Corgi 1/72 RAF Boeing Chinook ZA712 (AA34215)

The versatility and load carrying capabilities of the Boeing Chinook helicopter has ensured that this mighty twin rotor heavy lift machine is now one of the most famous aircraft to see post war Royal Air Force service. Equally at home on the battlefields of the Middle East as it is dropping ballast sacks to prevent a dam burst a little closer to home, the Chinook has now been in RAF service since 1980, with the latest variant of this magnificent machine enhancing its already legendary operational flexibility still further. As well as being one of the most important aircraft currently in service. During the summer of 2016, no less than three of the RAF’s Chinook helicopters received attractive special centenary schemes, to commemorate the individual anniversaries of their parent squadrons. The first of the three aircraft to emerge from the paint shop was No.18(B) Squadron’s ZA712 in April 2015, resplendent in its handsome red and black scheme, which included a large poppy on its front rotor housing. Originally formed at RAF Northolt in 1915, the squadron has a rich service heritage, which includes claiming more than 200 enemy aircraft destroyed by the end of the Great War and mounting the operation to drop a replacement artificial leg for famous RAF ace pilot Douglas Bader , following his capture in the summer of 1941.

The most notable feature of this model is the rotor blades, which are geared to turn in opposite directions. Two sets of rotor blades are included, one with dropping blades for ground display and another with blades that are curved upwards for in-flight display. The model has steerable front wheels and a large nose canopy, which allows for easy viewing of the cockpit interior and crew figures. The rear cargo ramp is accurately articulated and easy to configure, and when fully opened reveals a large cargo bay. A variety of delicate antennas as well as air inlets on the rear nacelles are featured in each release.