My first Entry

[lancer]

Well, here it is. The first of my GB entries.

The AW/SAAB Dragon FR1. Prior to the introduction of Fairey's new Delta winged Fighter/Interceptor into RAF service, the powers that be, in an amazing display of forsight and intelligence, decided that it'd be a good idea for the squadrond that were slated to receive the new aircraft to get some experience on delta winged aircraft. With the RAF's Javelin squadrons fully committed, SAAB were approached and offered to lease the RAF 150 aircraft. Enough to equip all the squadrons that were going to get the FD3.  SAAB also offered to 'plumb' these aircraft to accept both Sidewinder and the current Firestrak missiles, an offer enthusically accepted by the RAF. Deliveries started in March 1962 with 5 sqn being the first to get thier Dragon's. These aircraft were well received by the squadrons who found them a delight to fly, and the also proved very capable along side the Lightnings in the QRA role, frequently intercepting Russian bears. These aircraft proved so successful that  there was an offical request from USAFE for DAC exercises, in which the little Dragons proved to be more than a match for anything the Americans put up against them.
With the delays to service of the new FD3's, and with the lease period with SAAB about to expire, the RAF chiefs went to the govt of the day and basically forced them to purchase outright these aircraft. It proved to be a wise decision, as when the FD3's finally did get to service, it gave the RAF excellent fighter coverage and also enabled the UK to maintain overseas commitments for a lot longer.
These aircraft served with distinction for many years and were finally retired at the beginning on the 1990's.

The kit - Airfix's SAAB draken, built maily OOB with the addition of a refuelling probe. The Firestreaks under the wings were scratch built from round spruce and plastic card, and look pretty good if I say so myself. The colour scheme is pure Lightning as I think it's an attractive scheme, it was also easy to do. The markings are for 5 squadron and come from the irfix Lightning F3 kit, about the onlt decent thing about that particular kit.

[Martin H]

Looks good lance  

good back story as well mate.

[Radish]

I love the Draken....why can't we have a decent 1/48th kit?

[anthonyp]

Very cool, Lancer!  I've got an Airfix entry of my own using the same decals  

I like the way your Firestreaks turned out!  Too cool!

   

[Brian da Basher]

Sweet Lancer! I like it in those R.A.F. markings!

Brian da Basher

[cthulhu77]

Not only a great model with a great backstory, the engineers actually posted missile mounting instructions for the proles in the hangar !
  very cool jet you built...

           greg

[Captain Canada]

Nice one, Comrade Lancerov !

I like the weapons fit, and the silver undersides......

 

[John Howling Mouse]

Cool!  One of your Image tags is missing its final bracket and did not show up as an image.

Here it is, though:

[NARSES2]

Nice one Lance

[F-32]

lovely jubbly, can we also have an air defence grey version?

[Patrick H]

Great looking Draken, Lancer.  Looks pretty good in those colors



Patrick

[BlackOps]

Lookin' good! Draken's always look like they could just keep on going into outerspace




Jeff G.