The Sea Fury rumour thread 2

[Rob G]

I do hope that they get the canopy right, with no flow marks. If they do, I'll be down for 3 or 4 of these.

[NAVY870]

Interesting that it has US 500 pounders instead of British ones.

[Biggles81]

8 hours ago, NAVY870 said:

Interesting that it has US 500 pounders instead of British ones.

 

Been wondering why they did that myself ever since the first CAD images a ways back. I was hoping they were placeholders but now they are in plastic it seems we are stuck with them. Ultracast et al will have to come to the rescue.

[jaw]

I wonder if any of the after market producers are think of a T20 conversion for the Airfix kit? Alley Cat... Freightdog....MDC...? I know that AMG have one planned but where has that got to?

 

John

[Truro Model Builder]

1 hour ago, jaw said:

I wonder if any of the after market producers are think of a T20 conversion for the Airfix kit? Alley Cat... Freightdog....MDC...? I know that AMG have one planned but where has that got to?

 

John

 

I am sure that someone is thinking about it, to say nothing of non-hooked Furies and the two-canopy trainer.

 

[Aeronut]

Quote

22 hours ago, NAVY870 said:

Interesting that it has US 500 pounders instead of British ones.

 

Where did the non FAA users source their ordinance from?

[Col.]

No pilot figure  

[Admiral Puff]

On 15/04/2017 at 5:23 AM, NAVY870 said:

Interesting that it has US 500 pounders instead of British ones.

 

They won't go to waste - both RAAF squadrons in Italy used US ordnance, and I have several 3RAAF and 450RAAF Mustangs to finish ...

[Andre B]

So...

When will we get one in 1/72?

[Guest]

Not soon enough!

[Homebee]

(too) Slowly approaching

Source: https://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/workbench/new-hawker-sea-fury-update

 

Quote

New Hawker Sea Fury Update

Date: 29/09/2017

We are pleased to bring you the latest edition of Workbench and our regular look behind the scenes at the fascinating world of Airfix. Modellers who have a particular interest in Fleet Air Arm subject matter will be pleased to learn that this latest edition features a major update on an exciting new tooling project, which was first announced at the beginning of November 2016 and one which marks arguably the most potent piston engined fighter/attack aircraft to ever operate from British aircraft carriers - the mighty Hawker Sea Fury. With a selection of previously unpublished images, an exclusive artwork reveal and test build sample pictures to bring you, we are unashamedly devoting Workbench 57 to the Fleet Air Arm's last propeller driven fighter and one that marked the pinnacle of piston powered fighters produced by Hawker Aviation.

 

A Fleet Air Arm Classic

 

Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 VR930 of the Royal Naval Historic Flight, pictured at this year’s Navy Wings Supporters Day

 

Although difficult to quantify, many aviation enthusiasts have a strange fascination with aircraft that have served with Britain’s Fleet Air Arm and operated from the decks of our diminutive aircraft carriers. Whether this is attributed to the aesthetically appealing colours applied to many of these aircraft, or the harsh conditions in which they were required to operate, there is no doubt that FAA aircraft continue to inspire many an aircraft model build. For this reason, the announcement late last year that Airfix would be releasing a highly accurate new model of the Hawker Sea Fury FB.II in 1/48^th scale was received extremely favourably, particularly as this beautiful aircraft has to be considered as one of the finest piston engined fighters ever produced. Although development of the jet technology would dictate that the Sea Fury would see a relatively short period of service, its prowess as the last of the great Hawker piston engined designs has ensured its lasting legacy in the hearts of enthusiasts and modellers alike. With very few accurate Sea Fury kits produced over the years, it is no wonder that this spectacular new model is coming in for some serious attention.

 

This computer rendered 3D image of the new Airfix 1/48^th scale Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 has helped to make this one of our most eagerly anticipated new tooling projects.

