First rate packaging of my car and Modelcars handled my order in an expedient manner. No issues with their services.
SKU:
TAM61026
Tamiya 1/48 Hawker Sea Harrier Kit
$22.99 $23.99
1
Person
Is
Looking At This Right Now!
In Stock
- Ships within 1 business day
Fast Shipping
30-Day Returns
Secure Checkout
Product Details
The Hawker Siddeley Harrier astounded the world with its unique ability to take-off and land vertically utilizing vectored thrust from its powerful 8000kg thrust engine. First tested in concept in 1960, the aircraft went through many periods of testing and modification prior to acceptance by the Royal Air Force and other nations in 1974. The production Harriers utilized either a Pegasus 6 or 11 engine of 8000 or 9750kg thrust and it was only natural that the Royal Navy should find application for this type of aircraft with their fleet air arm. Various political and financial considerations delayed the order for the "Navalized" Harrier until May 1975, when the Admiralty ordered an initial 24 aircraft plus one T.Mk.4's in 1980.
The FRS.1 is easily distinguished from its land based counterparts by a modified nose section incorporating a raised pilots seat and Ferranti Blue Fox radar, plus principal armament of Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles and AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Martel or Harpoon ASMs may be carried as alternatives to Sea Eagle until the latter become operational. The first FRS.1 to fly was actually the initial production Sea Harrier, on 20 August 1978, and the prototype model later in December 1978. The home of the Sea Harriers was designated Yeovilton Navy Base, and they received the first aircraft in June 1979, where intensive flight trials began with "100/VL" squadron four days later.
This IFTU unit was designated 700A squadron in September 1979 and was re-designated 899 Squadron in March 1980. Three "Through - Deck" cruisers had been ordered for Sea Harrier operations: Invincible; Illustrious and Ark Royal, the first of which was commissioned in July 1980. All three vessels are to be fitted with a "Ski-jump" to assist take-off with full load, and this installation was also added to the commando carrier HMS Hermes when it was allotted a Sea Harrier squadron. A small export order for Sea Harriers was placed by India in November 1979 for six FRS.51's and two T.60 trainers.
The Sea Harrier, along with the GR3 Harriers from the RAF, were put to actual combat tests during the recent Falkland Islands crisis. The British South Atlantic force was built up with the addition of GR3 and FRS.1 Harriers bringing the total jump jet strength to around 40 aircraft carriers Hermes and Invincible. The Sea Harrier (FRS.1) has about 30% more re-action control for easier landings, and better "over the nose" visibility; however, the GR3's from the RAF worked well in the overall operations during the conflict and both aircraft distinguished themselves to the utmost. The Royal Navy Harriers, during the conflict, were painted in the new "toned down" finish of matte sea blue overall, while the RAF aircraft were in the extra dark sea gray scheme. With a cruise speed of mach .9 and a top speed of 1.25, and landing speed of 0, this is truly a versatile combat aircraft and one that will be in weapons inventories for many years to come.
Shipping and Returns
Orders are processed and shipped within 1 business day. Depending on your location, packages take 2 to 7 business days for transit in the Continental United States.
Ordered the wrong model? Didn't like the decals? We want to be sure you get exactly what you want.
- Contact us and let us know which item you need to return or exchange.
- We will give you an RA number. Be sure to write this on the outside of the shipping box.
- Send the return to the address we provide, and you're done!
Richard S.
Great selection on your site and loving the idea of getting free shipping!
Why ModelCars.com?
In a market full of broken promises, we keep it simple. What you see is what you get, every single time.
Built for Builders & Collectors
From your first kit to your 500th model.
15,000+ Models & Supplies
If it exists in scale, we probably have it.
Fast, Reliable Shipping
If it's in stock, it ships. No surprises.
Real Support
Real people. Real help when you need it.
Easy Returns
Simple returns if something isn't right.
Carefully Packed
We protect every detail so it reaches you safely.
Trusted by 6,000+ hobbyists
Real reviews from real builders and collectors.
Shipping and delivery was as good as the company had stated, received both models in good shape on time.
Arrived promptly in as advertised condition. Excellent quality and addition to my scale collection. terrific seller
I've bought many models from them, and when I made a mistake, Dan from customer service was prompt, courteous, and very helpful.
Questions, Answered Honestly.
A model kit comes unassembled on plastic sprues (the frames that hold the parts). You cut, glue, and paint the pieces yourself, it's a hands-on building experience that can take anywhere from a few hours to several evenings. A diecast car is a pre-built, pre-painted metal collectible ready for display straight out of the box. Both are scaled replicas, but kits are for builders who enjoy the process, and diecast is for collectors who want a finished showpiece.
