Armstrong whitworth Manta F/G mk1

[chrisonord]

This is another  aircraft design that  that was brought  back by the allies  after ww2.  Armstrong whitworth who were at the time at the forefront of  Britain's jet aircraft  design  were given  the plans and a  prototype aircraft was  built.  The aircraft  flew nicely  considering  its  unorthodox  design, and the engineers  used technical  notes from the pilots and designers of the  glider version  that preceded it. The aircraft  was put in to a limited  number  production, and was to be used as a fighter/interceptor.  At the breakout of the  Korean conflict, the Manta's were  sent  to escort bomber formations and  intercept enemy aircraft attacking  ground bases and air strips. Unfortunately, the Manta's were outclassed  by the Mig-15's and  were too slow  to turn  in a dogfight, and thus became  easy pickings. Not  wanting to  give up  on the aircraft, they were sent to  be refitted  with rocket rails and  bomb  pylons, and an extra pair of 20 mm cannons fitted.  The aircraft  could carry a significant bomb load  and heavy  unguided rockets, and made quite an  acceptable  ground  attack  plane. 
The kit is the extremely  bland  PM models  one that has been in my stash for a very long time , i think I paid 3 quid for it. I  changed  the front  landing gear  completely and  put different  rear wheels on it  to make it look a bit less cartoon like, and put some  ww2 era bombs ,and  rockets on it from a skyraider.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7f6DGvMtKE8cyGRf6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z7sBhyc4QEbvKqSt7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/SZGxuJWwtpqr86Ma8
Chris