Arma Hobby 70022 - 1:72 Hurricane Mk I Navy Colours - Model Kit

Plastic model kit of the Hawker Hurricane Mk I in Fleet Air Arm colours in 1:72 scale

The greys and sea colours of naval aviation show a completely different face of the Hurricane than the one known from the Battle of Britain. Arma Hobby 70022 gathers three such machines in one box, using the 1:72 tooling the manufacturer introduced in 2018.

This Model Kit release comprises two plastic sprues and a separate clear parts sprue. The kit remains approachable to build while retaining the brand's characteristic fine riveting and panel line detail.

The options include two Hurricanes of 760 Squadron FAA from RNAS Yeovilton in the summer of 1942 – one with heavily worn paintwork – and a Sea Hurricane Mk Ia of No. 318 Polish Squadron at Detling, passed on from CAM ships for training duties.

What's in the box:

• Two plastic sprues
• Clear parts sprue
• Techmod decals for three marking options
• Assembly instructions with a mask template

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Product code: 70022
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Assembled length: approx. 137 mm
• Wingspan: approx. 169 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model requires assembly.

Building the model:

Assembly is simple and predictable: cockpit, fuselage, wings, then undercarriage and canopy. It is worth completing and painting the cockpit before joining the fuselage halves, as there is no access afterwards. Canopy masks can be cut from masking tape using the template in the instructions.

For the Fleet Air Arm machines we suggest naval colours – dark grey and grey-green shades on the upper surfaces with light undersides. The heavily worn option is a good opportunity to practise service wear: chipping along the leading edges, scuffing around the cockpit and exhaust staining. We recommend applying the decals over a gloss coat and finishing with satin varnish.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes or an airbrush
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish under the decals and satin varnish for the final finish
• Decal setting and softening solutions
• Wash to emphasise the panel lines

About the aircraft – Hawker Hurricane Mk I in Fleet Air Arm colours:

The Hurricane reached naval aviation by a roundabout route. After the Battle of Britain a number of Mk Is were passed to the Fleet Air Arm, where they served mainly as training aircraft, preparing pilots for carrier-based types. 760 Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton was one such unit.

In parallel came the Sea Hurricane Mk Ia – an aircraft adapted for launching from a catapult mounted on CAM merchant ships. The pilot took off to intercept German reconnaissance aircraft and, once the job was done, had to ditch or bail out, since returning to the ship was impossible. After being withdrawn from convoy protection, many of these machines went to training duties – among others with No. 318 Polish Squadron.

The basis remained the Hurricane Mk I: a Rolls-Royce Merlin II or III engine, eight 7.7 mm Browning machine guns in the wings and a rugged tubular fuselage structure with fabric covering at the rear. The naval versions differed in equipment and markings while keeping the original silhouette.

Original aircraft specifications (Hurricane Mk I):

• Crew: 1 pilot
• Wingspan: 12.19 m
• Length: 9.84 m (with the Rotol / de Havilland propeller)
• Empty weight: approx. 2260 kg
• Loaded weight: approx. 3000 kg
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Merlin II or III inline engine of approx. 1030 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 520 km/h
• Range: approx. 740 km
• Service ceiling: approx. 10,000 m
• Armament: eight 7.7 mm Browning machine guns in the wings
• Production: the Hurricane family totalled more than 14,000 aircraft of all versions

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Warsaw-based Arma Hobby has been designing and producing plastic kits since 2016, and its roots reach back to Attack Squadron, previously known for resin accessories. That experience shows in the approach to detail in every new release. Design work is carried out on computer, often based on scans of surviving airframes, and the moulds are made in Poland. The models stand out for very fine rivets and panel lines, thin trailing edges and carefully rendered canopies. High-quality printed decals complete the kits. The manufacturer develops its catalogue in 1:72 and 1:48, with a clear emphasis on Polish aviation – the PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c and TS-11 Iskra – and on Allied Second World War aircraft. Arma Hobby models have been recognised many times in industry polls, including with the Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg fair. The company also steadily develops 3D-printed parts and downloadable print files.