Trumpeter 1/72 01629 British Gannet As.Mk.1/4

Details of Trumpeter 1/72 01629 British Gannet As.Mk.1/4

Basic Specifications

• Brand: Trumpeter
• Item No.: 01629
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: British Royal Navy Fairey Gannet AS.Mk.1/4 Carrier-Borne Turboprop Anti-Submarine Aircraft
• Material: Plastic
• Finished Size: Approx 188mm ×229mm

Kit Contents

• Total around 100 plastic parts
• Clear transparent parts for multi-seat separate cockpit canopies
• Double Mamba turboprop engine and contra-rotating coaxial propeller assembly
• Underwing ordnance parts: torpedo, depth charge and rocket components
• Decals & assembly instruction manual
• Unpainted and unassembled kit, paint and glue not included

Product Features

• Accurately reproduced British Fairey Gannet AS.Mk.1 / AS.Mk.4 carrier anti-submarine aircraft
• Faithfully modelled unique Double Mamba coupled turboprop engine with contra-rotating coaxial propellers
• Three separate cockpit sections for pilot and two observers, each with individual canopy
• Fine engraved panel lines and rivet details across fuselage, inverted gull wings and empennage
• Reproduced distinctive Z-type folding wing structure for carrier hangar stowage
• Precise carrier tricycle landing gear, complete with arresting hook assembly
• Internal bomb bay and underwing pylons for torpedoes, depth charges and unguided rockets
• Replicated ventral search radar radome for submarine detection
• Multiple marking options for Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm squadrons

Historical Background

• The Fairey Gannet is the world’s first carrier-based turboprop anti-submarine aircraft, developed by Fairey Aviation for Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm.
• Powered by the innovative Double Mamba twin turboprop system, one half of the engine could be shut down during patrol to save fuel and extend endurance.
• AS.Mk.1 was the initial production version, while AS.Mk.4 was upgraded with more powerful engines and improved detection equipment.
• Crewed by three personnel, its main mission was submarine search, tracking and attack from British aircraft carriers during the early Cold War.
• Entered service in 1953, operated on carriers such as HMS Ark Royal and HMS Eagle, gradually retired in the 1960s as newer anti-submarine platforms entered service.