Hobby Master 1/72 AV8B Harrier II 163662 VMA231 King Abdul Aziz Base Feb 1991
- Product Code: HA2624
- 1:72 Scale Diecast Model
- Diecast Aviation Model
- Interchangeable Undercarriage
- Weapon Loads
- stand Included
The BAe Sea Harrier FRS1 first entered service with the Royal Navy in April 1980. The aircraft is a naval VTOL/VSTOL jet fighter designed for reconnaissance and attack roles. In 1993 an improved variant of the Sea Harrier was produced as the FA.2 with a more powerful engine, improved air-to-air capabilities and weapons options. The FA.2 was produced until 1998 and continued in service until 2006 when it was replaced by the Harrier GR9. 56 FA.2 Sea Harriers were produced for the Royal Navy.
On November 18, 1988 AV-8B 163662 was delivered to the VMA-542 “Tigers” as B-137 and in 1990 transferred to VMA-231 “Ace of Spades”. In 1991 the unit deployed to Saudi Arabia. AV-8B 163662 belonged to the VMA-231 CO Lt Col ‘Rusty’ Jones. By the end of ODS the aircraft had flown 54 combat sorties and returned to MCAS Cherry Point in March 1991. There each aircraft received mission markings and two lines in Arabic “Free Kuwait” on the port side. In 2002 163662 parts were used to create AV-8B Harrier II+ 165586.