Blackburn Skua Mk.II

In 1934, the Air Ministry issued specifications O.27/34. They contained requirements for a multi-role aircraft for shipboard service. The aircraft was to be operated as a fighter as well as a dive bomber. A fighter for aircraft carriers in the British concept of the time was a two-seater aircraft designed for long operational flights and combat with enemy reconnaissance aircraft. Combat against enemy bombers, let alone fighters, was not envisaged. The B.24 project by the chief designer of the Blackburn company, Eng. G.E. Petty, was chosen as the best one. Petty designed an all-metal low-wing aircraft with folding wings and retractable landing gear. Under the fuselage, the aircraft had a arresting hook and a recess for a bomb of up to 226 kg. The first prototype, later named Skua Mk.I, took off on 9 February 1937. After successful tests, serial production began immediately. The production aircraft were powered by Bristol Perseus XII engines and were designated Skua Mk.II. They were delivered to fighter squadrons Nos. 800, 801, 803 and 806, and were also supplied to training squadrons and target towing units. Despite the rush in production, they were considered obsolete in the fighter role. With the outbreak of war, Skua aircraft quickly entered combat, operating from both aircraft carriers and land bases. In the first bombing attack on a German submarine on 14 September, two Skuas from a three aircraft section were lost to their own low-quality bombs. On 26 September, two aircraft from No 803 sqn shot down an enemy Dornier Do 18. This was the first confirmed British aerial victory of the Second World War. The Skua is closely associated with more firsts. During the Norwegian Campaign on 10 April 1940, sixteen Skuas sank the German cruiser Königsberg. No 800 Sqn., led by Capt. R.T. Partridge, and No 803 Sqn., led by Lt. W.P. Lucy, took off from Hatston in the Orkneys. This was the first successful air attack on a battleship during the Second World War. Skuas took part in the Battle of Dunkirk and on board HMS Ark Royal they intervened in the fighting in the Mediterranean. Here the Skua achieved another first, on 3 July 1940, a Skua from Ark Royal fought against fighters from a former ally, France. It became the first British aircraft to fight against the French and also the first to be lost in this undeclared war. The last Skuas were withdrawn from HMS Ark Royal in April 1941. They then served only with non-combat squadrons. Their combat career was relatively short, but despite the low performance of the Skuas as a fighter, several aces with more than five kills were achieved on them. As bombers they could have been much more successful, but they were not properly used by the Admiralty, to the detriment of the Royal Navy. We are returning the model to the offer after several years. Two ssprues made of grey plastic are joined by a sprue of clear parts, etchings and detailed PUR parts. Decals are offered for three machines in FAA camouflage scheme.