History
The Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer was widely regarded as one of the best strike aircraft of its era and flew from 1962 to 1994. Originally designed for naval use, the Buccaneer was also very successful as a land based strike aircraft.
The Buccaneer was initially designed to counter Soviet naval strength. The result was a sophisticated and rugged aeroplane that first flew on 30 April 1958 and began entering service with the Royal Navy in July 1962.
In all 201 Buccaneers were produced, most serving initially with the Royal Navy before its aircraft carrier fleet was decommissioned, and then with the Royal Air Force.
A further 16 also flew with the South African Air Force.
This model represents a Buccaneer of 800 NAS, Fleet Air Arm, aboard HMS Eagle, March 1971.
Airfix 1/72 kit with Modeldecal decals. Completed in June 2008.