We'll start with a reminder about Re-Play next weekend at the Engineer's Museum in Gillingham, Kent. We're on quite a small stand and may not be able to bring everything, so if there's anything specific you're after, then you still have a chance to get in your order (use the 'Collect at Show' shipping option on our website).
This week, we venture to Northern Europe and the Scandinavian Union. The Union air service had a requirement for fixed-wing support, and purchased a variant of the A1D Shinden fighter from Japan, known as the A1S Blixt. In order to extend their operational range over the vast tundra and frozen seas north of the Arctic circle, some sort of aircraft carrier was felt to be required. Initial efforts were concentrated on conversions of capital ship hulls, but for various reasons nothing came of this. Finally, the Danish airship firm of Knudsen & Grønbæk ApS put forward a solution based on their successful Kalundborg class of heavy freighters. The rear cargo hold was replaced by a main hangar which was extended above the main deck level and topped by a small flight deck, and a small secondary repair and maintenance hangar was built into the rear of the superstructure. The forward cargo hatch was plated over and the space used for a twin gun turret, while four barbettes were grafted onto the hull sides for triple-barrelled AA turrets.
The result is a class which serves more as a support tender rather than a true aircraft carrier. The vessels were built to commercial rather than military standards so, apart from the turrets and barbettes, they are completely lacking in armour. This perceived weakness has yet to be tested in combat, and the Peder Skram class has so far proved a success in long patrols in the frozen north.
VAN-2303 – Peder Skram class Aircraft Tender – £8.00 GBP