 

 

As one of the most significant achievements of the British aviation industry, it is strange to think that the development of the incredibly powerful Hawker Sea Fury can trace its history back to the summer of 1942 and the inadvertent landing of a Focke Wulf Fw190 fighter at an RAF training airfield in South Wales. Following combat with Spitfires over the English Channel, Luftwaffe pilot Arnim Faber apparently became disorientated and mistook the Bristol Channel for the English Channel and headed north instead of south. Thinking he was over France, he headed for the nearest airfield, hoping to re-fuel and re-arm his aircraft, in preparation for a further combat sortie – unfortunately for him, he was heading for RAF Pembrey. Observers on the ground could hardly believe their eyes when this highly secret new German fighter made a low pass over the airfield, dipping his wings from side to side in some sort of victory celebration, before lowering his undercarriage and landing on the airfield. The quick thinking duty sergeant grabbed a flare pistol, which was the only thing remotely resembling a weapon he could lay his hands on, jumped on the wing of the aircraft and took the pilot and his priceless aircraft prisoner, who quickly realised his monumental blunder.

This was a significant development for the RAF, who had been suffering terrible combat losses as a result of this dangerous new Luftwaffe fighter. The Germans were so keen to retain this advantage that they gave strict orders for their pilots not to engage in combat over Britain as they did not want any of these aircraft falling into British hands. Indeed, the British were so concerned about this new German wonder fighter that they were seriously considering an extremely dangerous commando raid on a Luftwaffe airfield in Northern France in an attempt to steal one from under the noses of the Germans. Thankfully, this did not need to take place thanks to Oberlautnant Faber, who presented the RAF with a serviceable example of the aircraft, the only in-tact fighter version of the Focke Wulf Fw190 to come into their hands during WWII.

 

This previously unseen computer rendered 3D image from the new Sea Fury project certainly shows more than a passing resemblance to the shape of the Focke Wulf Fw 190

 

Evaluation of the captured Fw190 quickly resulted in a British requirement being issued for a new fighter aircraft which must possess greater performance than the Focke Wulf in every phase of flight and ensure the RAF could secure air superiority in the skies above Europe. As one of Britain’s most successful aircraft companies with a large number of successful designs behind them, Hawker Aviation submitted their ‘Tempest Light Fighter’ and whilst this was a development of an existing design, it certainly does bear a resemblance to the Focke Wulf delivered to RAF Pembrey. With a relatively compact and diminutive profile, the aircraft was an attempt to marry the hugely powerful Bristol Centaurus engine with a light and agile airframe, making this an extremely potent new aircraft.

The protracted development of the new fighter resulted in a number of specification alterations and with the resultant delays, combined with the end of WWII seeming increasingly likely, the RAF eventually withdrew their interest in the aircraft. The Royal Navy remained steadfast and what they received was something very special indeed – the ultimate Hawker piston fighter, which proved to be the last propeller driven fighter to see Fleet Air Arm service and one of the most potent single piston engined aircraft ever to take to the skies. As well as being one of the most attractive aircraft in the history of flight, the Hawker Sea Fury has to be considered a thoroughbred fighter-bomber, occupying a unique position between piston and jet powered aircraft designs.

 

A popular addition to the growing 1/48^th scale range

A LIDAR scan data image used in the announcement edition of Workbench

 

The Hawker Sea Fury is undoubtedly an aircraft of some pedigree and the announcement of our new 1/48^th scale model tooling was greeted by some extremely positive comments from modellers all over the world. Although this fleet defender and strike attack aircraft represented the very pinnacle of piston engined development and was a highly proficient warplane, it is also thought by many people to be one of the most attractive aeroplanes to see service with the Fleet Air Arm and several overseas naval and air forces. In the past, modellers have had few quality options available to them if they wanted to build a Sea Fury in this scale, which is such a shame for an aircraft of this importance. The release of this new Airfix kit will certainly see the Sea Fury on many a modelling workbench over the coming months and will renew interest in this famous fighter, which is already held in extremely high regard. To re-visit our earlier Sea Fury development issue of Workbench, please take a look at Workbench Edition 32, but for this edition we're bringing you the latest details from this exciting project.

 

 

Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 (A06105) Korean War scheme A profile

 

Full scheme details for this No.810 NAS Sea Fury

 

Hawker Sea Fury FB.II, WJ236, 155/R, No.801 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, HMS Glory, Korean War, 1952.

