Airfix 1/48 Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4 # 11007

The Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4 was a British carrier-borne anti-submarine warfare aircraft that was used by the Royal Navy during the Cold War era.

The Gannet was designed to replace the aging Fairey Firefly as the primary anti-submarine aircraft on British aircraft carriers.

The Gannet featured a distinctive double-wing configuration with a large internal bomb bay capable of carrying up to four 500-pound bombs or depth charges.

It was powered by a twin-turbo prop engine that gave it a maximum speed of 310 miles per hour and a range of over 1,500 miles.

The AS.4 variant of the Gannet was equipped with radar and other advanced electronics, making it a highly effective anti-submarine platform.

The Gannet also had a unique feature that allowed it to be launched from the aircraft carrier's catapult system without the use of a rocket booster.

This made it easier to operate on smaller carriers and reduced the need for complex maintenance procedures.

The Gannet entered service with the Royal Navy in the late 1950s and was used in a variety of roles, including anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and electronic countermeasures.

It remained in service until the 1970s, when it was gradually replaced by more modern aircraft such as the Westland Sea King and the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod.

Despite its retirement, the Fairey Gannet remains a popular subject among aviation enthusiasts and collectors.