “Ensign Eliminator”, a strong engine torque which didn’t make it an easy plane to land. The F4U Corsair aircraft went into production in 1942. There were different World War II aircraft variants and the F4U-1D Corsair was one of them. The F4U-1D was a fighter aircraft that served the US Navy during World War II and Korean War. It became the first United States single-engine production aircraft that was capable of reaching 400 mph. The F4U-1D was built in parallel with the F4U-1C, a variant that was in production in 1943 but entered the service in 1945. The F4U-1D Corsair was introduced in 1944. It was the Fighter-Bomber variant because compared to other variants it had a double payload of rockets which was exactly what the US Navy needed. It weighs 4100 kg/9040 lbs when empty and 6400 kg/14100 lbs when full; its engine is Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp, 18 cylinders and power of 2200 hp; the aircraft’s armament is 6 x 12.7 mm (.50cal) machine guns in the wings; and max speed of 635 km/h and ceiling of 11280 m. "
Wing Span: 16.25
Length: 12.25
AF4U1NT
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"The F4U Corsair has proven to the most capable capable carrier based fighter of World War II. In June 1942, the first production of the F4U-1s were delivered. The famous ""Black Sheep"" squadron of book and TV series fame immortalized the Corsair in the blue South Pacific skies. The F4U-4 was the definitive version of the F4U Corsair. It features a four-bladed Hamilton Standard Hydromatic propeller, a new cockpit layout, a clear view sliding hood, a two stage turbo-supercharged engine and under wing attachment points for 8-5 inch rockets or bombs. Most F4U-4s retained the standard armament of 6- .50 caliber wing mounted machine guns. The F4U-4 incorporates a Pratt & Whitney R-2000-18W. It has a maximum speed of 435 mph at 15,000 ft and a range of 1,005 miles at 214 mph at 15,000 ft. The Corsair was one of the great fighters of World War II and was proven much later in its service during the Korean War."
Wing Span: 19
Length: 15.25
AF4U4MTS
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"The F4U Corsair was the result of a 1938 United States Navy (USN) requirement for a new carrier aircraft that could match the performance of the best land and carrier-based fighter planes. Designed by Rex Buren Beisel and manufactured by Chance Vought, it was made to carry the most powerful engine and largest diameter propeller ever built at that time. Although designed as a carrier fighter for the USN, concerns about its landing and visibility characteristics led it to be used initially by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), which operated on land-based runways. In March 1943, the Marines introduced the aircraft to its debut combat. Eventually it was put into service with the USN in January 1944, after the British proved that it was able to operate safely from carriers. The plane was not slow to prove its fighting ability and succeeded in gunning down 2,140 enemy aircraft while losing only 189 F4Us during World War II. Consequently, 24 Corsair pilots became air aces. The Corsair was given the nicknames “The Sweetheart of the Marianas” and “The Angel of Okinawa” by allied ground forces. The Japanese troops dubbed it “Whistling Death” because of the sound that it made during dive-bombing or strafing runs. The F4U-4 was the last variant to be produced during World War II, entering service just four months before the end of hostilities. With a rate-of-climb of nearly 4,000 feet per minute and a service ceiling of 41,500 feet, it was the Navy’s answer to the much improved Japanese fighters that were arriving in the Pacific. In addition to a new propeller, the F4U-4 had a completely redesigned cockpit, a new canopy for improved bubble effect, a new armor-plated bucket seat, and regrouped instruments. Improved fighter-bomber capabilities were made possible by putting rocket stations on the outer wing panels. The F4U-4 saw combat in Korea between 1950 and 1953. "
Wing Span: 16.25
Length: 12.25
AF4U4TE
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"The Grumman F6F Hellcat was a fighter aircraft descended from the earlier F4F Wildcat, but was a completely new design sharing only a familial resemblance to the Wildcat. Some tagged it as ""Wildcat's big brother"". The name Hellcat was eventually retained in early 1943 for the sake of simplicity. The Hellcat proved to be the most successful aircraft in naval history, destroying 5,171 aircraft in service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, plus 52 with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm during World War II. The first production aircraft off the line, designated F6F3s, flew on October 3, 1942 with the type reaching operational readiness with VF-9 on USS Essex i February 1943. Two night fighter subvariants of the F6F-3 were also developed. The F6F-3E, converted from standard -3 frames, featured the AN/APS-4 radar in a fairing in the starboard wing. The later F6F-3N, first seen in July 1943, was fitted with the AN/APS-6 radar in a similar fairing. Hellcat night fighters had their first action in November 1943. The first real test of the F6F-3 against the Zero came a few months later in December when a groupof about a hundred Hellcats ripped into a like number of Japanese planes of which half were Zeros. In the ensuing battle, 28 of the Zeros were splashed for a total loss to the Hellcats of 3 planes. Many U.S. Navy pilots had good cause to refer to the Hellcat as the ""Aluminum Tank"". With its six.50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns, it could spit out a veritable hail of destruction which no Japanese adversary could hope to survive. After the war, Japanese pilots related their fear and dread each time they were engaged by the Hellcat. The Hellcat aircraft was rapidly phased out of front line service, retiring in 1954 as a night-fighter in composite squadrons. "
