{"title":"Aircraft","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"1-48-republic-p-47d-thunderbolt-bubbletop","title":"1\/48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt \"Bubbletop\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn May 1941, as the war raged in Europe, a single-engine fighter of more than 4t made its first flight. This fighter was the XP-47B, prototype of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of which a total of 15683 units will be built. Thanks to war experience, this aircraft was equipped with a 2000hp radial R-2800 engine, a supercharger and eight 12,7mm machine-guns. The XP-47B was to reach 633km\/h and in January 1942, just after the USA went to war, the production of P-47B began. It was followed by the P-47C that incorporated various improvements and, from April 1943, by the P-47D, the most built version. The P-47D was equipped with an R-2800-59 engine, which can develop up to 2300hp with combat emergency water injection system engaged. The ducts that were passing on the sides and below the cockpit to connect the supercharger placed behind the pilot's seat gave to this plane its massive aspect. Many sub-types of the P-47D, designated D-1 to D-40, were produced but the first versions were called \"Razorback\" because of their sharp edge dorsal fin. The D-25 sub-type, which was introduced around June 1944, was fitted with an electrically actuated bubble canopy in order to improve pilot visibility and increased capacity fuel tanks. This decision resulted in a completely remodeled plane shape. All subsequent sub-types were also fitted with the bubble canopy and became a characteristic feature of late production Thunderbolts. The P-47 \"Bubbletop\" proved to be an excellent, well-balanced fighter-bomber.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Trench","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44534925328418,"sku":null,"price":695.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/1827\/6130\/files\/148RepublicP-47DThunderboltBubbletop.jpg?v=1763379521"},{"product_id":"1-48-north-american-p-51d-mustang-8th-af","title":"1\/48 North American P-51D Mustang 8th AF","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn April 1940, drawings were sketched in a New York City hotel room for a new fighter aircraft for the British purchasing Commission. This fighter, the North American NA73X, became one of the best fighter aircraft in the U.S. Army Airforce during World War II, and is known as the P-51 Mustang.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOf the several variations of this famous fighter, the P-51D is generally accepted as the definitive Mustang and was the first production version with the \"Bubble\" canopy. More \"D\" model Mustangs were built than all other Mustang variants combined, with a total of 9,603 coming off production lines. 45 squadrons of the famed U.S. 8th Airforce, stationed in England were equipped with the P-51D, which could now escort and protect the heavy bombers all the way to and from targets on the European continent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere were several major changes that set the \"D\" apart form earlier Mustangs. One was the change from four .50 caliber machine guns to six, three in each wing. Another was to mount the guns upright which helped to eliminate a jamming tendency that occurred in the four gun system. Ammunition was increased to 400 rounds per inboard gun, and 270 rounds for each of the other four. Underwing pylons were strengthened to carry the 110 or 165 gallon auxiliary drop tanks or 1,000 lb bomb. P-51D Mustangs went to fight in the later Korean conflict and it last flew combat in 1956 in the deserts to the Middle East, when Israel used Spitfires, Messerschimitts and Mustangs together in the Mid East conflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Trench","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44534928932898,"sku":null,"price":440.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/1827\/6130\/files\/148NorthAmericanP-51DMustang8thAF1.jpg?v=1763380201"},{"product_id":"1-48-douglas-skyraider-ad-6-a-1h","title":"1\/48 Douglas Skyraider AD-6 (A-1H)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring 1943 the U.S. Bureau of Aeronautics considered to combine the tasks of torpedo bomber and dive-bomber into one. Several aircraft manufacturers, such as Douglas and Martin, were requested to develop a large, single-seat attack aircraft. According to the requirement, Douglas Skyraider, was developed by Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe development was started in early July 1944, and all night efforts of engineers made the first prototype's first flight possible already on March 18, 1945. Despite the short period of the development, flight trials proved the airframe's flight characteristics satisfactory and the aircraft was rated very highly. In May 1945 a letter of intent for 598 production was signed. The name \"Skyraider\" was officially approved for the aircraft in February of the following year, and the distribution to units was started at the end of the same year. The Skyraider was powered by Wright R3350 radial engine yielding 2,800 horse power and equipped with three large dive brakes on the fuselage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Skyraider had a number of types, from the AD-1 to AD-7, recording grand total number of production of more than 3,000. Among them, AD-6 was the most produced variant. The AD designation for the Skyraider was changed in 1962, and the AD-6 became the A-1H. Noted for its durability and a large capacity for external stores, the Skyraider was well liked by its pilots and crewmen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Trench","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44534929719330,"sku":null,"price":580.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/1827\/6130\/files\/148DouglasSkyraiderAD-6_A-1H_1.jpg?v=1763380375"},{"product_id":"1-48-messerschmitt-bf109e-4-7-tropical","title":"1\/48 Messerschmitt Bf109E-4\/7 \"Tropical\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring the first half of the Second World War, the Messerschmitt Bf109 E was the main fighter of the German Air force. The E-4 housed a 1,100 hp Daimler Benz DB 601Aa engine and was armed with two 7.9mm machine guns in the nose as well as 20mm cannon on each wing. For some aircraft, bulletproof glass was used to reinforce the front of the canopy. In addition a 20mm cannon, which ran through a tube in the propeller was supposed to be installed but was unsuccessful. Displaying superb acceleration and diving ability, the E-type planes overpowered RAF Hawker Hurricanes and equaled the Spitfire fighters in the Battle of Britain. However, with a flight range of only 560km, the E-4 planes were limited to just fifteen minutes of combat over British skies. Thus, the bombers were not given sufficient support and sustained heavy damage. As a result, the Luftwaffe's strategy to bomb England into surrender ended in failure. To deal with the drawback, the E-4 planes were equipped with an additional 300L fuel tank. These improved fighters, called E-7, were first deployed at the end of 1940. After the Battle of Britain, the E-4\/7 planes were sent to the front lines of Northern Africa. As the Bf109 F-type fighter production advanced, the E-4\/7 was retired from the front lines. However, some veteran pilots continued to use the E-4\/7 mainly for ground support duty until the summer of 1942.