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Airfix has been around since 1939, and is still very popular amongst modelling enthusiasts. Nowadays, the Airfix range is made up of over 200 different products. Mainly consisting of Military Aircraft, Airfix also dives into the worlds of tanks, cars, ships, figures and more. Understanding the best Airfix models from this huge list of products can be overwhelming. So in this article, we will use our expert knowledge to round up 10 of the best Airfix Models. Without further ado, let’s get started.

#10 – Airfix 1:400 RMS Titanic Gift Set (A50146A)

This classic Airfix kit has been around for a while, but still impresses us. With over 381 parts this model is ideal for experienced modellers, and is rated 4 / 5 skill level. You will get a lot of joy from this model, providing hours of assembly. Once built the model measures over 67 cm in length, that’s big! More, this is a gift set. So, includes all the required paints and glue making it not only perfect for gifting – but also ideal for get and go building. When our team assembled this model, the parts fit perfectly without any issues.

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#9 – Avro Vulcan B.2 “Black Buck” (A12013)

Model Background Information:

戦後英国航空史において重要な位置を占めるアブロ・バルカンは、その巨大なデルタ翼プロファイルにより、間違いなく空を飛んだ最も特徴的な航空機の一つであった。核兵器を搭載可能な高速・高高度戦略爆撃機という英国空軍省の極めて厳しい要求を満たすために建造されたバルカンは、それまでの英国爆撃機の能力を100％向上させた存在であった。 1952年8月に初飛行を果たした際、アブロのチームはすでに、世界初のデルタ翼爆撃機であるだけでなく、世界でも最も効果的な攻撃爆撃機の一つを英国空軍に提供しようとしていた。1957年7月にヴァルカンがRAFワディントン基地の第83飛行隊で実戦配備されると、英国は世界最速の核搭載能力を持つ爆撃機を手にしたのである。

1982年のフォークランド紛争当時、由緒あるアブロ・バルカンは退役を目前にしていた。核抑止任務は王立海軍の潜水艦に引き継がれ、特徴的なデルタ翼ジェット機の終焉は明らかだった。しかしアルゼンチンによるフォークランド諸島侵攻により、英国空軍はこの老朽化した爆撃機に最後の任務を課すこととなった。 バルカンは、アセンション島のRAFワイドアウェイク基地から島へ爆弾を搭載して到達できる唯一の航空機であった。たとえ空中給油を複数回必要とする場合でも。 当時もなおこの爆撃機を運用していた最後の3個飛行隊（第44、第50、第101飛行隊）は、4月から6月にかけて「ブラックバック」とコードネームされた一連の空襲を実施した。最も有名なのは「ブラックバック・ワン」作戦で、XM607号機が投下した21発の爆弾のうち1発がポートスタンレーの滑走路を損傷させた。 この奇襲攻撃により高速ジェット機の飛行場使用が阻止され、当時としては史上最長の爆撃作戦となった。

About the kit

In 2023 Airfix replaced the long-running standard Avro Vulcan B.2 with the “Black Buck” version. However, don’t be fooled into thinking they are the same model. Airfix has made improvments upon the incredibly successful precedessor by adding new Strike missiles and ECM equipment parts to the model. In total this kit includes 271 pieces and is rated 3 / 5 skill level. Once assembled the model measures 45 cm in length and 47 cm in wingspan. It also includes 2 different scheme options:

• Avro Vulcan B.Mk.2, XM597, Black Buck Six, No.101 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Waddington Wing, Wideawake airfield, Ascension Islands, June 1982. (A)
• Avro Vulcan B.Mk.2, XM607, Black Buck One, No.44 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Waddington Wing, Wideawake airfield, Ascension Islands, May 1982. (B)

This classic Airfix kit is a must have.

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#8 – D-Day Operation Overlord Gift Set

背景情報

Early on the morning of June 6th 1944 the combined forces of the Allied armies landed on the Normandy beaches in Northern France in the most ambitious and important operation of the Second World War. With airborne troops already on the ground and fighting, the sea-borne element of the force began landing. This phase of the operation was codenamed Neptune and consisted of five invasion beaches, three British and Canadian (Sword, Gold and Juno) and two American beaches (Omaha and Utah). The landings themselves were preceded both by a powerful air attack and by a fierce naval artillery barrage from a vast armada of ships anchored off-shore.