Wing Span: 12.25
Length: 16
AF6FT
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"The date was September 1, 1943 when the Hellcat first saw action against the Japanese when fighters off the USS Independence (CVL-22) shot down a snooping seaplane. After which at 23rd of November, Hellcats engaged Japanese aircraft over Tarawa, shooting down a claimed 30 Mitsubishi Zeros for the loss of one F6F. On November 11, 1943, Hellcats were engaged in day-long fights with many Japanese aircraft including A6M Zeros, claiming more than 100 victories while losing few F6Fs over Rabaul, New Britain. The ""Thach Weave"" had developed into a formation tactic by that time. Each time an enemy fighter made a run at a section of US fighters, the pursued Hellcats would break towards the opposing formation that would cross over and force the Japanese to break off or expose themselves to the Hellcat's weapons. The ""wingman"" tactics started which are still used to this day, allowing less maneuverable US aircraft such as the Hellcat to deal with much more nimble Japanese opponents. Hellcats were involved in practically all engagements with Japanese air power from that point onward. Navy and Marine F6Fs flew 66,530 combat sorties (45% of all fighter sorties of the war, 62,386 sorties were flown from aircraft carriers) and destroyed 5,163 enemy aircraft (56% of all Naval/Marine air victories of the war) at a cost of 270 Hellcats (an overall kill-to-loss ratio of 19:1).The aircraft performed well against the best Japanese opponents with a 13:1 kill ratio against Mitsubishi A6M, 9.5:1 against Nakajima Ki-84, 28:0 against Kawanishi N1K-J, and 3.7:1 against Mitsubishi J2M during the last year of the war. In the ground attack role, Hellcats dropped 6,503 tons of bombs. "
Scale: 1/48 scale model
Wing Span: 10.5
Length: 8.5
AF6FTR
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"The F-82 Twin Mustang is a heavy fighter manufactured by North American Aviation and was based on the P-51 Mustang. The F-82 was originally designed as a long-range fighter in World War II though its role was changed to night-fighting. On June 11, 1948, United States Air Force eliminated the P designation for pursuit and replaced it with F which pertains to fighter. The night fighter versions which were designated the F-82F/G required numerous modifications such as the removal of the right side cockpit to be replaced with a radar operator's position lacking flight controls. The most significant modification was the addition of a long radar pod attached to the underside of the center wing. The first F-82G that became operational was in late 1948. In mid 1949, F-82 became widespread and some of the E/F/G models were used by the United States Air Force. F-82Gs were also deployed to the 347th Fighter Group in Japan. The F-82G, though it missed its opportunity to fight in World War II, it distinguished itself during the Korean War. The F-82G has a crew of two. It has a maximum speed of 400 knots and a range of 1,950 nm. It incorporates 2 Allison V-1710-143/145 liquid-cooled V12 engines. The primary user and operator of the F-82 Mustang is the United States Air Force. There's a total of 270 F-82s built. Currently, there are three F-82s known to have existed. "
Scale: 1/32 scale model
Wing Span: 16.25
Length: 20.5
AF82TE
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"The C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft and the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 50 nations. In December 2006 the C-130 became the fourth aircraft (after the English Electric Canberra in May 2001, B-52 Stratofortress in January 2005 and the Tupolev Tu-95 in January 2006) to mark 50 years of continuous use with its original primary customer, the United States Air Force (USAF). The C-130 is capable of short takeoffs and landings from unprepared runways. The C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship, and for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refuelling and aerial firefighting. The C-130H model has updated Allison T56-A-15 turboprops, a redesigned outer wing, updated avionics and other minor improvements. Later H models had a new, fatigue-life-improved, center wing that was retro-fitted to many earlier H-models. The H model remains in widespread use with the US Air Force (USAF) and many foreign air forces. Initial deliveries began in 1964 (to the RNZAF), remaining in production until 1996. An improved C-130H was introduced in 1974."