At the time of the Korean War in 1950, the Hawker Sea Fury was firmly established as the Fleet Air Arm's main carrier borne single seat fighter and it was to serve with distinction during this conflict. Used in conjunction with Fairey Fireflys, the aircraft were used extensively in the ground attack role and were equipped with their usual cannon armament and a combination of bombs and unguided rockets. Employed in supporting UN ground operations, FAA Sea Furys were sent to attack a multitude of strategic targets, from North Korean troop concentrations, coastal batterys, bridges and infrastructure, to mounting armed reconnaissance patrols. It was during one of these reconnaissance patrols that Fleet Air Arm Sea Furys were set upon by superior numbers of the latest Soviet MiG 15 jet fighters and despite being at a numerical and performance disadvantage, the Navy pilots were able to repel the attack, shooting down one of the MiGs and damaging two others, without sustaining damage to their own numbers.

Deck operations on board Britain’s diminutive aircraft carriers were extremely demanding and although the Sea Fury looked every inch the thoroughbred fighter, it had to be as tough as they come. Able to withstand some extremely heavy deck landings and the structural forces imposed by catapult take-offs and arrested landings, the aircraft would have to be quickly manoeuvred in the confined area of a busy flight deck, often whilst other aircraft were being launched or recovered and in all weather conditions. With a mighty 12ft 9 inch Rotol five bladed propeller at the end of the powerful Bristol Centaurus 18 cylinder sleeve-valve radial engine, this work would have most definitely not have been for the faint-hearted and was littered with potential hazards.

 

Another previously unseen computer rendered 3D image from the new Sea Fury FB.11 showing the carrier stowage configuration option.

 

The heavily laden Korean War Sea Furys would have needed every ounce of power from their engine, along with the thrust of the carriers catapult to haul the aircraft into the air, but that was not the only option available to them. At times when the ship's catapult system was unserviceable, or if operations were taking place when there was little or no headwind, the Sea Fury had the option of a RATOG launch (Rocket Assisted Take-Off Gear). These rocket booster packs were positioned under the fuselage of the aircraft, just aft of the wings and provided additional thrust for the heavy aircraft, helping them get into the air in a relatively short distance – well, that was the theory. The system was not popular with pilots and was described as spectacular, but barely safe – yet another action for the pilot to contend with during the stress of a combat deck take-off, he would have to press a firing button in a less than convenient position to ignite the rockets when the aircraft reached a pre-determined point on the deck. If all the rockets ignited as designed, the aircraft would safely blast into the air in a cloud of fire and smoke. However, if one or all the rockets failed to ignite, he could have a major problem. Partial ignition may fail to provide enough thrust for launch and induce dangerous sheer during the take-off procedure - if this were to happen, the pilot was to immediately throttle back, apply breaks and abort take-off. It had been calculated that there should be sufficient remaining distance for the aircraft to safely come to a halt, but if the calculations were incorrect, or there were additional complications, the Sea Fury and its pilot would trundle ingloriously off the end of the flight deck and into the ocean. Perhaps just another reason why naval aviators are held in such high regard by aviation enthusiasts.

 

    

Modellers have come to rely on the detailed stencil placement instructions that are included with Airfix kits.

 

Despite the advent of the jet engine, the Sea Fury would remain as the Fleet Air Arm’s principle single seat fighter until 1953, when it would be replaced by the jet powered Hawker Sea Hawk.  Sea Fury FB.II WJ236 served with No.801 NAS on board HMS Glory during the Korean War, where it was employed on a variety of strike and reconnaissance missions. Also seeing service with No.807 NAS during its service career, the aircraft was sold back to Hawker Aviation Ltd and flown to their facility at Blackpool, where it was eventually scrapped. This scheme includes optional reduced visibility serial numbers, following extensive research and the study of photographic references. This would have been employed as a measure to make the codes less visible from the air when the aircraft were stored with their wings folded on the decks of British aircraft carriers.

