Corgi 1/48 AA27901 Royal Navy McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 XT864/007R 892 NAS FAA HMS Ark Royal Nov 1978
Corgi AA27901 is a large 1/48th scale diecast model of a Royal Navy McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 (XT864/007R) attached to 892 Naval Air Squadron - Fleet Air Arm - flying from HMS Ark Royal during November 1978. Length 365mm, wingspan 240mm.
This a really well finished die-cast model for the adult collector.
Few aircraft have been as visually striking as the mighty Phantom FG.1s of the Royal Navy, that operated from the deck of HMS Ark Royal. In the seconds prior to launch and whilst connected to the ship’s steam catapult, the aircraft’s nose wheel oleo would be extended to its maximum 40 inch position, giving the Phantom a distinct nose up attitude to increase the efficiency of engine thrust on take off. With steam rising eerily from the ships deck, Navy Phantoms looked like a giant metal praying mantis, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. With maximum afterburner selected and the engine power almost melting the ship’s deck, the Phantom was finally released from its shackles and roared into the air – such a spectacular experience for anyone lucky enough to see it.
Although most of us will have only ever seen the operation of Ark Royal's Phantoms on video or in reference books, these iconic images left such an indelible impression that Britain's Rolls Royce Spey powered Phantoms have since become something of an enigma and still command huge enthusiast interest to this day.