Wing Span: 16
Length: 12
AC1302T
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"The Blue Angels, a U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron was formed to enhance the Navy and Marine Corps. It started in 1946 and is known as the first officially sanctioned military aerial demonstration team in the world. The Blue Angels fly three aircrafts in formation first and then four and now six per show. With the aerobatic stunts they perform, the group became known worldwide. The team was first led by Lt. Cdr. Voris. The team also operates a Marine Corps C-139T Hercules known as “Fat Albert”. It was designed to transport 25,000lbs of equipment and 45 personnel from one air show to another. As soon as Fat Albert arrives in the site, it is prepared for its dynamic demonstration. The widely known demonstration of Fat Albert is the JATO or Jet Assisted Take-Off. Whenever the aircraft sets off for a highspeed flat pass the words “United States Marine Corps” embossed across the Fat Albert’s skin is seen from below. The Fat Albert has the privilege to open each Blue Angel performance with its great demonstration flight. It is said to be operated by the US Marine Corps and its crew only consisted of USMC personnel."
Scale: 1/84 scale model
Wing Span: 19
Length: 14
AC130BA
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"The HC-130 Hercules is a long-range surveillance and transport, fixed-wing aircraft that is used to perform search and rescue operations, marine environmental protection, military readiness, enforcement of laws and treaties including illegal drug interdiction, and International Ice Patrol missions, as well as cargo and personnel transportation. The aircraft took its first flight on August 23, 1954. The HC-130 is an extended-range, combat rescue version of the C-130 transport aircraft. Its main mission is to provide air refueling for rescue helicopters. The aircraft can surpass 2,600 miles in low-altitude flying with mission strength of up to 14 hours. The aircraft is equipped with a ten tube flare launching system and scanner windows. Guidance aids such as GPS, Inertial Navigation System, and radar improves the HC-130s performance during long range maritime patrols. "
Wing Span: 16
Length: 14
AC130CGT
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"The C-130 Hercules Gunship has the record for being the heaviest and biggest aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier. When the Korean War started in June 1950 it illustrated that the performance of some transport aircrafts like the C-119 Flying Boxcars and C-46 Commandos were insufficient. In February 2 1951, the United States Air Force released a General Operating Requirement for a new transport aircraft. It was issued to aircraft companies like Boeing, Fairchild, North American, Northrop, Lockheed, Martin Company and Airlifts Incorporated. The transport aircraft would be capable of accommodating 92 passengers or 64 paratroopers, can fly with one engine stopped, and can reach a range of 1100 nautical miles. The Martin Company, Fairchild, Northrop and North American refused to join. The companies, who agreed, proposed nine designs. The Lockheed submitted two designs, Boeing submitted one, Douglas submitted three and the Airlifts Incorporated submitted one. The design proposals were a tight fight between the Lockheed Company and the Douglas. A 130 page proposal for Lockheed L-206 was submitted by the Lockheed team that was led by Willis Hawkins. The president and chief engineer of Lockheed, Hall Hibbard, noticed the proposal and gave it to Kelly Johnson. Hall Hibbard and Kelly Johnson signed the proposal and got the contract designated Model 82 in July 2 1951. In August 23, 1954, the YC-130 prototype made its first flight from the Lockheed plant in California. Its serial number was 53-3397 and it was the second prototype but the first to fly. Stanley Beltz and Roy Wimmer were the pilots of the prototype and Jack Real and Dick Stanton were the flight engineers. "
Wing Span: 19
Length: 14
AC130GS
