D.H. Vixen F.A.W.2a

[Devilfish]

The RAF had shown an interest in the DH110 prototype, as it had been built to meet its' specifications.  Unfortunately a fatal crash at the 1952 Farnborough SBAC show made them look towards the far inferior Gloster Javelin.

What if they had persisted, as the Navy did?

The Vixen F.A.W.1 entered service in 1958, ahead of its seaborne counterpart. By the mid 60's, all Vixens had been updated to F.A.W.2 standard, in line with the RN machines.

The 2a was an attempt to increase the Vixen's dogfighting ability, by arming it with Sidewinder all aspect AAMs. 

By the mid 1970's, the design was showing its age, and most were being replaced in the fighter role by other types. 

An update to F.A.W.3 standard was considered.  This involved replacing the radar with a pulse doppler system to be compatible with Sparrow/Sky Flash missiles, but the idea never went past the prototype stage.

Kit: Airfix 1/48 Sea Vixen F.A.W.2
Wing fold deleted
Catapult and arrestor gear deleted

20220708_165952 by Paul Carter, on Flickr
20220708_170006 by Paul Carter, on Flickr
20220708_170010 by Paul Carter, on Flickr
20220708_170020 by Paul Carter, on Flickr
20220708_170035 by Paul Carter, on Flickr
20220708_170054 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

[Tophe]

Great twin-boom model!

[loupgarou]

Beautiful build. A really execllent light weathering. 

[Knightflyer]

Oh Wow - that I like indeed 

[PR19_Kit]

Such an EXCELLENT build! 

And a very sensible backstory too, if only the RAF had seen the error of their ways in choosing the Javelin! After all, it took Gloster NINE goes to get the Javelin right, and it onl took DH two attempts to perfect the Sea Vixen..................

[Rheged]

That is superb!!

[Scotaidh]

Very nice!

[Old Wombat]

 

[Gondor]

Beautifully exicuted. Excelent level of weathering and ware on it too. 

Gondor

[Wardukw]

Bloody surpurb build..no two ways around it..surpurb 

[NARSES2]

Brilliant build  and as has been said the weathering is spot on 

[Hotte]

Top 

Hotte

[su27rules]

Very nice!!

[Stan in YUL]

Wow!  Very nice.

[kitbasher]

Excellent.