Roden Felixstowe F.2A with Upper-Wing Gunner Position — 1:72

Manufacturer and kit contents Roden is a Ukrainian model manufacturer particularly known for First World War and early aviation subjects. Kit 047 is one of Roden's larger 1:72 flying-boat kits. The kit contains approximately 259 parts on eight plastic frames, together with decals. The completed model is approximately 196 mm long with a 404 mm wingspan, making it a surprisingly large model for 1:72 scale. The subject is the later Felixstowe F.2A, specifically the configuration incorporating the unusual gunner position mounted above the upper wing. The model includes the large flying-boat hull, biplane wings, struts, engines, propellers, cockpit/crew areas, multiple gun positions, hull fittings and decals. The full-size Felixstowe F.2A The Felixstowe F.2A was a British First World War patrol flying boat developed at the Felixstowe Seaplane Base under the direction of John Cyril Porte. Porte had previously worked with American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, and the Felixstowe flying boats evolved partly from Curtiss flying-boat designs. Porte's modifications produced aircraft with considerably improved seaworthiness and operational range. The F.2A became one of the most important Allied maritime patrol aircraft of the First World War. Development The Felixstowe F.2 was developed from the earlier Felixstowe F.1A and entered service during 1917. It was a large twin-engine biplane flying boat with a wooden hull and fabric-covered wings. Its design allowed it to operate from coastal bases and patrol extensive areas of the North Sea. The aircraft was principally used by the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and subsequently the Royal Air Force after the 1918 amalgamation. Performance Representative F.2A characteristics include: Crew: approximately 4 Engines: 2 × Rolls-Royce Eagle engines Power: approximately 345 hp each, depending on engine version Maximum speed: approximately 95–97 mph / 153–156 km/h Range: approximately 700 miles / 1,125 km, depending upon load and conditions Wingspan: approximately 96 ft / 29.3 m Length: approximately 46 ft / 14.0 m Role: Maritime patrol, reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare The enormous wingspan is why Roden's 1:72 model has a wingspan of approximately 404 mm. Armament The Felixstowe F.2A carried several Lewis machine guns. One of the particularly distinctive features of this Roden boxing is the upper-wing gunner position. Mounting a gunner above the upper wing provided a much wider field of fire, particularly against enemy aircraft attacking from above or behind. This arrangement was characteristic of several large multi-engine aircraft of the period, where defensive fire coverage was a major consideration. The aircraft could also carry bombs and depth charges, allowing it to attack submarines and surface vessels. Maritime patrol The F.2A's principal role was long-range maritime patrol. Its crews searched for: German U-boats Surface warships Enemy aircraft Naval shipping Mines and other maritime threats The aircraft's long endurance allowed it to remain over the North Sea for extended periods. This was particularly important because German U-boats represented a major threat to Allied shipping. Anti-submarine warfare The Felixstowe flying boats became important weapons against German submarines. Aircraft could search large areas of sea and attack submarines when they were sighted. The combination of bombs, depth charges and machine guns gave the aircraft the ability to conduct both offensive and defensive operations. Although aircraft could not completely eliminate the U-boat threat, maritime patrol aviation became an increasingly important part of the Allied anti-submarine campaign. The flying-boat design The F.2A's hull was a particularly important part of its design. Earlier flying boats could be difficult to operate in anything but relatively calm water. Porte's improvements produced a hull with much better seaworthiness. The aircraft could operate in the rougher waters of the North Sea, making it considerably more useful for genuine operational patrol work. This was one of the major reasons the Felixstowe design became so successful. Combat encounters Felixstowe crews frequently encountered German aircraft and naval forces. The aircraft's numerous machine guns provided substantial defensive firepower, and crews developed tactics for mutual support when operating in formations. The large flying boats were not fast fighters, but they could be surprisingly difficult targets because of their size, structural strength and multiple defensive positions. The First World War's maritime air war The F.2A's career illustrates the rapid development of naval aviation during the First World War. At the beginning of the conflict, aircraft were largely used for reconnaissance. By 1917–18, large aircraft were conducting: Maritime reconnaissance Anti-submarine patrols Bombing Air-to-air combat Convoy protection Long-range surveillance The Felixstowe F.2A was one of the aircraft that made this transition possible. Historical significance The Felixstowe F.2A is historically important as one of the earliest genuinely capable long-range maritime patrol aircraft. Its combination of endurance, seaworthiness, weapons and crew capacity made it particularly effective for operations over the North Sea.