The majority of the beaches were taken with casualties, but no severe losses, except for Omaha where the American troops were pinned down after the naval bombardment failed to destroy the German defences. But even this obstacle was overcome and once the beach-heads were secure, Allied troops and equipment were quickly brought ashore, ready to continue on and liberate the occupied countries of Western Europe and ultimately to defeat Germany and win the war.

This collection comes from the Normandy beach-head, with tanks, landing craft, trucks, a gun emplacement, soldiers and a diorama base to enable you to recreate this momentous day.

About the Kit

This gift set is ideal for more advanced modellers and includes glue, acrylic paints and brushes. This kit allows you to recreate a realistic diorama scene from the D-Day ground assault. A whopping 410 pieces are inside, so that you can recreate multiple boats, tanks, armour vehicles, defence fort and of course British and German infantry on a realistic diorama base. Once completed, the whole set takes up an area of 60 x 34 cm (length x width).

This kit was created using the latest Airfix advanced CAD design, allowing for incredible details.

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#7 – 1:48 Westland Sea King HAS.1/HAS.5/HU.5 (A11006)

背景情報

King of land, sea, and sky, we introduce the newly tooled 1:48 Westland Sea King HAS.1/HAS.5/HU.5, the most complete Sea King kit ever released with 348 pieces.

With its captivating narrative, this kit portrays the evolution of a single aircraft, from its inaugural flight to its current livery, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.

The newly designed Westland Sea King boasts an intricately detailed exterior, featuring a fully riveted external skin and overlapping panels. Its interior is equally detailed, showcasing raised cockpit elements and instrument surfaces, and three distinct cabin configurations tailored to each scheme.

At the very forefront of world helicopter design and development in the post war era, the US Sikorsky Company were awarded an important contract to produce an all-weather amphibious helicopter for the United States Navy in 1957. Its primary mission profile would be that of an anti-submarine warfare aircraft, protecting the US fleet from possible attack, however, the aircraft would prove adaptable enough to take on a multitude of secondary roles, going on to become one of the truly great aircraft of the 20th Century. 

The aircraft, which was given the designation SH-3 Sea King, was produced with an amphibious hull, giving it the capability to land on water, in addition to its more usual environment on the decks of numerous US Navy warships. Powered by a twin turboshaft engine arrangement, the Sea King was an impressive machine, capable of carrying significant loads of men, equipment, or general supplies, providing the US Navy with a truly revolutionary new aircraft. 

On entering service in 1961, the Sea King was the most advanced aircraft of its type in the world and presented the US Navy with one of the most flexible aviation platforms at that time. In Britain, an existing licence agreement between Westland Helicopters and Sikorsky to build their helicopters in the UK was extended to include the SH-3 Sea King not long after the first flight of the prototype aircraft, because even at that early stage, the incredible potential of this new helicopter was clear, and Britain wanted its own Sea Kings. 

Externally, Westland manufactured Sea King helicopters featured the same classic lines of the original US design, however internally, they were very different machines, with numerous modifications geared towards British military use. The Westland Sea King was selected by the Royal Navy to meet their requirement for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter, replacing the venerable Westland Wessex in this role, with an order for 60 aircraft being placed in the summer of 1966. 

The first Westland built Sea King HAS.1 flew from their factory facility at Yeovil on 7th May 1969, with the first Royal Navy machines delivered to No.700 Naval Air Squadron (OEU) at RNAS Yeovilton later that same year. As the Sea King became established in Royal Naval service, it quickly showed itself to be both operationally capable and highly adaptable and was destined for a long and illustrious career not only with the Fleet Air Arm, but also with the Royal Air Force. 

Excelling in every role it was assigned, it was perhaps its use as a Search & Rescue helicopter which made these some of the best loved aircraft in British military service and undoubtedly one of the most successful aircraft of the post war era.

