Trumpeter 1/72 01630 British "Gannet" T.MK.2 Aircraft Model Kit

Details of Trumpeter 1/72 01630 British "Gannet" T.Mk.2

Basic Specifications

• Brand: Trumpeter
• Item No.: 01630
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: British Royal Navy Fairey Gannet T.Mk.2 Carrier Turboprop Trainer Aircraft
• Material: Plastic
• Finished Size: Approx 188mm ×229mm

Kit Contents

• Total around 105 plastic parts
• Photo-etched detail parts included
• Clear transparent parts for tandem multi-seat cockpit canopies
• Double Mamba coupled turboprop engine and contra-rotating coaxial propeller assembly
• Decals & assembly instruction manual
• Unpainted and unassembled kit, paint and glue not included

Product Features

• Accurately reproduced British Fairey Gannet T.Mk.2 carrier training aircraft, the trainer variant of the Gannet family
• Faithfully modelled unique Double Mamba coupled turboprop engine with contra-rotating coaxial propellers
• Extended tandem cockpit layout fitted with dual controls for instructor and trainee pilot; instructor station equipped with training periscope
• Fine engraved panel lines and rivet details across fuselage, inverted gull wings and empennage
• Reproduced folding inverted gull wing structure for compact stowage inside aircraft carrier hangars
• Precise carrier tricycle landing gear, complete with tail arresting hook assembly
• This trainer variant omits the ventral anti-submarine search radar radome compared to AS.Mk.1/4
• Realistic engine exhaust and air intake details
• Multiple marking options for Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm training squadrons, training orange high-visibility paint scheme

Historical Background

• The Fairey Gannet T.Mk.2 was the dedicated two-pilot trainer version of the Gannet anti-submarine aircraft for the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm.
• It retained the iconic Double Mamba turboprop powerplant, designed to train carrier pilots to operate this special twin coaxial propeller aircraft.
• The T.Mk.2 added dual flight controls and an instructor periscope, while removing the submarine search radar of the combat AS variants.
• First flight took place in August 1954, with a total of 38 airframes built. Some examples were also supplied to the Royal Australian Navy.
• Its main task was conversion training for pilots before they flew the combat AS.Mk.1/4 anti-submarine version, operating from shore training bases and aircraft carriers until the early 1960s.