A metal model of an airplane in precise scale, expertly crafted with high attention to detail. The model is already finished, requiring no painting or assembly. The package also includes an interchangeable landing gear and stand, allowing for easy display.
A great piece for collectors looking for a high-quality and realistic model.
When it comes to RAF aircraft that received a special commemorative paint scheme, one aircraft still enjoys legendary status among British aviation enthusiasts – it is the Phantom FG.1 nicknamed “Black Mike.”
The aircraft designated XV582, which was recently assigned to the 111th Squadron RAF at Leuchars base, was chosen for this unique paint application. The squadron wished to commemorate both the Phantom type's service in the RAF and the history of its famous unit, which included the aerobatic team “Black Arrows.”
From 1955 to 1960, this team showcased aerobatic formations with their shiny black Hawker Hunter jet aircraft. They performed at airshows across Britain, including the famous airshow at Farnborough in 1958, where the team set a world record by performing a loop with 22 Hunter aircraft in formation.
In honor of this history, aircraft XV582 received an elegant all-black glossy paint scheme. It was originally intended only for static display during the open house day (“At Home”) at Leuchars base in 1989, but the aircraft attracted so much attention that the following year – now as the demonstration aircraft of the 111th Squadron – it completely exhausted its remaining flight limit.
Aircraft XV582, known as “Black Mike” (due to its coloring and the squadron letter), became the aircraft that every RAF pilot wanted to fly. Due to a busy schedule of air displays and a limited number of remaining flight hours, however, this was achieved by only a handful of lucky pilots.
On September 22, 1990, “Black Mike” completed its last flight and was retired from active service. It became a static attraction at many airshows in Leuchars, maintaining its iconic status among aviation enthusiasts.
- Scale: 1:48
- Material: Metal with plastic parts
