This 1:72 diecast model of Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B XV361 represents a distinctive example of Britain’s rugged low-level strike aircraft. Originally designed for the Royal Navy, the Buccaneer was built to deliver precision attacks at sea level and was later transferred to RAF service following the retirement of the UK’s large aircraft carriers. XV361 first flew on 2 April 1968 and joined 800 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) aboard HMS Eagle, one of the Royal Navy’s largest ever aircraft carriers, alongside HMS Ark Royal.
Serving with 800NAS until 1972, XV361 was the last Royal Navy Buccaneer to transfer to the RAF, arriving at No. 12 Squadron in July 1983. It later flew combat air patrols in support of the UN operation in Lebanon (Operation Pulsator). The aircraft was retired in 1994 and flown to RAF Aldergrove before continuing—via a 90-second flight, the shortest in Buccaneer history—to its final home at the Ulster Aviation Society.
This model comes prebuilt and includes display accessories and a stand, making it an excellent addition for collectors of British naval aviation and Cold War strike aircraft.
