Sud Aviation Caravelle Finnair OH-LEA (1:500)

Sud Aviation Caravelle Finnair OH-LEA (1:500)

In 1955, 70 years ago, the Caravelle by French manufacturer Sud Aviation completed its maiden flight, becoming one of the first jet-powered commercial aircraft designed for short and medium distances. Its innovative rear-engine arrangement was pioneering at the time and has since been widely adopted. To commemorate this anniversary, Herpa is releasing a limited-edition series of Caravelle models in 1:500 scale. The series begins with a Caravelle in Finnair colours. Finland’s Aviation Museum Society acquired this aircraft from Sweden in 2021. Previously operated as SE-DAF “Sven Viking,” it had been stored at Arlanda Airport since 1974. Restoration began in 2022 to repaint the aircraft in Finnair’s 1960s livery and refurbish the interior. Now registered as OH-LEA, the aircraft is on display and open to the public at Turku Airport.

Features:

• Celebrates 70 years since the Sud Aviation Caravelle’s maiden flight in 1955
• One of the first jet-powered commercial aircraft for short and medium distances
• Innovative rear-engine design that influenced future aircraft
• Limited-edition Herpa Caravelle models in 1:500 scale
• Features Finnair livery from the 1960s
• Model based on the restored OH-LEA aircraft displayed at Turku Airport
• Aircraft originally operated as SE-DAF “Sven Viking” and stored at Arlanda Airport