{"product_id":"az-model-plastic-model-kit-gloster-gauntlet-mk-ii-raf-1-72","title":"AZ Model Plastic Model kit Gloster Gauntlet Mk.II RAF — 1:72","description":"\u003cp\u003eAZ Model is a Czech manufacturer specialising in aircraft subjects, particularly less-common military aircraft and variants. The company has produced numerous short-run and limited-production kits covering aircraft from the inter-war period through the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAZ7524 belongs to an earlier generation of AZ Model's Gloster Gauntlet tooling. The tooling was subsequently reused and updated for later Gauntlet releases. The 2023 AZ7867, for example, is specifically described as an update of the tooling originally produced in 2008, with a new decal sheet and revised parts.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original AZ7524 is an unassembled 1:72 injection-plastic aircraft model representing the RAF's principal production version of the Gauntlet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit includes the principal components required to construct the aircraft, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Injection-moulded plastic fuselage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Upper and lower wings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Interplane and cabane struts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Bristol Mercury radial engine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine cowling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Propeller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Open cockpit\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Pilot's cockpit components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fixed landing gear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Tailplane and fin\/rudder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Undercarriage and wheel components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Small external details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Clear\/detail components where applicable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    RAF decal sheet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe later AZ Model releases confirm the basic kit's 1:72 configuration and that the tooling was subsequently revised with a newly moulded engine and cowling. The later release specifically states that resin engine parts supplied with earlier versions are not included in the updated boxing.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistory of the full-size aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gloster Gauntlet was a British single-seat biplane fighter developed by the Gloster Aircraft Company during the early 1930s. It evolved from Gloster's earlier SS.18\/S.S.19 fighter designs and was developed in response to RAF requirements for a modern interceptor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe prototype flew in 1933. The aircraft combined a relatively powerful radial engine with a conventional open-cockpit biplane configuration. The Gauntlet represented the culmination of the classic RAF biplane fighter concept immediately before the transition to enclosed-cockpit monoplanes such as the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.II was the principal production version. Approximately 204 Mk.IIs were produced, while total Gauntlet production is generally given as approximately 246 aircraft.\n\u003cbr\u003eEngine and performance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gauntlet Mk.II was powered by the Bristol Mercury VIS2, a nine-cylinder air-cooled radial engine producing approximately 640 hp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePublished specifications for the Mk.II give:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine: Bristol Mercury VIS2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Power: approximately 640 hp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Maximum speed: approximately 230 mph \/ 370 km\/h\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Service ceiling: approximately 33,500 ft \/ 10,200 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Range: approximately 455 miles \/ 730 km\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Wing span: 32 ft 9½ in \/ 9.99 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Length: 26 ft 5 in \/ 8.05 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Loaded weight: approximately 3,970 lb \/ 1,801 kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Armament: two synchronised Vickers machine guns\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor its time, the Gauntlet had an impressive rate of climb and was regarded as an effective interceptor. It was particularly significant because it became the RAF's principal fighter during the mid-1930s, before being overtaken by the new generation of monoplane fighters.\n\u003cbr\u003eRAF service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gauntlet Mk.II entered RAF service during the mid-1930s. At its peak, the type equipped a substantial portion of Britain's fighter force, with 14 mainland RAF squadrons reportedly equipped with Gauntlets in 1937.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the important RAF units to operate the aircraft was No. 74 Squadron, while numerous other fighter squadrons flew the type during the inter-war period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gauntlet was well suited to the tactics and requirements of the period. Its open cockpit, fixed undercarriage and fabric-covered biplane construction were conventional for early-1930s fighters, but these characteristics rapidly became obsolete as aircraft designers adopted retractable undercarriages, enclosed cockpits, all-metal construction and stressed-skin monoplane wings.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe transition to the Hurricane and Spitfire\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy 1938–39, the Gauntlet was being replaced by much faster monoplanes. The arrival of the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire marked a fundamental change in fighter design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, Gauntlets remained in secondary roles. By 1939, the RAF's British-based fighter squadrons had largely moved to Hurricanes, but Gauntlets continued operating overseas and in training and support roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe type was also used in the Middle East and participated in operations associated with the early stages of the Second World War. A detachment of six Australian-operated Gauntlets was employed by No. 3 Squadron RAAF in the Middle East in 1940 for dive-bombing and strafing duties.\n\u003cbr\u003eFinnish service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most interesting foreign operators was Finland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFinnish Gauntlets were used principally as advanced trainers and remained in service during the Winter War period. The aircraft helped train a number of Finnish pilots who subsequently became prominent combat pilots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis foreign service is one reason AZ Model later produced dedicated Gauntlet boxings with Finnish markings. The later AZ7868 “Special Markings” release includes British, Australian and Finnish subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AZ Model","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504169722236,"sku":"AZ7254","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/az-model-plastic-model-kit-gloster-gauntlet-mk-ii-raf-1-72","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}