About the Kit

Released in 2023 – This kit consists of 348 individual parts and allows you to recreate the famous Westland Sea King in four different schemes. This is a more advanced kit and is recommended to more experienced modellers. You will find a great amount of detail on this model. The cabin is fully detailed, and the body features a fully riveted surface and overlapping panels. Once assembled the model measures 46 cm long.

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#6 – 1:48 Fairney Gannet AS.1/AS.4 (A11007)

背景情報

An aircraft that must surely be considered one of the most distinctive types to have ever seen Fleet Air Arm service, the Fairey Gannet was as capable as it was unique and was significant as the only post-war military contract to be won by the famous Fairey Aviation Company. Arguably the most unconventional Fairey designed aircraft to enter full production, the Gannet was developed in response to a 1945 Royal Navy requirement for an advanced carrier-based, turboprop-powered anti-submarine hunter-killer, one which was rugged enough to withstand the rigors of operation at sea. 

Intended to counter the recent expansion of the Soviet submarine fleet at the start of the Cold War era, the Gannet was equipped with all manner of the latest electronic detection equipment and if an enemy submarine was detected, it could be marked, tracked, and if necessary, attacked, using bombs, depth charges, rockets, and air-launched acoustic torpedoes.

One feature of the Gannet which helped to give it a unique appearance was the adoption of its powerplant, the innovative Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba. This arrangement saw two gas turbine engines mounted side by side in the nose of the gannet, sharing a common gearbox, but both operating independently, each engine driving its own coaxially mounted, contra-rotating propeller. In addition to this, the engines could run on kerosene and even diesel fuel, which was safer to handle and less refined than traditional aviation fuels. 

This arrangement provided Gannet crews with more than enough power for carrier operations, with the reassurance of two engines when embarking on long ocean patrols. Once in flight, the pilot could shut down one of the engines to conserve fuel and whilst this would reduce the Gannet’s maximum speed, it would extend its loiter capabilities. Usually, a pilot would alternate engine use during a long patrol, running each engine for around an hour before swapping to the other engine – the engine mounted on the port side drove the front propeller.

Another unique feature of the Gannet’s design was its bi-folding wing system, something which was designed to allow this large aircraft to operate safely and to be stored aboard one of the Royal Navy’s relatively small aircraft carriers. When a pilot engaged the wing unfold, this ingenious system not only prepared the wings for flight, but also automatically connected all flight control systems, hydraulic connections and fuel pipes to the main system, without any ground crew intervention. 

In operation, there are reports that the Gannet was so rugged a design that when one aircraft lost the outer sections of both wings after performing a particularly violent manoeuvre, the aircraft still managed to make it back safely to its home carrier, something which can only have endeared the aircraft to its crews still further.

The Fairey Gannet would prove to be an extremely rugged and highly effective anti-submarine aircraft, one which could carry an impressive array of offensive ordnance and one which was able to attack submarines either on the surface, or when submerged and trying to evade its attentions. Well-liked by air and ground crews alike, 348 Gannets would eventually be produced and in addition to serving with Britain’s Fleet Air Arm, the aircraft would also see service with the navies of Australia, Germany and Indonesia.

About the kit

This kit consists of 334 parts and is rated at a skill level of 4 / 5, so we recommend this to more experienced modellers. Its unique Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba powerplant and bi-folding wing design are highlighted well. The kit features detailed representations of rivets and surface textures, emphasising the aircraft’s ruggedness and operational versatility. This model, with its historical significance and distinctive design, is a standout addition to any collection, capturing the essence of naval aviation. Once assembled, this model has a wingspan of over 34 cm. Decals for four different schemes are included.

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#5 – 1:48 Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XIV

背景情報

Continuing the wartime development of the famous Supermarine Spitfire, the Mk.XIV saw the classic shape of Mitchell’s celebrated fighter paired with the awesome power of the new Rolls Royce Griffon engine. The resultant aircraft was superb and one of the RAFs most capable fighters of WWII, proving particularly successful when employed against the V-1 flying bomb attacks which Germany launched against southern Britain, from the summer of 1944.

