Name: De Havilland Hornet F.1 1:48 Model Kit by Trumpeter
Brand: SCH Models
SKU: TRU02893
Price: 34.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

De Havilland Hornet F.1 1:48 Model Kit by Trumpeter

£34.99

Model Features

1:48 scale plastic model kit
Accurately represents the de Havilland Hornet F.1 long-range fighter aircraft
Highly detailed cockpit with realistic instrument panel and seat
Finely engraved panel lines and authentic surface detail
Detailed Rolls-Royce Merlin engines with streamlined nacelles
Accurate contra-rotating propeller assemblies
Clear canopy parts with excellent transparency
Detailed landing gear and wheel wells
Precision-moulded plastic parts
Waterslide decal sheet included
Illustrated assembly instructions
Ideal for post-war RAF aviation collections, British aircraft displays, or Cold War diorama projects

Specifications

Brand: Trumpeter
Scale: 1:48
Subject: de Havilland Hornet F.1
Material: Injection-moulded plastic
Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate modellers
Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
Recommended Age: 14+
Parts: Over 80 pieces
Model Length: Approx. 236mm
Wingspan: Approx. 286mm

What's in the Box

Plastic sprues
Clear canopy parts
Detailed propeller and engine components
Landing gear components
Waterslide decal sheet
Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Aircraft

The de Havilland Hornet F.1 was one of the fastest piston-engined fighter aircraft ever produced and represented the pinnacle of British twin-engine fighter development. Designed by de Havilland Aircraft Company during the closing years of the Second World War, the Hornet was intended as a long-range fighter capable of operating across the vast distances of the Pacific theatre.

Drawing upon the experience gained with the highly successful de Havilland Mosquito, the Hornet featured an all-wooden construction but was an entirely new design. It had a slimmer fuselage, thinner wings, and was powered by two specially developed Rolls-Royce Merlin 130/131 engines driving contra-rotating propellers. This arrangement eliminated torque effects while delivering exceptional speed, stability, and fuel efficiency.

Although the Hornet first flew in 1944, development delays meant it entered Royal Air Force service in 1946, too late to participate in the Second World War. Despite this, it quickly established itself as one of the RAF's most capable fighter aircraft, combining outstanding range with impressive performance. Capable of speeds exceeding 470 mph (760 km/h), it was among the fastest piston-powered aircraft ever to enter operational service.

The Hornet F.1 served primarily with RAF Fighter Command before later variants were deployed overseas. During the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960), Hornets flew long-range ground attack and strike missions against communist insurgents operating in dense jungle terrain. Their ability to carry bombs and rockets, combined with excellent endurance, made them highly effective in this role.

The aircraft also formed the basis for the naval Sea Hornet, which served with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. However, the rapid emergence of jet-powered fighters during the late 1940s meant the Hornet's frontline service was relatively short-lived.

Despite its brief operational career, the de Havilland Hornet is widely regarded as one of Britain's finest piston-engine fighters. Its advanced design, exceptional speed, and elegant appearance have earned it lasting recognition among aviation historians and scale modellers alike.