US Navy Twin Beech

The Beechcraft Model 18 was manufactured by the American Beech Aircraft Corporation based in Wichita, Kansas between 1937 and 1969, during which time over 9000 were made. Built to carry between 6 and 11 passengers, it was essentially an American trainer and utility aircraft which was used extensively by the US Armed Forces, including the US Navy, as seen here. The civilian aircraft was turned to military use as the C-45 Expeditor with the US Army Air Corps in 1939 and our 1:72 scale model is as deployed by the Naval Air Station, Miramar in San Diego, California.

It is brightly decorated in Day-glo orange and white with US Navy and identity numbering printed in black. A stylised Stars and Stripes is printed on the wings and the rear fuselage. Our model also features added extras including retracted main wheels, a retracted tail wheel and a DF loop housing. Additional colour sees a green cockpit, black anti-glare panels, engine nacelles, propeller blades, wing leading edges and undercarriage legs.

The Beechcraft was one of the most widely used light aircraft of its time, its versatility making it a favourite for both military and civilian use worldwide.