Airfix 1:48 De Havilland Vampire FB.5/FB.9

The Airfix 1:48 de Havilland Vampire FB.5/FB.9 Model Kit recreates one of Britain’s most iconic early jet fighter-bombers. As one of the first operational jet aircraft to enter Royal Air Force service, the Vampire played a key role in shaping post-war air combat and ground-attack capability during the early Cold War period.

This detailed 1:48 scale kit captures both the FB.5 and FB.9 variants, offering modellers flexibility in marking and configuration options. With its distinctive twin-boom design and clean aerodynamic lines, the Vampire remains one of the most recognisable early jet aircraft ever built.

About the de Havilland Vampire

The de Havilland Vampire was developed during the Second World War but entered RAF service shortly after its conclusion. Designed around a simple yet effective twin-boom layout, it became the RAF’s second operational jet aircraft and one of the first to be widely exported.

The FB.5 variant became the standard fighter-bomber version, capable of carrying bombs and rockets for ground-attack missions. The later FB.9 introduced improvements including better cockpit heating and tropicalisation for overseas operations.

The Vampire served with the RAF and many international air forces, helping establish jet-powered tactics and operations during the early Cold War era.

Features

✔ Detailed 1:48 scale plastic model kit
✔ de Havilland Vampire FB.5 / FB.9 variants included
✔ Distinctive twin-boom jet fighter design
✔ Fine engraved surface panel detail
✔ Realistic cockpit and canopy framing
✔ Underwing stores for fighter-bomber configuration
✔ Clear assembly instructions
✔ Classic early Cold War jet subject

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate

This kit is suitable for:

• beginner aircraft modellers with some experience,

• intermediate hobbyists,

• and early Cold War jet enthusiasts.

The straightforward airframe design makes it accessible while still offering excellent opportunities for painting and finishing detail.

Recommended Accessories

For best results we recommend:

• Plastic model glue

• Acrylic paints

• Primer

• Fine detail brushes

• Sanding sticks

• Light weathering products for early jet operational wear and exhaust effects

Browse our paints, tools, and weathering collections to complete your build.

Perfect For

• RAF Cold War aviation enthusiasts

• Early jet aircraft collectors

• de Havilland Vampire fans

• Beginner to intermediate scale modellers

• British fighter-bomber displays

A Key Early Jet Fighter-Bomber

The Airfix de Havilland Vampire FB.5/FB.9 offers a historically significant and visually distinctive modelling subject from the dawn of the jet age. With its unique twin-boom design and operational Cold War service, it makes an excellent addition to any RAF or early jet aviation collection.