Airfix 1:48 Fairey Gannet COD.4

The Airfix 1:48 Fairey Gannet COD.4 Model Kit recreates one of the Royal Navy’s most distinctive carrier-based transport and communications aircraft. Derived from the anti-submarine warfare Gannet, the COD.4 (Carrier Onboard Delivery) variant was adapted to carry personnel, mail, and light cargo between ships and shore, making it an essential support aircraft within Fleet Air Arm operations.

This detailed 1:48 scale kit captures the unique character of the Gannet family while focusing on the specialised COD.4 configuration. With its unusual twin turboprop design and folding wing structure, it makes for an eye-catching and rewarding modelling project.

About the Fairey Gannet COD.4

The Fairey Gannet was originally designed as a carrier-based anti-submarine warfare aircraft, but its versatile airframe allowed for multiple adaptations. The COD.4 variant was developed to fulfil a logistical role, transporting supplies, documents, and personnel between aircraft carriers and shore bases.

While it did not carry weapons like the ASW versions, the COD.4 retained the Gannet’s distinctive double turboprop engine system and carrier-operable design, making it equally recognisable on the deck of Royal Navy carriers.

This variant highlights the flexibility of naval aviation during the Cold War, where efficiency and support roles were just as important as frontline combat operations.

Features

✔ Detailed 1:48 scale plastic model kit
✔ Fairey Gannet COD.4 carrier onboard delivery variant
✔ Unique twin turboprop contra-rotating engine design
✔ Folding wing configuration included
✔ Detailed cockpit and fuselage structure
✔ Clear assembly instructions
✔ Distinctive Royal Navy support aircraft subject

Skill Level

Intermediate to Advanced

This kit is best suited to:

• experienced aircraft modellers,

• Royal Navy aviation enthusiasts,

• and hobbyists interested in unusual naval aircraft variants.

The complex design and unique configuration provide an engaging and rewarding build experience.

Recommended Accessories

For best results we recommend:

• Plastic model glue

• Primer

• Acrylic paints

• Fine detail brushes

• Sanding sticks

• Weathering products for naval deck wear, handling marks, and operational finishes

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

Perfect For

• Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm enthusiasts

• Carrier support aircraft collectors

• Unique Cold War aviation subjects

• Experienced scale modellers

• Naval diorama builders

A Rare and Essential Support Variant

The Airfix Fairey Gannet COD.4 showcases an often-overlooked but vital aspect of carrier aviation: logistics and onboard delivery. With its unusual engineering and important operational role, it makes a highly distinctive addition to any Royal Navy or Cold War aircraft collection.