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"C-123 is a military transport aircraft manufactured and built by Chase aircraft and Fairchild Aircraft. The C-123 was famous for its service with various armed forces in Southeast Asia. The United States Air Force was the first recipient of the C-123 aircraft and was followed by the United States Coast Guard. USAF Demonstration team, Thunderbirds also used the C-123 for a time. They used the C-123 for search and rescue missions and C-123 was widely exportedin the USA under various aid programmes direct military stocks of the USAF. The C-123 was also known for his participation in Operation Ranch Hand defoliation operations in Vietnam. In the Vietnam War, some C-123s have been modified for roles. C-123s were also used in movies where scenes call for big planes, like Air America. A C-123 became the principal place of action films such as Con Air and Operation Dumbo Drop. The C-123 also has a small scene in Tomorrow Never Dies. In 2007, a C-123 was presented in a television advertising for Ford."
Wing Span: 18.5
Length: 12.75
AC123T
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"The Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, also known as ""Old Shakey"", was a heavy-lift cargo military aircraft manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, California. C-124s provided heavy airlift during the Korean War, Southeast Asia War and other important airlifts such as re-supply missions to Antarctica, refugee evacuation in the Congo and mercy flights to Morocco, Chile and elsewhere throughout the world following floods and other natural disasters. It could lift 33.560 kilograms (74,000 pounds) of cargo. Its double-decked cabin could also be fitted with 200 seats for troops, or with 123 litters for casualty evacuation. Flight crew was six. The C-124 first flew on November 27, 1949. This C-124C variant of Globemaster was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Corporation at Long Beach, California, and delivered to the U.S. Air Force on May 4, 1955. The aircraft was assigned to the 15th Air Transport Squadron (Heavy) of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) operating out of Dover AFB, Delaware. The C-124C featured uprated engines, an APS-42 weather radar with a distinctive nose ""thimble"" radome, and wingtip-mounted combustion heaters to provide cabin heating and wing de-icing. The radar and combustion heaters were retrofitted to most C-124As. At the type's peak in 1963, there were 377 C-124s in service with 20 transport squadrons. A total of 243 C-124C were built. "
Wing Span: 21
Length: 15.5
AC124T
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"The BT-13 Valiant is a basic trainer aircraft of World War II manufactured by Vultee Aircraft and was designed by Richard Palmer. The BT-13 Valiant was flown by most American pilots during World War II. The BT-13 incorporates a more powerful engine and was faster and heavier than the primary trainer. The BT-13's maiden flight was on March 1939. The BT-13 had served its purpose well and it made a good aircraft to help transition many hundreds of pilots toward their advance trainers and fighters yet to be mastered. The BT-13 has a crew of two, for a student and instructor. It has a maximum speed of 180 mph and a range of 725 miles. It incorporates a Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1. The primary users and oerators of the BT-13 are the USAAF and the US Navy. Curently, some BTs including the BT-13s are still flying, though there were only limited numbers. Postwar, virtually all were sold as surplus for a a few hundred dollars each. The BT-13 production run outnumbered all other Basic Trainer types produced. "
ABT13
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The Douglas C-47 Skytrain is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.
This model is personally signed by William “Wild Bill” Guarnere from the Band of Brothers. He earned the nickname "Wild Bill" and lived up to it; he was terror on the battlefield and had a reckless attitude towards the Germans. Guarnere received the Silver Star for combat during D-Day, and was later decorated with two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. Certificate of Authenticity included.
This handcrafted model is painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by our skilled craftsmen with a wealth of detail and makes a great gift for any veteran, aviation enthusiast or history buff.
Scale: 1/62 scale
Wing Span: 18
Length: 13
AC047BBSS
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