The adoption of the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine provided the Spitfire with a significant increase in performance, but not without presenting Supermarine designers and pilots converting to the aircraft with a few challenges. Installation of the new engine in the existing Spitfire airframe required a redesign of both the front and rear sections of the aircraft and the use of a distinctive five bladed Rotol propeller. Pilots used to flying Merlin engined versions of the aircraft would find the Griffon turned in the propeller in the opposite direction and whilst the earlier aircraft tended to veer to the left on take-off, the Griffon powered machines would veer in the opposite direction if the pilot forgot and applied their usual corrective inputs, their first flight could be a particularly short and uncomfortable one.

As the only British fighter type to remain in production throughout WWII, the Spitfire was constantly developed to ensure it remained at the forefront of fighter performance, with the Griffon powered aircraft being around 80 mph faster than the original Mk.I machines. With the purr of the early Merlin engines replaced by the throaty growl of the mighty Griffon, these later developments appear to be much more capable versions of the fighter than the classic early Spitfires, even though they are basically a development of them. The Griffin powered Spitfire Mk.XIV possessed greater performance than that of the thoroughbred Mk.IX and therefore was superior to both the Luftwaffe’s Focke Wulf Fw 190 and the latest versions of the Messerschmitt Bf 109.

Taking part in air operations in support of and in the months following the D-Day landings, the Mk.XIV was used extensively by the 2nd Tactical Air Force, equipping all 20 of the Spitfire Squadrons that operated from the continent in the months between D-Day and VE-Day. Employed predominantly in an armed reconnaissance role, these fearsome fighters would search for targets behind German lines, attempting to disrupt both their retreat and their ability to send reinforcements to the current front line. Their speed also made them an ideal aircraft to help counter the growing Doodlebug threat endured by southern Britain in the months following Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings.

About the model

It features precise molding that captures the Spitfire’s sleek lines and distinctive elliptical wings. The kit includes options for different liveries, allowing modelers to build and customize their aircraft in various squadron colors and markings. This 1:48 scale model is designed for intermediate to advanced hobbyists, offering a rewarding build experience with its historical accuracy and attention to detail. Once assembled, this model has a wingspan of 20.7 cm. A total of 118 parts are included in this kit – with decals for 2 scheme options.

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#4 1:180 HMS Victory (A09252V)

Background information

Launched on 7th May 1765, HMS Victory gained its fame by becoming Admiral Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The victory at this battle ended Napoleon’s bid for mastery of the sea, but cost Admiral Nelson his life.

She had previously taken part in many major actions against Spanish and French fleets, and is now the oldest serving Royal Naval ship still in service, being the flagship of Portsmouth Command. After being restored to the same condition and appearance as she was at Trafalgar, she can now be seen in all her glory at her home in Portsmouth by visitors from all over the world.

About the kit

This kit consists of 353 parts, measuring 38.3 cm long once assembled. One of the best HMS Victory kits on the market for this price point.

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#3 – Cromwell Mk.IV (A1373)

背景情報

One of a series of fast and relatively well armed cruiser tanks developed by the British during the Second World War, the Cromwell can trace its history back to late 1940 and the decision to find a replacement for the widely used Crusader tank. Due to a relatively protracted development, however, there can be some confusion with these tanks, as similar looking machines were named Centaur and Cromwell, with both being derived from the A24 Cruiser Mark VII Cavalier, the name given to the original intended Crusader replacement programme.

The main reason for the different names refers to the three different engine types which were used to power the individual vehicles. The A27M Cromwell Mk.IV was the most heavily produced version of the new Cruiser Tank Mk.VIII and matched the Centaur hull with the highly effective Rolls Royce Meteor engine (A27Meteor), which allowed the tank to travel at impressively high speeds. The tank also featured a quick firing 75mm gun, which was a re-bored version of the British 6 pounder gun and allowed the commander to have the option of using American produced armour piercing or high explosive rounds.