 

 

Profile artwork for the RNHF Sea Fury decal option

 

Full scheme details for this famous UK Airshow performer

 

 

Hawker Sea Fury FB.II, VR930, 110/Q, Aircraft restored in the markings of a No.802 Naval Air Squadron aircraft, Royal Naval Air Station Eglinton, Northern Ireland, 1948. The aircraft is operated by the Royal Naval Historic Flight, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, England 2017.

The UK Airshow scene has been fortunate enough to boast airworthy examples of the Hawker Sea Fury on the scene over the years, but rarely have there been several flying at the same time – these are very rare birds indeed. Perhaps the best loved preserved Sea Furys are those that have been operated by the Royal Naval Historic Flight, who can currently boast two examples of this mighty fleet fighter/fighter trainer under their charge.

Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 VR930 was delivered to the Royal Navy at RNAS Culham in March 1948 and following acceptance maintenance, entered front-line service with No.802 Naval Air Squadron on board HMS Vengeance and ashore at RNAS Eglinton. Between the dates of December 1948 and the summer of 1953, the aircraft was held in reserve at various Royal Naval facilities and underwent a Category 4 repair (needs to be repaired by the manufacturer or specialised repair facilities, such as major airframe repairs), before returning to front line service with No.801 NAS. Over the next few months, the aircraft flew a further 284 hours with the squadron before being sent to Royal Naval Air Yard Fleetlands for reconditioning.

 

Pictured at this year’s Navy Wings Supporters Day at Yeovilton, Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 VR930 of the Royal Naval Historic Flight is one of the most popular historic aircraft in Britain.

 

With this work effectively returning the aircraft to zero hours ‘as new’ condition, VR930 was held in reserve at Anthorn and Lossiemouth, before moving to the fleet requirements unit at Hurn in 1959. With this unit, she flew a further 828 hours and when she was eventually put up for disposal in January 1961, the aircraft had flown a total of 1280 hours during her active Fleet Air Arm service.

In retirement, VR930 spent several years at RAF Colerne, along with periods at RNAS Yeovilton and Boscome Down, where she served as a ‘spares ship’ for the Royal Naval Historic Flight’s original Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 TF956. Tragically, this beautiful aircraft was lost in an accident during 1989 and a decision was taken to rebuild VR930 to flying condition, allowing the RNHF once more to operate an example of this ultimate piston fighter. The aircraft was transported to the British Aerospace factory at Brough, where she was eventually restored to airworthy condition, re-joining the RNHF in 1998 resplendent in striking No.802 NAS Korean War markings.

Performing on the UK Airshow circuit for several years, the aircraft was grounded in 2007 having suffered an issue with the mighty eighteen cylinder Bristol Centaurus radial engine, which needed to be removed from the fighter and sent for specialist repair. Whilst this work was taking place, diagnostic and information gathering equipment was installed in the aircraft, to help with the future serviceability of this much loved naval fighter, with the intention of helping to extend its flying life. The aircraft also benefitted from a livery change at this time and was finished in her authentic original No.802 NAS colours, using the codes 110/Q she wore when she first joined the unit at RNAS Eglinton in Northern Ireland in 1948. This particular scheme was the one applied to all remaining Sea Fury F.10 and new FB.11 fighters around that time, with the single colour showing off the classic lines of this attractive aircraft.

 

Such a beautiful aeroplane – this scheme will surely be hard for modellers to resist

 

Although this magnificent aircraft is still under the care of the Royal Naval Historic Flight and looks as if she could blast into the air at a moment’s notice, she continues to be troubled by engine issues and is currently not able to take its place on the UK Airshow circuit. Measures have been taken to protect the aircraft for short term storage, but it is certainly hoped that Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 VR930 will once more take to the skies and thrill UK audiences with her displays of power and grace which are both synonymous with this ultimate piston fleet fighter. We were fortunate enough to get close to this magnificent aircraft earlier in the year at the Navy Wings Supporters Day and as one of the most interesting historic aircraft in Britain today, this scheme option will be extremely popular with modellers building this fantastic new kit – there are going to be lots of RNHF Sea Furys on workbenches all over the country following the release of this new kit.

