Airfix 04057A Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1/AV-8A 1/72

Airfix 04057A Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1/AV-8A 1/72 – Plastic Model Kit

Introducing the Airfix 04057A Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1/AV-8A in 1/72 scale – a detailed plastic model of the British vertical/short take-off and landing (V/STOL) aircraft that forever changed the history of military aviation. This model kit comes from the renowned manufacturer Airfix, offering a realistic representation of a machine that was groundbreaking for 20th-century aviation technology. The kit does not include glue or paints, allowing you to select your own accessories perfectly tailored to your preferences.

History and Use of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1 Aircraft

The Harrier GR.1 was developed from the prototype Hawker P.1127, a result of British experiments with vertical flight and short take-off/landing. It entered service in 1969 with the United Kingdom (Royal Air Force), and its variants were also used by the United States (as the AV-8A Harrier). It was operated during the Cold War, mostly as a versatile deterrent in the era of NATO–Eastern Bloc confrontation. The aircraft was notable for its capability of rapid operational deployment even on unprepared runways, such as forest clearings, stretches of highways, or even school playgrounds, making it exceptionally difficult for the enemy to locate.

• Scale: 1/72
• Material: high-quality plastic
• Operator countries: United Kingdom, USA
• Service period: since the late 1960s – Cold War
• Category: plastic aircraft model kit
• Operational history: Western Europe, especially West Germany (RAF), widely used as a support aircraft during air shows
• Contents: frames with plastic parts, decal sheet for authentic markings, clear instructions
• Add-ons: does not include resin, photo-etch, or metal parts – full plastic model
• Build difficulty: 3/5 (model recommended for intermediate modellers)

Why Choose the Airfix Harrier GR.1/AV-8A 1/72 Model?

This model offers exceptional educational and collector’s value – providing a great basis for learning about V/STOL aircraft technology. Its detailed build captures the unique shape of the "Jump Jet," with precision in both the cockpit and external elements. The model is primarily intended for intermediate modellers, though beginners under the guidance of an experienced modeller will also find it an excellent opportunity to improve manual skills and learn about the history of military aviation.

We highly recommend this model to all enthusiasts of Cold War history, military aviation, and unique engineering achievements. It is a valuable addition to any 1/72 scale model collection.