Although originally introduced in November 1943, persistent problems with the new guns operation meant that the Mk.IV would not make its combat introduction until the Normandy landings in June 1944, where its speed and mobility would complement the Sherman tanks, which were available in greater numbers. During the savage fighting in the narrow hedgerow lined lanes of the Normandy battlefield, the excellent mobility of the Cromwell was somewhat nullified and even worse than that, as tanks were forced to climb these steep banks, they exposed their vulnerable undersides to potential armour piercing Panzerfaust attack.

The simple solution was to attach a steel blade hedge cutter to the front of the tank, which allowed the commander to scythe through the obstacle, keeping his tank level and still able to bring his guns to bear. This addition even provided some welcome natural foliage camouflage for the tank, as long as the bushes it didn’t obstruct his gun aiming sights.

About the kit

This model kit, featuring 285 pieces, is designed for intermediate skill levels, rated at 3 out of 5. It boasts detailed panels, accurately overlapping components, and high-quality decals, enhancing the realism. Instructions are easy to follow. Once assembled this model measures over 18 cm in length.

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#2 – De Havilland Mosquito B.XVI (A04023)

背景情報

Without question, the de Havilland Mosquito qualifies as one of the finest fighting aeroplanes of the Second World War and one which could claim to be the envy of every other air force, particularly the Luftwaffe, who tried, but never quite managed to produce an equivalent aircraft. A true multi-role aircraft, the Mosquito’s famous nickname ‘The Wooden Wonder’ referenced the fact that this hugely successful British aircraft was constructed using ‘non-strategic’ materials and employed a clever system of balsa and birch plywood lamination, which gave the aircraft great strength. Although they relied on the performance and survivability of their Mosquitos, men in these units would often take its nickname a stage further and affectionately refer to their aircraft as ‘Flying Furniture’.

Developed and tested largely as a private venture and without interference from the Air Ministry, once they saw what de Havilland had managed to produce, the Ministry were suitably impressed and immediately placed an order for 150 aircraft, with the Mosquito quickly attracting a ‘priority status’ production requirement. The Mosquito was one of the fastest aircraft in the world at that time and one which would prove to be something of an aviation phenomenon – although initially intended as a high speed bomber, Mosquitos would also operate as day and night fighters, pathfinders, night intruders, maritime strike and reconnaissance aircraft.

Once the first production aircraft started reaching RAF squadrons towards the end of 1941, the de Havilland Mosquito quickly showed itself to be one of the most valuable assets available to the Royal Air Force, a real war winner and one which would serve with distinction for the remainder of the conflict. Originally conceived as a high speed bomber for the RAF, the final major bomber variant of the de Havilland Mosquito was the B.XVI, with deliveries to front line squadrons starting from 1944. This was a development of the earlier B.IX variant and one which had been optimised for high altitude operation, incorporating a new pressurised cabin. Another unarmed version of the Mosquito, the B.XVI could carry a 3,000lb bomb load, however, all but the first 12 aircraft from a total production run of 402 machines incorporated modifications to allow a 4,000lb ‘Cookie’ or blockbuster bomb to be carried internally, a weapon which possessed devastating destructive capability.

Combining the power of these fearsome weapons with the legendary speed and bombing accuracy associated with Mosquito operations allowed Bomber Command to keep the pressure on the enemy throughout the latter stages of WWII. Interestingly, these huge bombs were exactly four times the weight of the original bomb load this exceptional aircraft was designed to carry, which is testament to the strength of the Mosquito’s construction techniques. Optimised for high altitude operations, this final major bomber variant of the Mosquito could be powered by several different ‘seventy series’ versions of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine, in addition to incorporating a modified wing, which could now accept either a 50 or 100 gallon paper drop-tank on either side and up to four externally mounted 500lb bombs, further enhancing the strategic capabilities of this superb aircraft.

By the end of its ten year production run, which began in 1940, almost 8,000 of these highly effective warplanes had been constructed. For an aircraft which earned such an impressive wartime reputation, it is sobering to think that the Mosquito may have been stopped in its tracks, as Air Ministry officials were initially concerned that work on this new aircraft project might disrupt production of the Tiger Moth training biplane, something they could not allow to happen. Thankfully, designers at de Havilland knew they were on to a winner and were determined to see their magnificent new aircraft fly.

