Flying Fijians H.S, Harrier GR.51

[Leading Observer]

The starting point:

[Gondor]

Will the load out include Rugby balls and will it be based on a war canoe?

Gondor

[Leading Observer]

Will the load out include Rugby balls and will it be based on a war canoe?

Gondor

 

[NARSES2]

One of my favourite places on this planet 

[Leading Observer]

Here's the back story;
The Fijian Anti-Piracy Campaign
Although Fiji does not lie on any of the major trans-Pacific shipping routes, it is quite close to those routes from the USA to Australasia, and it was this that made the Islands attractive to several Pirate Gangs that previously operated around the Philippines and New Guinea, and they moved their bases of operation to one of the northernmost island of the archipelago, Thikombia [Cikobia-I-Ra].
Arriving in several fast boats supported by a small freighter, over 200 armed pirates came ashore and occupied the main settlement on the island. Due to its remote location the very small Fijian Defense Force were unable to respond to the invasion and The Governor-General appealed to the UK for assistance in eliminating the threat to international shipping by the pirates.
It was decided that the best course of action was [a] send a Royal Navy Frigate to reinforce the Fijian patrol ships and to add some form of air power to give a quick response to any developing Piracy taking place in the area.
Given the lack of airfields in Fiji, it was decided that the best aircraft for this would be the Harrier with its V/STOL capability. Contact was made with the RNZAF to see whether they would be able release any of their Harriers on secondment to Fiji. Fortuitously the RNZAF were just in the process of replacing their GR.51 Harriers with the newer GR.55 models and had the retired models still serviceable in reserve. Five of these were re-activated and loaded on HMNZS Dunedin [the RNZN through-deck cruiser] together with 10 volunteer Harrier pilots drawn from various Commonwealth Air Arms and supporting personnel, weapons and supplies. On route to Fiji the aircraft were repainted and badged as Fijian.
On arrival at Suva, Fijis main Port, the Harriers were armed, fitted with Recon pods and flown off, first to Nadi Airport, where they were to be based, for refueling. After refueling, the first two aircraft patrol piloted by Captain Nick "Hooker" Cave and Flight Lieutenant Jan "Stag" Wichura took off to carry out reconnaissance over Thikombia to get detailed information on the number of boats and pirates occupying the island.
The appearance of two fast moving Harriers over Thikombia caused panic on the ground, but as the aircraft circled for a second pass, they came under fire from anti-aircraft guns mounted on the freighter anchored off the reef and heavy machine guns from the 3 boats anchored just off the beach.
Reporting that they had been fired upon, the Harriers were given permission to attack the hostile vessels. Approaching at sea level, the Harriers each took aim at the freighter, and fired SNEB missiles, resulting in direct hits on the ship which caught fire and began to sink.
As the aircraft passed over the beach, they again took fire from two of the fast boats anchored close in, which appeared to be former USN Torpedo boats, with the third boat showing signs of getting underway.  Flt Lt Wichuras aircraft was hit, without taking serious damage, and he immediately gained altitude, but Capt. Cave turned back, and once again coming in at wave top height, he rippled fired the SNEB rockets and then followed this up with a strafing run with his Aden cannon. One of the anchored PTB's exploded in a ball of flame and the other began to list heavily, before settling on the bottom. The third boat continued to fire on the Harriers as it tried to depart, but a stern on attack from Capt. Cave disabled its engines, which began to smoke. A final pass put enough holes in the vessel to start it sinking.
Capt Cave then rejoined his wingman and after a visual check of both aircraft, they returned to base.

The model is the 1/72 Hasegawa Harrier GR.1 built OTB painted in a fictional colour scheme with home printed decals. The kit shows its age and probably requires more tlc than I gave it.
Captain Nick "Hooker" Cave is my mate who gave me the idea for the Flying Fijians – Nick has been in a wheel chair since a scrum collapsed on him when he was playing Hooker for our local Rugby team. Flt Lt Jan Wichura is named after the Landlady, of our local watering hole where Nick and I play in the Sunday Night Pub Quiz.

[NARSES2]

Nice tribute behind the build 

[Old Wombat]

I think I need photo's!

You need to get a 1/72 PT Boat, too, & make a diorama!

[Leading Observer]

I think I need photo's!

You need to get a 1/72 PT Boat, too, & make a diorama!

Hopefully photos tomorrow - TMFE [Thank Mods for the Extension ]

[Captain Canada]

Nice one. For sure, great little story and a nice tribute to your pals. Cheers !

[Leading Observer]

The Photos:

[sandiego89]

Smart looking! I like the black on the canopy coaming/frames.   

[kerick]

Did the rest of the Harriers take off and finish off any remaining pirates? Good story and build.

[perttime]

Fun fact:
The first two regular battalions of the Fiji Infantry Regiment are traditionally stationed overseas on peacekeeping duties. Peacekeepers income represents an important source of income for Fiji.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Fiji_Military_Forces

[Wardukw]

Very clean and tidy LO 

Loved the back story ..a great laugh reading about our navy and airforce if you can call it that 👍 😀

[Vulcan7]

Great looking build