 

Box Artwork Exclusive – The Sea Fury on finals

As always, the spectacular box artwork will serve as inspiration for many a Sea Fury model build

 

Although the RNHF VR930 Sea Fury scheme will be an incredibly popular option with modellers adding A06105 to their build schedule, the announcement of this spectacular box artwork will make our scheme selection decision incredibly difficult. The enthralling picture above features the No.801 NAS Sea Fury covered with the primary decal option included with the kit and shows Fleet Air Arm aircraft engaging in ground attack operations during the Korean War, in support of UN ground operations. The artwork shows WJ236 seconds after releasing a pair of 500lb bombs on a viaduct, with a second aircraft in the process of making its attack run. WJ236 is also pictured equipped with an under-wing fuel tank and camera pod, so that the effectiveness of the raid could be assessed once the aircraft returned to HMS Glory.

Airfix box artwork undoubtedly serves as modelling inspiration during the construction process and even though the Royal Naval Historic Flight option will surely prove popular with UK based modellers, this enigmatic picture featuring a Sea Fury in iconic Korean War markings will make this an incredibly difficult decision. Perhaps more than any other new model tooling to recently enter the Airfix range, the Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 (A06105) could be the project that tempts modellers into a both scheme, dual build project, so they can admire both of these beautiful aircraft at the same time. This superb new kit is currently scheduled for a November release date and with the initial run already looking close to full allocation, modellers are advised to ensure they have reserved their kit on the Airfix website, or via their usual model supplier if they want to be certain of receiving this fantastic new kit on initial release. Modellers all over the world could be having something of a Furious modelling festive period this Christmas, as this stunning new kit is certain to be a popular gift and one we will all be keen to get stuck in to.           

 

 

Exclusive Sea Fury build images

We are pleased to complete this full Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 project update by bringing you a series of exclusive first build model images, which certainly show what we can all start getting a little excited about. Workbench readers will now be familiar with the development process associated with any new Airfix model kit and will know that the release of these early build model images usually indicates that release date of the actual kit is fast approaching. An important stage in the process is for the Airfix designers to inspect the first test sprues to be shot through the model tooling blocks assessing each component part for accuracy and fit compatibility. They also have the opportunity to test build the kit and perhaps allow one of their trusted modellers to build and finish the kit, with their valuable feedback being gratefully received. Undoubtedly, many Workbench readers will be keen to see the new Sea Fury model in all its glory, so we hope you enjoy the following series of build images:

 

 

A series of build images featuring one of the first component test frames of parts from the new 1/48^th scale Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 kit

 

Looking at these magnificent build pictures, it is not difficult to see why the Sea Fury is such a popular aircraft with enthusiasts and modellers alike. Displaying the cultured profile of Hawker's beautiful design and representing the pinnacle of piston powered fighter technology, the Hawker Sea Fury was an extremely capable aircraft and one which marked the end of an era for Fleet Air Arm air power – the finest piston powered fleet fighter ever to see service and the aircraft whose withdrawal finally heralded the arrival of the jet age at sea.

The scheme chosen for this model build was Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 WG629 – 136/T, which was on strength with No.807 NAS during the summer of 1952. Operating from HMS Theseus and several Mediterranean land bases at that time, the aircraft was deployed to Egypt during a period of unrest in the area, in a show of strength by the Royal Navy intended to diffuse tensions. The model has been completed including the distinctive RATOG (Rocket Assisted Take-Off Gear) that provided additional thrust during take-off, but was so disliked by navy pilots. Although it would have made a fine spectacle for observers on the ground, it placed additional workload on the pilot during this critical phase of flight and could be somewhat erratic in its effectiveness. Even this cumbersome and unwieldy appendage cannot detract from the handsome good looks of the Hawker Sea Fury.

The anticipated release date for this impressive new 1/48^th scale kit is November 2017 and the place to keep informed on all the latest model availability information is the Coming Soon section of the Airfix website, which displays all the impending model arrival dates and will keep modellers updated on any unforeseen release delays.

