"SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE" BLACKBURN BUCCANEER S.MK.50

AVIATION ARCHIVE COLLECTION "THUNDER IN THE SKIES"

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" is the definitive scale model collection charting the history of flight and commemorating significant military and civil aircraft and events from the early pioneering years to the present day. Using original plans and rare archive material, each aircraft and livery has been meticulously researched and authenticated to bring you, the aviation enthusiast the finest range of collectible model aircraft. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the models feature rubber tires, interchangeable undercarriage and high quality livery details. Beautifully packaged, each replica comes with a sturdy display stand and certificate of authenticity.

HISTORICAL NOTE:    South Africa was the only overseas country to order the type and 16 were ordered by the South African Air Force designated S.Mk.50, which was a land-based export variant equivalent of the S.Mk.2, without hydraulic wing-folding gear. The first of these flew from Holme-on-Spalding Moor on 9 January 1965. Between the placing of the order and the first flight, opposition had grown to the supply of arms to South Africa in view in the country’s apartheid policy. Consequently, the British Government announced that it would permit no more than the first order for 16 aircraft to be delivered. Deliveries were completed in 1966 and formed No.24 Squadron at Waterkloof, Pretoria. For comfortable operation at high take-off weights from hot and high airfields, two retractable Bristol Siddeley B.S.605 twin-chamber rocket engines, giving 8,000 lb.s.t. were installed in the S.Mk.50s immediately forward of the air brakes. In service, the aircraft were equipped with four Nord A.S.30. missiles or Matra rocket pods. The last of the South African Air Force Buccaneers remained in service until 1990, but most of them had to be cannibalised to keep the last six airworthy, as Britain refused to supply spare parts for these to South Africa as part of its continued arms embargo. ‘414’ was the fourth of the batch to be built and is now preserved by the South African Air Force.

INFO:    NO. 24 SQ., SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE, WATERKLOOF, PRETORIA, 1970
SCALE:    1:72
WING SPAN:   7.0  INCHES 

Item Number: AA34106 

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