Tamiya Plastic Model Kit

Tamiya Hawker Sea Harrier (1/48)

The Hawker Sea Harrier FRS.1 was the Royal Navy’s carrier-based variant of the revolutionary vertical/short take-off and landing (V/STOL) Harrier fighter. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine delivering vectored thrust, the Sea Harrier could operate from smaller aircraft carriers and improvised runways, giving the Fleet Air Arm unparalleled flexibility. Its distinctive nose profile housed the Ferranti Blue Fox radar, enabling effective air-to-air and anti-ship operations.

Introduced in 1978, the Sea Harrier entered service with 700A Squadron before transitioning to 899 Squadron in 1980. Operating from “through-deck” cruisers such as HMS Invincible, HMS Illustrious, and HMS Ark Royal, these aircraft utilised ski-jump ramps to enhance take-off performance with full payloads. Armed with AIM-9L Sidewinders, Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles, and alternative Harpoon or Martel missiles, the Sea Harrier proved versatile in both fleet defence and strike roles.

• Highly detailed 1/48 scale assembly model kit of the Hawker Sea Harrier FRS.1
• Accurate reproduction of V/STOL airframe and radar-equipped nose
• Depicts carrier operations including ski-jump launch capability
• Options for a variety of missile configurations
• Includes markings for Royal Navy service aircraft

History

The Sea Harrier gained global recognition during the Falklands War of 1982, where it served with distinction in air defence and ground attack missions. Operating from HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible, the Sea Harrier’s combination of manoeuvrability, radar capability, and effective weapons systems allowed it to achieve a remarkable kill ratio against enemy aircraft. Painted in low-visibility matte sea blue for naval operations, the Sea Harrier remained in Royal Navy service for decades, influencing future generations of naval aviation.