de Havilland Vampire FB.5

Plastic model kit for a de Havilland Vampire FB.5 jet fighter

• Scale: 1:72
• Includes clear parts
• Authentic reproduction of the Vampire FB.5
• Twin-boom tail assembly, manufactured using slide-molding technology
• Crystal-clear cockpit canopy; can be assembled in either an open or closed position
• Highly detailed landing gear bays
• Intricately designed fuselage of the Vampire FB.5
• Fuselage surface features a realistic metallic texture
• Flaps can be positioned at various angles (for landing or take-off configurations)
• Precisely rendered air intakes
• Realistic reproduction of the jet engine exhausts
• Crystal-clear cockpit canopy; can be assembled in either an open or closed position
• Detailed cockpit interior, including instrument panel and single seat
• 500-pound bombs for under-fuselage mounting
• Landing gear can be assembled in either the retracted (in-flight) or extended (on-ground) position
• Not built, not painted
• Paint and glue not included

The British de Havilland Vampire FB.5 was the second jet fighter to enter service with the Royal Air Force (RAF), following the Gloster Meteor. Although it arrived too late to see action during the Second World War, it remained in service with RAF frontline squadrons until 1953 and continued to be used as a training aircraft until 1966.

In total, approximately 3,268 Vampires were built, serving with 31 air forces worldwide. The most numerous single-seat variant was the FB.5, which was produced for nations including Great Britain, South Africa, and Venezuela. The FB.5 was equipped with a Goblin II jet engine and featured additional armor plating. Furthermore, the wings were shortened by 30 cm, and the landing gear was given a longer travel range to accommodate a higher take-off weight and provide greater ground clearance for the weaponry carried under the wings. At the peak of its service, the RAF operated 19 squadrons equipped with the FB.5 across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East; the type was, for instance, deployed during the "Malayan Emergency."