A distinctive and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a Royal Navy Hawker Sea Hawk FGA.Mk 6 operating from HMS Eagle during the 1956 Suez Crisis. Released by Aviation 72 as a limited edition of only 600 pieces worldwide, AV72-23002 depicts Sea Hawk XE364 of No. 899 Naval Air Squadron.
No. 899 Naval Air Squadron operated the Sea Hawk as part of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. During the Suez Crisis, carrier-based aircraft flew from British and French aircraft carriers in support of Operation Musketeer, carrying out strike, ground-attack and air-support missions over Egypt.
Aircraft XE364 is reproduced with the prominent black and yellow identification stripes applied to British and French aircraft participating in the operation. These highly visible markings were intended to reduce the risk of misidentification during the joint campaign and give this Sea Hawk one of the most recognisable Royal Navy schemes of the post-war period.
The model also carries the individual number “485”, Royal Navy roundels and the black tail marking associated with its operational unit. The combination of Extra Dark Sea Grey upper surfaces, lighter undersides and bold Suez stripes creates a particularly striking display model.
Designed by Hawker as a single-seat, carrier-based jet fighter, the Sea Hawk first flew in 1947. Its clean lines, straight wings and Rolls-Royce Nene-derived engine reflected the transitional period between wartime piston-engined fighters and the first generation of operational naval jets.
Although its design was relatively conventional compared with later swept-wing aircraft, the Sea Hawk proved to be a dependable and effective naval fighter-bomber. It served extensively with the Royal Navy and was also exported to several overseas operators, establishing a strong reputation for reliability and stable handling.
Limited to only 600 pieces worldwide, this Aviation 72 release is particularly appealing to collectors of Fleet Air Arm aircraft, early British military jets and Suez Crisis subjects. The model features diecast construction, a detailed cockpit beneath a clear canopy, authentic No. 899 NAS markings, distinctive black and yellow identification stripes, removable landing gear and the original presentation display stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Aviation 72
Series: Aviation 72
Model code: AV72-23002
Aircraft: Hawker Sea Hawk FGA.Mk 6
Serial: XE364
Tactical Markings: 485
Unit: Royal Navy No. 899 Naval Air Squadron
Carrier: HMS Eagle
Campaign / Event: Suez Crisis / Operation Musketeer
Theatre / Base: Eastern Mediterranean / Egypt
Date/Period: 1956
Operator / Country: Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm / United Kingdom
Role: Carrier-based fighter and ground-attack aircraft
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 600 pieces worldwide
Material: Diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Low-run limited edition release, authentic No. 899 NAS markings, XE364 serial, 485 tactical number, black and yellow Suez identification stripes, detailed cockpit with clear canopy, removable landing gear and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 6.75" or 17.1 cm
Width (Wingspan): 6.5" or 16.5 cm