I’ve built most of the major Sea King versions out there; this kit is a new release, not a re-pop of some other company’s work. Earlier in 2012, Cyber Hobby released this kit as an HC.4 troop transport in their Falklands theme; that kit was reviewed by IPMS/USA by Ben Guenther, IPMS# 20101, on 22 Sep 2012, if you would like to read about it (http://web.ipmsusa3.org/content/sea-king-hc4-falklands-war). What you get in this version are the same parts, with the large radome as a major modification for the kit.

There is probably no more uniquely a Soviet/Russian weapons system than the unguided rocket – think Katyusha. Their use, on a smaller scale, extended to Soviet concepts of close air support with aerial unguided rockets. Whereas in Western air forces the unguided rocket is a thing of the past in favor of precision munitions, they remain a staple with most Soviet/Russian-influenced air forces. Such is their belief in the system that the Soviet Union produced a broad array of rocket pods to accommodate their principal unguided 55mm aerial rocket, the S-5. Provided in this set is the early UB-16 without the extension tubes for the 5 interior rockets. Later UB-16s have the extension tubes. They are listed for use with the MiG-17, MiG-19, and the MiG-21, but I have also seen them carried on Syrian L-39s.

History Brief

The Seafang was essentially a Spiteful redesigned for the Royal Navy carrier use. Two prototype Seafang MK.32s were ordered on March 12, 1945, followed by an order for 150 Seafang MK.31s on 7 May 1945. To expedite entry into service, the interim Mk.31 was ordered, which was a navalised Spiteful with a tail hook, allowing the MK.32 to be developed. The Mk32 featured a contra-rotating propeller (eliminating engine torque), power folding outer wing tips, and a proper arrester hook.

The Product

Kit features very nice engraved panel lines, weak cockpit details, nice gear bays, reconnaissance camera, optional position flaps and wing tips, working prop, and 3 decal options. My sample was flash-free and well packaged in a sturdy box. Also included is a photo-etch fret for the radiators and an excellent color plate.