Rampage GR.7, RAAF

[Ed S]

Gloster Rampage GR.7.

Pleased with the results of flight test of the Trent (Turboprop) Meteor, the RAF decided to put the turboprop version into production as well as the jet version. The obvious advantages of the turboprop (better low speed throttle response, better fuel economy, better take off performance) over the jet version made the turboprop a winner for an attack variant.

Renamed the "Rampage" to differentiate it from the jet version, the new fighter proved to be an immediate success. Versions of the Rampage remained in production into the mid 1950's. With engine development, more power was available and contra-rotating props were incorporated to allow more efficient use of the power. Other changes included a new tail for better control during low speed or single engine flight, a lengthened fuselage, new longer wings with with tip tanks and more weapons stations and greater weapons carrying capability.

The Rampage was a commercial success and numerous countries had them in their inventory. They proved popular for CAS and COIN in many small wars of the 50's and 60's.

One user was the RAAF. During the Vietnam conflict, two squadrons of Rampages were sent to Phan Rang to fly close support and trails interdiction missions. In their famous "Jungle Lizard" camouflage they were a common sight in the sky over S. Vietnam.

(For those who haven't been checking out the Aussierama Theme build, the build thread is
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,34698.0.html

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Ed

[Dizzyfugu]

Sweet! And also a nice idea with the paint scheme, very appropriate for an Australian aircraft 

[Tophe]

Congratulations!

[Go4fun]

A loverly WhIf. I wonder no one has built it for real.

[The Rat]

Oooh, she's a beauty! 

[NARSES2]

Oh my 

[Mirage]

Very nice and amazing camo !!

[lancer]

Very Very nice. Is that the itsy bitsy tennie weenie polka dot cammo scheme???

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Brilliantly imagined and modelled. i almost believe it.

[Army of One]

Spanking stuff.....!!! Love the scheme........where are the props from...??

[Ed S]

Spanking stuff.....!!! Love the scheme........where are the props from...??

The props are from a 1/144 P-3 Orion. Two of them had the blades cut of and repositioned to rotate the opposite direction.

Ed