Scale is the size ratio compared to the real vehicle:
1:12 — About 14". Museum-level detail, large display piece.
1:18 — About 10". Most popular collector scale. Often features opening doors, hood, and trunk.
1:24 / 1:25 — About 7". Most popular kit-building scale. Great balance of detail and size.
1:32 / 1:43 — About 4–5". Compact, ideal for larger collections.
1:64 — Hot Wheels size. Perfect for collecting by the dozens.
1:87 — Smallest. Typically used with model train layouts.
Choose based on your display space, detail preference, and whether you're building a collection or a single showcase piece.
Start with a snap-together kit, no glue or paint required. Revell and AMT both make great beginner kits in 1:25 scale, rated skill level 1 or 2. Pick a car you love, that motivation makes the build more enjoyable. Once you're comfortable, move to a cement-assembly kit with basic paint. We carry beginner kits starting under $20. Check our Beginner's Guide for step-by-step recommendations including your first tools, paints, and techniques.
It depends on the kit and your preference:
- Acrylic (water-based) — Beginner-friendly, easy cleanup, low odor. Tamiya and Vallejo are popular choices.
- Enamel — Smoother finish, longer drying time, requires mineral spirits. Testors is the classic choice for Revell kits.
- Lacquer — Dries fastest, hardest finish, requires good ventilation. Tamiya TS spray cans are lacquer-based.
Important: Don't mix paint types on the same surface without a primer coat between them. Every paint listing on our site clearly shows the type and compatible brands.
Skill levels help you choose the right kit:
Level 1 — Snap-together, no glue or paint needed. Great for kids and absolute beginners.
Level 2 — Simple glue assembly, minimal painting.
Level 3 (Intermediate) — Standard cement assembly with painting. Most kits fall here.
Level 4 & 5 (Advanced) — Complex builds with many parts and detailed painting. For experienced modelers.
We display the skill level on every kit listing, so you can make an informed choice.
Every product we sell is 100% authentic. We source directly from authorized distributors and carry genuine products from over 60 brands including Tamiya, Revell, AMT, AUTOart, Maisto, Bburago, Hot Wheels, Greenlight, and many more. No counterfeits, no gray-market imports, no relabeled products.
All orders ship within 1 business day. If a product shows "In Stock" on our site, it's ready to go, no backorder surprises, no ghost inventory. Delivery typically takes 3–7 business days within the US. You'll receive a tracking number via email as soon as your order leaves our facility.
Orders over $99 ship free within the United States. For orders under $99, shipping is calculated at checkout based on package weight and your location. We also ship to Canada, though international rates vary. A progress bar in your cart shows how close you are to the free shipping threshold.
Yes, we ship to Canada. Rates are calculated at checkout. International orders may be subject to customs duties and import taxes (buyer's responsibility). Delivery to Canada typically takes 7–14 business days. For other destinations, contact us to discuss options.
Every order is double-boxed with bubble wrap, the product box is wrapped and cushioned inside a larger shipping box. For fragile or high-value diecast models, we add extra padding. Our customers consistently mention our packaging quality as a reason they come back.
Yes. If a product shows "In Stock," it is in our warehouse and ready to ship. We do not list items as available if they're on backorder or in transit from a supplier. We know how frustrating it is to order something marked "in stock" only to get a backorder notice days later, that doesn't happen here.
Yes. Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking number and link to follow your package in real time. You can also log into your account to view order status at any time.
We offer a 30-day return window from the date of delivery. Items must be in original, unopened condition. For opened kits or diecast with damaged packaging, contact us, we handle these case-by-case and always try to find a fair solution.
If your item arrives damaged, contact us right away with photos of the damage (both product and shipping box). We'll send a replacement or issue a full refund, no runaround, no fighting. If we shipped it, we take responsibility for it arriving safely.
Email us at customerservice@modelcars.com. We're real people, not bots, not an outsourced call center. You'll get a personal response, typically within 24 hours. We pride ourselves on making things right when issues come up.
Contact us immediately and we'll ship the correct item right away, at no cost to you. We'll also provide a prepaid return label for the incorrect item. You won't pay a cent to fix our mistake.
We strive to offer competitive pricing across our 25,000+ products. While we don't have a formal price-match guarantee, reach out to us if you find a lower price on an identical in-stock item at another authorized retailer. We'd rather earn your business than lose it over a few dollars.
We're actively exploring ways to reward repeat customers. Right now, the best way to save is through our free shipping over $99 threshold and our sale and clearance section. Sign up for our email list to be the first to know about exclusive deals and any future loyalty program.
Still have questions?
Our team responds within 24 hours. Real people, real answers.
