Per Wikipedia, the AN/AAQ-28(V) LITENING targeting pod is an advanced precision targeting pod system currently operational with a wide variety of aircraft worldwide. The targeting pod contains a high-resolution, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor that displays an infrared image of the target to the aircrew. It has a wide field of view search capability and a narrow field of view acquisition/targeting capability of battlefield-sized targets. The pod also contains a CCD camera used to obtain target imagery in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum capability. They are currently in use in over 20 countries in the world.

Eduard continues their Brassin resin range with a 1/32nd scale Litening Pod. The set consists of two resin parts- the main body and the rotating head, a set of photoetch for the rear of the pod and a set of decals. Assembly is quick. Remove the pour stubs from the two resin parts and sand smooth. Cut one of the photoetch backs loose and attach to the rear of the pod. Be careful here not to gum up the fine screen opening with glue. I had to use a little putty to make sure there was no gap around the edges where the photoetch met the resin. I then glued the seeker head in place. The callout for the overall color is FS36118 Gunship Grey. Before adding this to your project, check your color callout as with all the countries, it is probably different. I have mine set for an F-15E so the FS36118 is correct. Once dry, I painted the seeker windows. One is silver with a transparent blue and the other is silver with transparent yellow. I also painted the access handles silver.

After all is dry, there are 14 decals to add to the pod. I would again check if you are adding this to a specific kit as foreign markings would likely be different. I added some Flory washes and then a flat coat and the pod is finished.

Comparing it to the F-15E kit I have, the resin set is more detailed while maintaining the dimensions needed. Whether you want a replacement for an existing kit part or want to upgrade a kit missing a Litening pod, this set is well made and detailed and easy to use and is highly recommended.

My thanks to Eduard and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this item.