Trumpeter 1/48 02843 Westland Wyvern S.4 Early Version Royal Navy 1950's Fighter

The Wyvern was a mythical monster with the front legs of a dragon and the barbed tail of a snake and of course it was one mean creature! The Westland Wyvern was the last fixed-wing aircraft design from the Westland Aircraft Co. and was one of the last prop-driven fighters. It was a very large airplane that was about the same weight as a DC-3 but larger than and twice as powerful as a P-47 Thunderbolt. Its twin contra-rotating props certainly gave it the same mean appearance as its fictional predecessor. Four converted and 87 new-built aircraft were delivered of the most important Wyvern version, the TF.4 later renamed S.4. The TF.4 had numerous small changes, the recognition characteristic was the cut-off engine inlet, the propeller spinner then protruding much further forward, small rectangular fins were added to the tailplane, changes were made to the ailerons, Martin-Baker Mk. 2B ejection seats were installed, and the cockpit was reinforced. Later modifications included perforated dive brakes, a flat windscreen, and provisions for tip tanks. Wyvern units were 827, 813, 830 and 831.In November 1956 the 830 and 831 Squadron took part in the Suez campaign. Length: 12.8m, Wing span/Fold span: 13.41m/6.1m, Height/with wing tips folded: 4.57m/5.11m, Weight empty: 7105kg max: 11115kg, Max speed at sea level: 615km/h at 3050m: 708km/h, Service ceiling: 8530m, Range: 1465km.