Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model

Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a – A8898, Capt. Albert Ball VC, No. 56 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, Vert Galant Aerodrome, Amiens, France, May 5, 1917 - Final victory in an SE5a

1:48 Scale.  Length: 5.25".  Wingspan: 6.75"


Limited Edition of 1,000 Models Worldwide

At a time when Britain was suffering horrendous losses on the Western Front and the nation was in desperate need of a hero they found what they needed in a handsome young fighter pilot from Nottingham named Albert Ball. Fiercely patriotic and desperate to do his duty, Ball had displayed both bravery and flying skills in amassing an impressive victory total in a relatively short period of combat and by September 1916 he had at least 31 victories to his name, making him Britain’s most successful ace. The majority of his victories were scored while flying the nimble Nieuport Scout and when he was forced to exchange this for the new, but heavier Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a on joining the elite No. 56 Squadron RFC, he was initially less than impressed.

He soon came to appreciate the rugged and heavily armed new fighter, as it was more than a match for the latest German Albatros D.IIIs he was now facing in combat. During a period of combat inactivity due to bad weather, 56 Squadron ground crews painted several of their SE5 fighters in flamboyant schemes, reportedly in response to the colorful German aircraft which were opposing their pilots. This unusual embellishment would prove to be relatively short lived as higher authority took a dim view of the practice and ordered the colorful markings removed.

The third SE5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype SE5a with a 200-hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter wingspan. The SE5a built a reputation for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with the Sopwith Camel were the main reasons for the Allies gaining and maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with four 25 lb (11 kg) Cooper bombs under fuselage racks. The SE5a was one of aviation’s great warplanes


Corgi is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, die-cast display models. Every model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using the specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. This model is made with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of an S.E.5a features: