This is the first-ever release of the 1:48 scale AV-8B Harrier II in diecast from Corgi. This incredible Aviation Archive model features a display stand, removable undercarriage, and multiple moving parts, including a sliding canopy, rotating Pegasus Engine exhausts and even a spinning fan blade inside the aircraft. The livery pays tribute to a legendary US Marine Squadron.

This die-cast model has a limited edition run of 1500 items.

History

Serving members of US Marine Attack Squadron 214 have always been proud to uphold the traditions of a unit which was originally formed at Ewa Field in Hawaii on the 1st July 1942, and claimed celebrated ace pilot Major PAPPY Boyington amongst their number.

Boyington was significant for becoming the first fighter ace to eclipse the victory total of the famous Great War Ace Eddie Rickenbacker. He also received the Medal of Honor, Americas highest military decoration.

They were known as the Black Sheep Squadron, because this new unit was made up of individual airmen seconded from other units right across the Pacific Theatre, with little support or resources, leaving members feeling like outcasts a disparate group. What they lacked in support, they made up for in fighting prowess.

The later history of this unit was marked by their long association with the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B plus Harrier II, an aircraft type they operated for 33 years. They only relinquished their aircraft when they exchanged them for the Fifth Generation Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth jet in 2022.

For the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Black Sheep, VMA-214 presented AV-8B Harrier II Plus 165001 01 in this striking special scheme, with the aircraft proudly carrying the name Maj. Gregory PAPPY Boyington on its starboard cockpit canopy framing.

What's in the Box? 

• Die-Cast Model with Display Stand

Specifications:

• Finish: Painted
• Wingspan (mm): 195
• Detailed Crew Figures: Yes
• Fuel Tanks: Yes
• Moving Parts: Yes
• Opening Canopy: Yes
• Optional Undercarriage Down: Yes

Item Dimensions - Without Packaging:

• Length (cm) = 31.0
• Height (cm) = 7.8
• Width (cm) = 19.5
• Scale = 1/48