WOW471 Short Stirling

Description

The Short Stirling was a British four-engined heavy bomber that serve active service during WW2. It has the distinction of being the first four-engined bomber to be introduced into service with the RAF.

The Stirling was designed during the late 1930s by Short Brothers.  Prior to this, the RAF had been primarily interested in developing increasingly capable twin-engined bombers, but had been persuaded to investigate a prospective four-engined bomber as a result of promising foreign developments in the field.

In early 1941, the Stirling entered squadron service. During its use as a bomber, pilots praised the type for its ability to out-turn enemy night fghters and its favourable handling characteristics, whereas the altitude ceiling was often a subject of criticism. The Stirling had a relatively brief operational career as a bomber before being relegated to second-line duties from late 1943, due to the increasing availability of the more capable Halifax and Lancaster bombers, which took over the strategic bombing of Germany. Decisions by the Air Ministry on certain performance requirements (most significantly to restrict the wingspan of the aircraft to 100 feet or 30 metres) had played a role in limiting the Stirling’s performance; the 100 ft limit also affected earlier models of the Halifax (MkI and MkII) though the Lancaster never adhered to it.

During its later service, the Stirling was used for mining German ports; new and converted aircraft also flew as glider tugs and supply aircraft during the Allied invasion of Europe in 1944–1945. The figures are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included. The price for this 1/32 scale Mahogany model is $1650 plus $250 postage to USA/Canada. If you live in Australia please note there will be an additional freight charge.