Airfix Plastic Model Kit

Airfix RAF Rescue Launch (1/72) A05281V

As the threat of aircrew losses over water grew during the Second World War, the Royal Air Force established the Sea Rescue Service to recover downed pilots and aircrew. Operating under the poignant motto, ‘The sea shall not have them’, the service relied on specially designed high-speed craft to reach crash sites quickly and save lives. At the heart of this effort was the sleek and powerful Type Two 63ft High-Speed Launch—better known as the ‘Whaleback’.

Designed by the British Powerboat Company, the Whaleback utilised cutting-edge racing boat technology to achieve exceptional speed and handling. Propelled by three 24-litre Napier Sea Lion engines, the launch produced an unforgettable roar and earned a reputation as the ‘Spitfire of the sea’. These vessels became iconic symbols of RAF resilience and ingenuity, performing daring rescues in treacherous waters around the British Isles.

This 1/72 scale model from Airfix offers a detailed and historically accurate representation of the Whaleback HSL. With authentic deck fittings, hull detail, and period decals, it’s an exciting and meaningful build for naval and aviation history enthusiasts alike.

• 1/72 scale plastic model kit
• Includes RAF Type Two 63ft High-Speed Rescue Launch
• Detailed hull, deck equipment, and authentic decals
• Assembly instructions and painting guide included

Note: This model kit requires assembly and painting. Glue, paints and tools are not included and must be purchased separately.

History:

The RAF Sea Rescue Service was formed out of necessity, responding to the real danger faced by aircrew forced to ditch over water. The Type Two 63ft ‘Whaleback’ High-Speed Launch was one of the most advanced rescue boats of its time, capable of reaching speeds over 36 knots. Its unique shape, speed, and engine noise made it instantly recognisable. These launches performed hundreds of life-saving missions in rough seas, often under fire or in hazardous conditions. Their vital role and daring crews became legendary, and their legacy endures as a powerful symbol of wartime courage and innovation.