One of the only biplane fighters to have any measurable success in the Second World War, the Gloster Gladiator was the product of a bygone era combining with modernity for one last fling. The Gladiator was obsolete by September 1939, but it still had what it took to make a significant impact on history. Air Ministry specification F.7/30 realized (correctly) that future fighters were going to be faster and better armed.

Unfortunately, the delay in placing an order lasted 4 and a half years, by which time war was approaching, and it was realized that biplanes were soon to be judged obsolete. Folland created the S.S.37, which was the best design, and was accepted. It was really obsolete by the time of its first flight. However, since nothing else had arrived to replace the aging Bulldog fighter, the Gloster was readily accepted, and was the main fighter of the RAF until the Hawker Hurricane was delivered. By 1939, four squadrons were still operational with Gladiators.

Gladiators formed the core of the British Expeditionary Force's Advanced Striking Force in France in 1939. Many served in Belgium and the Netherlands, and many were present for the collapse of France. After 1940, most that still remained with the RAF worked as Meteorological Reconnaissance Aircraft.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale diecast replica of a RAF Gloster Gladiator Mk. II fighter that was dubbed "G-GLAD," and now a part of the Fighter Collection Duxford. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-1/4-inches
Length: 4-1/2-inches

Release Date: April 2014

Historical Account: "The Fighter Collection" - Built in 1939 by Gloster Aircraft at their Huddlecoate factory, Gladiator N5903 is now one of just two examples of the type still airworthy. Restored by the Fighter Collection over a period of more than ten years this Gladiator is an excellent example of the late 1930s biplane. On entering service it flew with 141 Fighter Squadron at Turnhouse in Scotland before being replaced by Boulton Paul Defiants in April 1940.

The Gladiator survived the war, being used for various training and hack duties, before being purchased back by Gloster in 1948. Used as an instructional air frame it was given to the Shuttleworth Collection in 1960 along with the other flying Gladiator L8032. After this it was loaned to the Fleet Air Arm Museum before being purchased for restoration by The Fighter Collection in 1994.