The RNoAF AVRO 720 Tordenpil

[Leading Observer]

The RNoAF AVRO 720 Tordenpil


The AVRO 720 Thunderbolt F.1 had entered service with the RAF in 1958 in limited numbers as a missile armed interceptor , serving with just 3 RAF units, 74 Squadron, 601 Squadron and 42 Squadron, all based in the UK. It did have some deficiencies, in that its small size meant that range and endurance were limited, but as a point defence aircraft there were few rivals until the arrival of the English Electric Lightning.
The introduction of the more capable E.E. Lightning into service in 1960 meant that the AVRO 720 was soon to be phased out of frontline use after a fairly short service life. Whilst in service, it had proved to be an effective QRA aircraft, its rocket booster enabling it to reach altitude in short order.
It was at this point that the Norwegian Government notified NATO that it was seeking an interceptor to cover delays in the production of the F-104 which had been ordered for the RNoAF, and the newly redundant RAF AVRO 720's were offered by the British Government as a stopgap, as the MoD were keen to bolster the defence of the northern sector of NATO against frequent Soviet incursions.
All the RAF Thunderbolts were, along with their support equipment and spares were transferred to the Norwegian Air Force, and a small cadre of Pilots and Technical Personnel were seconded to the RNoAF to support its introduction into service in Norway, where it was known as the Tordenpil, a direct translation of its RAF name. After a training period, the aircraft saw service with the Norwegian Air Force, serving as QRA aircraft and intercepted many Soviet aircraft threatening to cross into Norwegian airspace, especially around the North Cape. They were retired when the F-104 finally entered service a few years later.




The model is Freightdogs excellent model which has been a hanger queen for some time as I pondered how to apply the underwing serials after I had fitted the undercarriage  and then, as I was working on the prep work for the SARO SR1A I noticed that the RNoAF markings I had acquired did not have serials underneath the wings - result!

[PR19_Kit]

That's MARVELOUS! 

[NARSES2]

That's MARVELOUS! 

It is indeed 

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Plausible story and a beautiful model!