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Trench","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44534942760994,"sku":null,"price":390.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/1827\/6130\/files\/148MesserschmittBf109E-47Tropical1.jpg?v=1763380594"},{"product_id":"1-48-messerschmitt-bf109-e-3","title":"1\/48 Messerschmitt Bf109 E-3","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWithout a doubt, the Messerschmitt Bf109 can be claimed as the most famous and successful German aircraft from the WW2. It was the world's most advanced fighter at the time of its debut in 1936, and remained as the standard fighter for the Luftwaffe throughout the conflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCreated by the brilliant designer Willi Messerschmitt, it had the smallest possible airframe built around the most powerful engine available. It also boasted many of the then innovative features such as an all metal stressed skin construction, retractable main landing gear, automatic Handley-Page leading edge slats, etc. The Bf109 saw first combat during the Spanish Civil War and fully demonstrated its exceptional manoeuvrability, inherited from its precedent Bf108 Taifun (Typhoon) multi-purpose sports plane. The Bf109 underwent numerous improvement throughout its career, and mass production of the E variant started late in 1939.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWithin one year, about 2,000 \"E\" aircraft were rolled out. Its excellent performance greatly contributed in the active service of German pilots at the Western Front and during the \"Battle of Britain\". The E-3 version used an improved Daimler-Benz DB601Aa engine capable of 1,100 h.p. output. This engine had provision for mounting a 20mm MG FF cannon on the crankcase and firing through the propeller hub. The Messerschmitt Bf109E was one of the best fighters of the early WW2 period, on a par with the British Spitfire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNote: The colour chart below is the paints called out in the assembly manual of the model kit. Duplicate colours shown are in reference to Tamiya bottle paints as available in two sizes; 10ml and 23ml. Choose the bottle volume that best meets your needs. All spray can paints (AS, TS and PS) are available in 100ml.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Trench","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44534945415202,"sku":null,"price":420.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/1827\/6130\/files\/148MesserschmittBf109E31.jpg?v=1763380939"},{"product_id":"1-48-focke-wulf-fw190-a-3","title":"1\/48 Focke-Wulf Fw190 A-3","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDevelopment of the FW190 series began in the Autumn of 1937, under a contract issued by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (Air Ministry) for a single seat fighter to supplement the Messerschmitt Bf109. Two proposals were submitted by Kurt Tank, the technical director of the Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau (aircraft factory). The proposal using the then new BMW 801 air-cooled radial engine was chosen. This tough and powerful engine was placed in a robust airframe and provided superb handling, well balanced control, and brisk acceleration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt entered service in 1941, flying alongside the Bf 109 and it soon took control of air superiority over the English Channel. Establishing itself as a mainstay fighter of the Luftwaffe, it outperformed the contemporary Spitfire Mk. V's in almost every respect and maintained this advantage until the arrival of the Spitfire IX in July 1942. The FW 190 fighter underwent constant improvement throughout its life. The A-3 version used the improved BMW 801Dg engine that produced 1,700hp. Armament was increased from four to six guns, consisting of two rapid firing MG 151's in the wing roots; two MG FF's outboard of the landing gear and two fuselage mounted MG 17 machine guns.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThroughout WW2, many Luftwaffe squadrons allowed personal pilot markings and distinctive squadron insignia to be used, plus lower cowl, wing tip and rudder colour additions to the original paint schemes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Trench","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44535439622178,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/1827\/6130\/files\/148Focke-WulfFw190A-3_2.jpg?v=1763386771"},{"product_id":"1-48-focke-wulf-fw190-d-9","title":"1\/48 Focke-Wulf Fw190 D-9","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFollowing the successful entry of the Focke-Wulf Fw190A series of fighter aircraft over the English channel during the autumn of 1941, the German RLM requested high altitude version to complement the fighter fleet, and three projects were started. The Fw 190B used the B.M.W. 801 turbo supercharged radial engine and a pressurized cockpit, but very few of these were built.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Fw190C was powered by a 1,750hp Daimler Benz DB603A in-line engine, of which three prototypes were built. The third high altitude project was based on the Focke Wulf Fw190A airframe and powered by a Junkers engine. The fuselage was lengthened to accommodate the V-12 cylinder, liquid cooled, 1,750hp Jumo 213 engine, and made its initial flight during the winter of 1941 - 42. Five further prototypes were produced, plus small batch of Fw 190 D-Os were completed from standard production Fw 190A-7 airframes. These pre-production aircraft were followed by the Fw190 D-2 through D-8 designations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Fw 190D-9 began production in June 1944, with early versions having the flat topped canopy, and from W. Nr. 210002 onwards having the Galland hood (blown canopy). It went into combat with the III\/JG 54 \"Grunherz\" (Green Hearts) in September 1944, at Achmer, Germany, as top cover for the new Messerschmitt Me262 Jet fighters then entering service.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Trench","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44535440343074,"sku":null,"price":420.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/1827\/6130\/files\/148Focke-WulfFw190D-92.jpg?v=1763387014"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.thetrenchhobbies.co.za\/collections\/aircraft.oembed","provider":"The Trench","version":"1.0","type":"link"}