Airfix NHS Charities Together Hawk 1:72 Airfix A73100

[Julien]

NHS Charities Together Hawk

1:72 Airfix A73100

 

 

When the RAF began the search for a new fast jet trainer to replace the Folland Gnat, it was originally intended that the role would be fulfilled by the SEPECAT Jaguar. However, the advanced capabilities demanded of the new Anglo-French aircraft meant that it became too complex for use as a trainer As a result, Hawker Siddley Aviation began work on a private venture known as the P.1182. The design team produced a relatively simple, subsonic aircraft with a number of clever features. The fuselage is designed around a large, tandem cockpit, which features a significant difference in height between the student & instructor. This affords the instructor a much better view than in the Gnat. The wings featured double-slotted flaps which gives the Hawk excellent low-speed handling characteristics. Though the box calls this a BAe Hawk lets not forget it was a Hawker Siddley design. 

The first of the 176 Hawks ordered by the RAF entered service in 1976, designated the Hawk T.1. 88 T.1s were modified to T.1A standard, which allowed them to carry two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for use in the emergency air defence role. The Hawks reputation as an excellent aeroplane has been confirmed by the considerable success it has enjoyed in the export market. Users include the air forces of Australia, Canada, Finland, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates amongst others. A highly modified carrier capable version is in service with the United States Navy, where it is known as the T-45 Goshawk. The most famous role occupied by the Hawk, however, is as the mount of the world-renowned Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team the Red Arrows.

 

The Kit

This is Airfix's new tool kit from 2008 which we have not seen so far on BM surprisingly. For the Covid crisis in order to raise money for NHS charities Airfix ran a competition to design a scheme for the Hawk. The kit arrives on 3 sprues of grey plastic and a clear sprue. In line with the usual model building clichés, construction starts with the cockpit. This prominent feature is made up of a large tandem tub, instrument panels and coamings, control columns and bulkheads. The single part ejection seats look ok, both in terms of detail and shape for this scale, only one pilot is provided probably as a hang over from the kits previous life as a Red Arrow. Decals are also provided for the instrument panels.  The rear bulkhead is added along with the front one, if building with the gear down then the nose wheel leg attached to the front cockpit bulkhead.  After fitting the exhaust t eh main fuselage can be closed up around the cockpit. Airfix recommend fitting 5g of nose weight. 

 

 

 

The intakes are fitted to the sides of the completed fuselage before moving onto the wings. There is a single man lower wing with left & right uppers to be added. To the underside are fitted the flap actuators. The completed wing assembly can be fitted to the fuselage. Following this the tail planes, upper fuselage insert, canopy and front pitot tube are added.  To finish off the large rear ventral airbrake is added complete with the strakes either side of it.  If doing the gear down the rest of the landing gear and gear bay doors can be added. As with other recent kits Airfix provide separate doors for a gear up option. 

 

 

 

 

Markings

A decal sheet from Cartograf provides markings for two aircraft.

 

A. Winning Competition Design by Geoff Elliot

b. Airfix NHS Desgin.

 

 

Conclusion

A good idea by Airfix in the middle of the Covid crisis, and a good idea to raise money for the NHS. Even if you want to build a regular Hawk from this boxing you can still feel good about getting the kit. 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of 

 

 

[bootneck]

Nice review Julien.  I don't normally do anything in 1:72 scale but I shall buy this just for the donation to charity.   Plus swmbo will like these pretty colours instead of grey, grey and yet more grey!

 

Mike

[Basosz]

4 hours ago, bootneck said:

Nice review Julien.  I don't normally do anything in 1:72 scale but I shall buy this just for the donation to charity.   Plus swmbo will like these pretty colours instead of grey, grey and yet more grey!

 

Mike

Maybe you can deduct it from some SWMBO-taxes. It *is* going to charity after all