The Indian Navy [IN] was the only export customer for the BAe Sea Harrier which is designated in the IN as the Frs Mk.51. They operate as part of No.300 White Tigers Squadron and No.552 Squadron out of INS Hansa at Dabolim, Goa and are also stationed on India's sole aircraft carrier -- INS Viraat. This particular kit denotes IN619 which crashed within a year of it's delivery in June 1992. In spite of being involved in a few accidents, the Sea Harrier has proved to be extremely rugged and most aircraft have been returned to active duty after necessary repairs.

I have depicted the aircraft in the old sea blue & white scheme, instead of the overall low viz grey currently sported by all Indian Navy aircraft. The Tamiya kit was in it's usual crisp form with excellent details and fit. Since this was my first 1:48 kit which also had a nicely detailed engine, it allowed me to do some extra detailing with wires and scratch built parts. Apart from the engine, I also did some fine detailing in the landing gear and the undercarriage wells. Please click on the thumbnails for the big picture and enjoy!

Model created by Raja Bose - Images © Raja Bose