About This Item
This is a brand new 1/72 scale diecast model of the British Aerospace Harrier GR.9 Aircraft "ZD406, Royal Navy Strike Wing, RAF Station Cottesmore" (2009) from the British Royal Air Force/Navy "Air Power Series" by Hobby Master. The model comes in a brand new box, featuring a detailed exterior, true-to-scale detail, includes a pilot figure, has an opening canopy, includes a display stand, and detachable ordnance loads. Constructed from diecast metal and plastic for durability and a heavy, realistic feel, it measures approximately 7.75 inches in length with a 5-inch wingspan. Harrier GR.9 ZD406 served with the Royal Navy Strike Wing at RAF Station Cottesmore in 2009, marking the final chapter of the UK's Harrier operations. The GR.9 was an upgraded variant of the Harrier II, featuring enhanced avionics, a new weapons system, and compatibility with precision-guided munitions such as Paveway IV bombs and Brimstone missiles. The Royal Navy Strike Wing, part of Joint Force Harrier, combined RAF and Royal Navy assets for operational flexibility, with ZD406 participating in key training exercises and rapid deployment missions. During its operational career, ZD406 saw action in Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick, providing vital close air support for British and coalition troops. Its ability to take off from short or damaged runways made it invaluable in the rugged terrain of Helmand Province, and equipped with advanced targeting pods and smart munitions, it carried out precision strikes, reconnaissance, and show-of-force missions. By 2009, the Harrier force was approaching retirement in favor of the F-35 Lightning II, but ZD406 and its squadron remained operationally active, conducting exercises with Royal Navy carriers such as HMS Ark Royal. The Harrier GR.9 was officially withdrawn from service in 2010, closing a significant chapter in British military aviation history. This 1:72 scale model meticulously replicates ZD406’s sleek design, operational markings, and weapon loadouts, making it a must-have for aviation collectors and a stunning tribute to the legacy of the Harrier.
