BUILDING your own warship would normally set you back a few million pounds.
But now anyone can make their own Type 45 destroyer.
Model manufacturer Airfix has launched its latest kit which is based on the Royal Navy’s Daring-class warships.
And yesterday the commanding officer of HMS Dauntless was presented with a ready-made model for the ship to mark the kits going on sale.
Commander Adrian Fryer, HMS Dauntless’ commanding officer, said: ‘It’s nice to have been given one of these models for Dauntless.
‘Hopefully the models will help spread the word about the capability of our Type 45 destroyers. As a kid, I used to enjoy Airfix models so this is great.
‘I’m looking forward to when my son grows up and can make things like this himself.’
Models like these are used to teach ship and aircraft recognition to the Royal Navy pilots and observers of the future.
The models are based on the Daring-class and come with stickers to name them after any of the six state-of-the-art warships – HMS Daring, HMS Dauntless, HMS Diamond, HMS Dragon, HMS Defender and HMS Duncan.
Darrell Burge, from Airfix, said: ‘Working alongside the Royal Navy is always a great pleasure.
‘With their co-operation we have created a fantastic model that will be desired by our fans and those interested in anything the modern Royal Navy has in its fleet.
‘Not only have we had the opportunity to develop a super-accurate model, we’ve also worked closely with them to produce a superb booklet detailing the crew’s duties while on board.’
The new model hits the shelves this weekend or can be bought online at the Airfix website.
It has been designed at a 1:350 scale and costs £60.
Portsmouth is currently home to five Type 45 destroyers and will see the arrival of the sixth in its class early next year.
Their creation is intended to boost the air defence capability of the Royal Navy and can create a defensive shield around a task force to protect from air attack.
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