Supermarine Swift FGA.4

[The Rat]

The withdrawal of British forces from Iraq in 1954 led to a number of different factions vying for power, and in 1958
a military take-over occurred which resulted in the death of many members of the Royal Family. This development was
worrisome to their southern neighbour, Kuwait, as Iraq had long cast a glance toward it, and made dubious claims of
historical ownership.



It was decided to modernise the Kuwaiti military, and procurement of aircraft  and armour was a priority. The air force
had taken note of the success of the Supermarine Swift during the Suez Crisis, when 56 Squadron RAF had put them to
effective use as ground attack aircraft. This had led to a dedicated variant, the FGA.4. Modifications included wing fences
to decrease the chance of pitch problems, and the addition of extra fuel. This was housed in tanks in the fuselage,
utilising the internal space created when the engine had been changed from the centrifugal flow RR Nene to the axial flow Avon.



The RAF had finally come to understand that the Swift would never be a high altitude performer, and decided that the FGA.4
would become their standard ground attack aircraft, freeing up Hawker Hunters for the high altitude fighter role, a task to
which they were ably suited. An export version was designated the FGA.4E, and Kuwait ordered 30. Armament consisted of
bombs and/or rockets, with the nose guns being retained for strafing and air combat.



Trials showed the predictable and chronic problems with hydraulic leakage, something which had plagued the Swift from its
very beginnings. But the tireless efforts of Tiltman Langley Labs eventually got things down to a workable and efficient level,
and led to the creation of Supermarine TL. This was a joint company which used personnel from each, and operated as a
semi-independent entity. They became known around the world as trouble-shooters for the aviation industry, and many
successful aircraft, and companies, owe their service lives to their work.



Well, here it is, horribly silvered decals and all. I hope to pick up some setting solution soon and get them snuggled down,
but with my talent for procrastination that could be long after the Group Build is over. This is the venerable Hawk/Testors
kit, and those familiar with it will know its shortcomings. Paints are Tamiya XF52 Flat Earth and XF59 Desert Yellow, and
Model Master Acryl 4765 Light Grey for the underside. Decals came from the Airfix 1/72 Hawker Hunter FGA.9 One of these
days I'll scrounge some decent looking bombs and rocket pods and slap them on.

[Librarian]

Looks a winner in that camo/markings combo...fascinating looking aircraft. Raised panel lines...involuntary shudder .

[Dizzyfugu]

Swift & Middle East is a very fertile combo. Nice!

[Captain Canada]

Nice one Rat ! For sure she looks great in that colour combo.

[DogfighterZen]

Nice one Rat ! For sure she looks great in that colour combo.

Second that!