{"product_id":"short-stirling-union-jack-low-profile-dad-hat","title":"Short Stirling Union Jack Low Profile Dad Hat","description":"The Short Stirling was the RAF’s first four-engined heavy bomber of WWII, designed in response to Air Ministry Specification B.12\/36. It first flew on 14 May 1939 and entered operational service in August 1940 with No. 7 Squadron. Though innovative and robust, it was hampered by design compromises — notably a wingspan limit (to fit existing hangars) that restricted high-altitude performance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPowered by four Bristol Hercules radial engines, the Stirling could carry up to 14,000 lb (6,350 kg) of bombs. A total of 2,383 Stirlings were built. Early in the war, it flew strategic bombing raids over Germany, but by mid-1943, it was relegated from mainline bombing duties due to its vulnerability and operational ceiling (under 17,000 ft). It was gradually replaced by the Halifax and Lancaster.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Stirling found renewed life as a glider tug, paratroop transport, and special duties aircraft, serving key roles in D-Day, Arnhem, and Operation Market Garden. Though overshadowed by later bombers, its early war role was vital in building RAF Bomber Command’s experience.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nStirling squadrons suffered heavy losses during bombing operations, and the aircraft was retired from frontline service by 1946.","brand":"I Love a Hangar","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":51632924066087,"sku":"7500241_7854","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Navy","offer_id":51632924098855,"sku":"7500241_7857","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Cranberry","offer_id":51632924131623,"sku":"7500241_12735","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dark Grey","offer_id":51632924164391,"sku":"7500241_12736","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Khaki","offer_id":51632924197159,"sku":"7500241_7855","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Stone","offer_id":51632924229927,"sku":"7500241_7859","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White","offer_id":51632924262695,"sku":"7500241_7853","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/1219\/8232\/files\/classic-dad-hat-black-front-6a52d8ea380fe.jpg?v=1783814398","url":"https:\/\/iloveahangar.com\/products\/short-stirling-union-jack-low-profile-dad-hat","provider":"I Love a Hangar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}