AIRFIX de Havilland Chipmunk T.10 Model A04105

Airfix de Havilland Chipmunk T.10 ModelDescription: With the de Havilland designed Tiger Moth biplane proving to be such an important pilot training aircraft during the Second World War it is no wonder that the same company would have a say in producing its replacement when both the RCAF and Royal Air Force were looking to upgrade their primary pilot training capabilities. In order to keep pace with wartime aircraft production and to allow increasing numbers of Canadian airmen to be trained de Havilland established an overseas subsidiary in Canada the de Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada. Following the end of WWII the company began design work on a new aircraft one intended as a replacement for the ageing Tiger Moths still in RCAF service. A tandem two seat monoplane the new trainer incorporated many advances over its predecessor but shared many of its design philosophies in that it was intended to be both simple to maintain and relatively forgiving to fly - these aircraft needed to be in the air earning their keep. Having the distinction of being the first aircraft type designed and built by de Havilland Canada the first Chipmunk took to the skies in May 1946 and almost immediately gained interest from the military. By April 1948 the Royal Canadian Air Force had taken delivery of their first Chipmunk but they were not the only ones admiring the qualities of this extremely capable aeroplane. The vast majority of the 1283 de Havilland Chipmunks built would be manufactured under licence in the UK in factories at Hatfield and Chester with around 735 of these going on to see service with the Royal Air Force again as the direct replacement for the venerable old Tiger Moth. In RAF service the British built machines were known as the de Havilland Chipmunk Mk. 10 and they would go on to provide basic flight training support many thousands of future military aviators in addition to providing air experience opportunities for many more as part of the University Air Squadron organisation. Despite being a Canadian design the Chipmunk has become one of the most recognisable Royal Air Force aircraft of the post war era and has enjoyed a military career which began in the early 1950s and continues to this day. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight still operate two Chipmunks regularly providing currency training for aircrew assigned to fly the unit's historic 'taildraggers' and also to allow crews to reconnoitre new display venues in advance of their show appearance. In other situations the aircraft can be used to deliver replacement aircrew or spare parts whilst the Flight's Spitfires and Hurricanes are out on display duties during the Airshow season. These two Chipmunks have ensured that the aircraft must now be regarded as one of the longest serving types in Royal Air Force History. With such an impressive military pedigree as this it is also interesting to note that the Chipmunk has gone on to become one of the most popular aircraft types on the civilian