A distinctive and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB BD930, operated by RAF No. 73 Squadron in the Western Desert during 1942. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA30701 depicts the aircraft carrying the individual identification letter R and an unusual fuselage flash associated with the squadron.
No. 73 Squadron had already accumulated considerable operational experience before arriving in the Middle East. The unit served with the Advanced Air Striking Force in France during the opening stages of the Second World War before withdrawing to Britain and participating in the Battle of Britain.
The squadron later transferred to the Middle East, where its Hurricanes were used for fighter protection, interception and ground-attack operations across the Western Desert. Pilots operated in harsh conditions, with sand, heat and limited maintenance facilities placing additional strain on both aircraft and crews.
BD930 is reproduced in a desert camouflage scheme combining sand and brown upper surfaces with lighter undersides. RAF roundels, the white individual letter R, red propeller spinner and the distinctive multi-coloured fuselage flash give the aircraft an immediately recognisable appearance.
The Hurricane Mk IIB was powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and carried an increased armament of twelve wing-mounted machine guns. It was employed as a fighter, fighter-bomber and ground-attack aircraft, remaining valuable in overseas theatres even as later Spitfire variants became more prominent in north-western Europe.
Originally designed by Sydney Camm, the Hawker Hurricane first flew in 1935. Its combination of a steel-tube fuselage structure, fabric-covered sections and wide-track landing gear made it durable, relatively straightforward to repair and well suited to demanding operational conditions.
This Corgi release features substantial diecast construction, simulated fabric-textured control surfaces, a detailed cockpit beneath a clear canopy and a rotating three-bladed propeller. The model can be displayed in flight on the supplied curved presentation stand or configured with its removable landing gear for ground display.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA30701
Aircraft: Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB
Serial: BD930
Tactical Markings: R
Unit: Royal Air Force No. 73 Squadron
Campaign / Event: Western Desert Campaign
Theatre: North Africa
Date/Period: 1942
Operator / Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Role: Fighter, fighter-bomber and ground-attack aircraft
Scale: 1:72
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Authentic BD930 and R markings, desert camouflage, distinctive fuselage flash, red propeller spinner, detailed cockpit with clear canopy, simulated fabric-textured control surfaces, rotating three-bladed propeller, removable landing gear and original curved presentation display stand
Dimensions
Length: 5.25" or 13.3 cm
Width (Wingspan): 6.75" or 17.1 cm