Like many I suppose, the "lock-down" situation was partially coped with by building a model. The only problem was it had to made with what was available in my stock, mainly some liteply and balsa. Luckily, there was a model that I had kept in the back of my mind, one of those "got to get around to it sometime" things.
It was based on a 1970's design by Vosper-Thornycroft for a small carrier that could operate high performance jets thanks to the Harrier. It could have been a handy support for large navies or a useful extra for smaller ones. Alas, there were no takers but I was intrigued enough by it to sketch out a draft model design in the 1980's. Although not immediately built, suitable plastic kits had been bought over the years.
The original design was modified, mainly to allow for the limited material available to build it. This resulted in my using the "shallow draught" hull, which also made the model conveniently lighter (easier launching and recovery!). The pronounced "ski-jump" bows of the original design were replaced by a detachable ski-ramp. This allowed the model to be easily changed from strike/defense air group to an all helicopter assault outfit.
The model is around 1/144 scale which matches the plastic kits that cover the flight deck. This make it about 36 inches (90 cm) long and weighs around 4.5 lb (2 kg). The power might seem low with two RE360 motors but the light weight lets it move along at a realistic pace. In fact its great fun to sail with an escort of my Type 21 Frigate (another Vosper-Thornycroft product).
It served it's purpose of keeping me sane during "lock-down" and proved to be a rewarding design challenge. Plans now off to the Model Boats magazine, so I guess another search through my old sketches might be called for?
Glynn Guest
Author
Topic: Audacity - a small Harrier Carrier (Read 1934 times)