Corgi AA27202 | Avro Vulcan B.Mk 2  RAF No.617 (Dambusters) Sqn, XL321, RAF Scampton, England, 1964

General Background:

Designed to meet an Air Ministry specification for a high-speed, high-altitude, long-range nuclear bomber, the Avro Vulcan was first flown on August 30, 1952. Though revolutionary, the Vulcan's original delta wing tailless design was an unknown quantity. The first prototype crashed in the fall of 1949 and the early straight leading edge design was later modified to kink towards the wingtip, giving the service aircraft superior flying characteristics. Carrying Britain's first nuclear weapon (the Blue Danube), the Vulcan's original role was nuclear deterrence, but it was later modified for air-to-air refueling missions and maritime radar reconnaissance.

                        The Aircraft:

The Avro Vulcan was a British delta wing subsonic bomber operated by the Royal Air Force from 1953 until 1984. The Vulcan was part of the RAF's V bomber force, which fulfilled the role of nuclear deterrent against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Arguably the most famous RAF squadron, No.617 was formed in 1943 at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. Commonly known as "The Dambusters" due to its successful attack on the German dams in May 1943, the Squadron operated the famous Vulcan bombers throughout the Cold War. Painted in its iconic white "anti-flash" scheme designed to reflect some of the thermal radiation from a nuclear explosion, the B.2 bombers were configured for the Blue Steel stand-off missile and No.617 Squadron was the first to be declared operational with it in August 1962. These white Vulcans were some of the most distinctive aircraft to have served in the Royal Air Force. The Squadron's Vulcans would serve mainly in a low-level penetration role until disbandment on 31st December 1981.

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
• Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
• Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.