RAF Gannett C.O.I.N aircraft.

chrisonord · April 13, 2020, 06:22:16 AM

With the British involvement in the Malayan conflict during the 1960's the RAF needed an aircraft that could stay on station patrolling the border inbetween Indonesia and Malaysia for long periods of time, carry a decent external air to ground load and be reasonably ready available. The RAF was using the Shackleton in this role but it tookt rhe aircraft away from its primary role and was also uneconomic to run such a large aircraft in this role. The RAF was offered 7 surplus Fairey Gannett A.S.4 that the navy had mothballed and were probably never going to use again. The aircraft would, with very little modification, be perfect for the role the RAF needed them for. The Gannetts were transferred to B.A.C Salmesbury and converted. The work carried out was as follows. The wing folding mechanisms were taken out and the wings strengthened. Six under wing pylons were fitted for bombs rockets and gun pods. The radar operators equipment was removed along with all other anti submarine systems, the rear canopy was painted over to reduce the work load of making a blanking cover. The weapons bay was sealed and auxiliary fuel tanks fitted to extend the range. The gun pods were a new and hurried through design and consisted of a pair of 30 mm Aden cannons borrowed from a Hunter and longer barrels fitted. The pods were made using some surplus drop tanks left over from the second world war, and allowed the guns to carry a decent amount of ammunition.
The aircraft worked well from the off and their crew found them to be most useful and easy to fly if not a bit slow, but that was an advantage given the circumstances. The aircraft weŕe in field modified with armour around the fuel tanks and cockpit so as to protect them from small arms fire from below the jungle canopy.
The kit is the Revell one in 1/72nd scale, unfortunately I didn't enjoy building this as it has lots of fitment issues and in places I couldn't get to work properly. The canopies being the main ones.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/WH6MYkXQkSEMpgQd6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/TgxL4Uu27vbgqjZ39
https://photos.app.goo.gl/bu5XJg2Pb47BLmix9
Chris

PR19_Kit · April 13, 2020, 06:26:46 AM

Never mind 'In the Navy', that one's for an 'Out of the Navy' GB.

A great idea, and a terrific backstory.

A pity the kit was such a pain to build. I've got one but never had it out of the box yet, I'll syand aware!

chrisonord · April 13, 2020, 06:29:39 AM

Thankyou Kit, I really like rhe Gannett and it has lots of uses either military or in civilian use. I have a few of rhe bagged frog ones that I bought for their engines and propellers, but one might get made into a fire bomber yet.
Chris

comrade harps · April 13, 2020, 06:34:08 AM

Make good sense and a nice build

NARSES2 · April 13, 2020, 06:54:15 AM

It's come out well Chris, even if it was a pain.

chrisonord · April 13, 2020, 06:55:37 AM

Thankyou Chris

Ed S · April 13, 2020, 07:06:43 AM

Another good one. Well done chrisonord.

Captain Canada · April 13, 2020, 08:55:23 AM

Very nice ! She looks right at home in that scheme, and I really like the hard points. Thanks for the idea ! I'm not actually sure what it is about this aeroplane. Maybe because I didn't know it existed until the 90's ? It's got some sort of allure.....I'm usually not attracted to ugly lol

chrisonord · April 13, 2020, 12:09:45 PM

One of the reasons I like them is because they look like someone has stuck wings and a propeller on a brick and made it fly, very Soviet era thinking in its looks
Chris

AeroplaneDriver · April 13, 2020, 12:52:58 PM

Very nice! Love the concept and well executed.

The Rat · April 13, 2020, 01:11:06 PM

That just looks so right!

Wurgerman · April 24, 2020, 08:27:11 AM

Great back story and realisation ,do you think it would work for an RAF Wyvern?

Wulfman

dwomby · April 24, 2020, 08:28:35 AM

Now that story makes a lot of sense. Great model as a result too.

David

chrisonord · April 24, 2020, 09:01:23 AM

Quote from: Wurgerman on April 24, 2020, 08:27:11 AM
Great back story and realisation ,do you think it would work for an RAF Wyvern?

Wulfman

I have an RAF Wyvern on the bench at the moment, awaiting decals and Matt clear coat. Thanks for the comments guys

Chris

Weaver · April 24, 2020, 11:45:43 AM

Nice one!

I've floated this idea a few times and I have the kits stashed away for it, but my backgroundstory is Britain-in-Vietnam.