 

A final look at the pack artwork design which will grace this magnificent new kit

 

It is always rewarding to bring our readers the very latest information from the most anticipated new model projects and we hope this full Sea Fury update has been of interest. Unfortunately, that’s all we have for you for this edition, but we are always interested to hear what our readers have to say on all matters modelling and to receive suggestions for possible inclusion in a future blog.  

That’s all we have for you in this latest instalment of our blog. We are always interested to hear what our readers have to say and are grateful for any modelling features or build pictures you may care to send us. There are several ways you can contact us, including our dedicated e-mail address [email protected] and of course the Workbench thread over on the Airfix Forum.

 

V.P.

[airbus320]

I'm in for both box options and an Iraqi one! Roll on November!!!!! 

 

Chris

[Paul J]

I saw and handled the test shot sprues at Modelfest recently Looks very nice. Inlcuded are RATOG gear too. Looking forward to this very much. I feel an RCN one coming along ......

[Christer A]

Better late than never!

[snowen250]

24 minutes ago, Paul J said:

I saw and handled the test shot sprues at Modelfest recently Loks very nice. Inlcuded are RATOG gear too. Looking forward to this very much. I feel an RCN one coming along ......

Really? Where Airfix at the show then? They are usually pretty hot at keeping shots etc to themselves. 

[SimonT]

Can’t wait for this. I’ll build my trumpeter one as a warm up. Do we know what price it will be?

[PhantomBigStu]

21 minutes ago, SimonT said:

Can’t wait for this. I’ll build my trumpeter one as a warm up. Do we know what price it will be?

£24.50 RRP unless anymore price rises come in before Nov

[SimonT]

Cheaper than what I paid for the Stuka. Happy with that

[Scooby]

Wow, Airfix is sure one of the big contenders once again. Who said this hobby is dying? I can’t wait for this one!

 

My model purchases have been on the rise this year! It’s hard to hide all the arrivals from my wife.

[NAVY870]

Looks the dogs danglies but I do not like the weathering on that build.

Sea Furies do not blow great grey sheets of soot down their flanks, they do little black fluffs out the 

top pipes and a exhaust oil sludge mix from the bottom ones.

I have a large collection of Fury pics and even the ones on combat operations off the Battlestar Sydney dont look

anywhere near that grotty.

[abat]

52 minutes ago, NAVY870 said:

Looks the dogs danglies but I do not like the weathering on that build.

Sea Furies do not blow great grey sheets of soot down their flanks, they do little black fluffs out the 

top pipes and a exhaust oil sludge mix from the bottom ones.

I have a large collection of Fury pics and even the ones on combat operations off the Battlestar Sydney dont look

anywhere near that grotty.

Gotta agree Steve, the splodgy weathering and pronounced ribbing on the tail control surfaces isn’t to my taste. Looking at a few pics on adfserials site nicely illustrates your description of the exhaust stains. 

[NAVY870]

At the risk of banishment to the naughty step for making accuracy comments on a photo there are 

a couple of things that stick out.

Deck hook knuckle looks way too big (I have an actual Sea Fury deck hook leaning against my bookcase and no I dont wish to sell it!)

Somebodies over inflated the tail wheel strut, extensions far too high

The leading edge of the fin appears a bit sus, the whole fin looks too wide.

Later gear doors with the tear drop fairing

Whats with all the rivets on the tail surfaces?

Still the rest of it looks ok and I'm niggly over aircraft I've worked on.

I hope Airfix sells a truck load.

 

[Grey Beema]

It seems, according to another post, that Airfix has sold out of the Walrus (the major box shifters have some), I hope the same uptake happens with this kit (after I've ordered mine)...

[stevej60]

As a known miser when it comes to shelling out for kit's airfix's prices for the newer 1/48 kit's are creeping up into "no thank's" territory despite

their excellence but this one is a must regardless of price looks a stunner.

[Shar2]

@NAVY870
 I think the rivets on the rudder are over done due to the style of modelling used, as they're not visible on the real thing.

The teardrop on the doors are there because the real aircraft has them fitted. They can only go by What's in front of them when using lidar.

Th tailwheel strut looks like it's been fitted incorrectly, modeller error rather than model error.