USS Langley (CV-1/AV-3) was the United States Navy's first aircraft carrier. Not built from scratch, her hull had seen prior service and was converted in 1920 from the collier USS Jupiter (AC-3). She was also the U.S. Navy's first turbo electrically propelled ship, eliminating the use of then standard dangerous coal burning furnaces. With a displacement of 15,150 tons, her powerplant allowed her to make, a then impressive, 15.5 knots. Her length of 542 feet, 3 inches had room for approximately 34 aircraft (biplanes) as folding wings were not used at the time. On October 17, 1922, Lieutenant Virgil C. Griffin became the first pilot to fly from the ship's deck when he took off in his Vought VE-7-SF biplane. The ship's first landing came nine days later when Lieutenant Commander Godfrey de Courcelles Chevalier came aboard in an Aeromarine 39B biplane, while she was underway. On February 26, 1937 she was converted to a seaplane tender and was assigned hull classification symbol AV-3. On February 27, 1942 she was attacked by Japanese dive bombers, taking five hits causing enough damage that she was scuttled by her crew.
Any service era or vessel configuration - we can build a model of them all - your pick.
We offer our Langley Class aircraft carrier models in several size/scale offerings: 12 inches, 24 inches (1/280 scale), 30 inches (1/200 scale) and 44 inches (1/150 scale). We offer the more popular size/scale selections for easy check out. Custom orders are our specialty. If you would like a quote on a size or scale, other than the selection listed, please contact us with your request. Custom orders are our specialty!
Our aircraft carrier models are made-to-order, meaning that we do not stock any pre-made models. Only when a customer tells us the size and/or scale desired do we build the model. Each model is exquisitely crafted by our master model builders and comes fully assembled with a solid hull - hand carved from kiln-dried mahogany. Other parts are made from a variety of woods, putty, resin and metals. Every model includes pedestals, mounted on a polished mahogany base board. Options include keel block mounting, waterline models, nameplates, ships seals and ribbons, and weathering paint schemes. As appropriate to the vessel and service era specified, scale aircraft with appropriate air wings, flagging and assorted deck machines are included.
The model build time is generally 16 weeks from receipt of the order and deposit. The normal procedure is a 50% deposit with the commissioning, with the balance due prior to shipping. Note that prior to shipping, we take a series of photos of the model and send them to you for final review and approval – so you know exactly what your model will look like and allow for any necessary modifications. Once you have approved your model, we’ll collect the final balance and she will be shipped in a robust shipping crate and insured for your protection.
We offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: In the unlikely event you are not completely satisfied with your model and wish to return it, notify us within 7 days of the model delivery and we will issue a refund or exchange.
FREE SHIPPING in the USA - Note that our model prices include shipping and insurance within the USA.
Shipping costs outside the USA will depend on the model size ordered and shipping destination. You will be responsible for any applicable taxes or duties, based on the commercial invoice value for the model.
Add a museum-like touch to your model display - Consider our protective display case option. Keep fingers and dust away - forever! Please visit our Display Case page to see our selection.
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