About the kit

This 1:72 scale kit consists of 161 parts. Rated a skill level of 2 / 5 this kit is ideal for intermediate and experienced modellers. This kit provides an impressive amount of detail with grooved tyres, realistic weapons, detailed bomb bay, realistic landing gear and riveted external body.

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#1 – 1:24 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc (A17001)

背景情報

航空の世界において、スーパーマリン・スピットファイアが享受する象徴的な地位に、少しでも近づける航空機は存在するだろうか？その遺産は、戦時中と同様に今日でも揺るぎないものである。 1936年3月5日にイーストリー飛行場で初飛行を果たしたこの近代的な単葉戦闘機は、英国空軍のパイロットたちが無敵のドイツ空軍（ルフトヴァッフェ）の圧倒的な戦力に敢然と立ち向かった「バトル・オブ・ブリテン」において伝説的な名声を確立した。それは国家と国民が最も暗黒の時代に直面した時、希望の灯火となった航空機の象徴であった。 

優雅で優美な外観のスピットファイアは、その見た目に反して致命的な戦闘機であり、戦時中ほぼ絶え間なく改良を重ねられるほど適応性に富んでいた。その結果、後期型は就役初期の機体よりも時速100マイル近くも速い速度を記録した。 戦後まで長く現役を務めたスピットファイアは、同時代の航空機をすべて凌駕し、全機種（シーファイアを含む）で22,000機以上が製造された。現在も世界中の航空ショーで頻繁に目にする存在であり、整備された復元機が増え続けることで、スピットファイアの不滅の物語は今も紡がれ続けている。 試作機が初飛行してから85年以上が経過した今も、スピットファイアは英国で最も有名な航空機として広く認知され、世界中の何百万もの人々にとって一目でそれとわかる存在である。

スピットファイアMk.IX型は、生産全期間を通じて最も重要な機種であったと言える。それゆえ、実際には暫定的な開発段階の機体であったと知るのはやや意外である。 1941年8月、西部戦線にドイツ空軍の新鋭戦闘機フォッケウルフ190（通称「ブッチャーバード」）が登場すると、英仏海峡上空で活動する英国空軍スピットファイアMk.Vが次々と撃墜される事態が発生。早急な対策が求められた。 主要なスピットファイアの改良が進行中だったが、Mk.VIIIの完成にはまだ時間がかかり、製造施設は新型機用の工具治具を準備中だった。しかし一時的な解決策があった。新型スピットファイアの主要な特徴の一つは、Rolls Royce 採用であり、この新エンジンをスピットファイアMk.Vの機体に搭載すれば、戦闘機の性能が大幅に向上すると提案されたのである。

最初の100機のスピットファイアMk.IX戦闘機は、実際には新型マーリン61二段式二速過給エンジンを搭載するために改造されたMk.Vc機体であった。この組み合わせにより、純血種の戦闘機が誕生し、FW190や最新型メッサーシュミットBf 109『F』型に対抗する能力を十二分に備えていた。 実際、新型スピットファイアは極めて成功した機体と見なされ、全生産型の中で2番目に大量生産される機種となった。さらにライセンス生産のパッカード・マーリン266エンジンを搭載した機体（スピットファイアMk.XVI）を含めると、生産数はMk.Vを凌駕した。 この型式は生産期間を通じてエンジン改良が継続され、最初のMk.IX型スピットファイアは1942年7月から英国空軍（RAF）部隊に配備を開始。この著名な型式はノルマンディー上陸作戦（D-Day）以降も活躍を続け、戦後時代まで使用された。マーリンエンジン搭載スピットファイアの最終主要型式であるこの「緊急のつなぎ役戦闘機」は、結果的に航空史上の名機となったのである。

About the kit

This large scale kit is a gem in the Airfix range and tops our Best Airfix Models guide. This kit recreates the iconic Spitfire Mk.XVI in stunning detail. The rivets are accurately reproduced. The engine cowling is removable to show off the great engine detail. The cockpit canopy is openable.

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