Aires now offers a resin cockpit set for the Fujimi F-22 Raptor. This set has very well detailed resin pieces as well as photo etch. They are molded in the standard Aires grey resin and are flash and bubble free. They also include a 4 page, blue paper diagram, which is also a real help.

The resin pieces include a cockpit tub, ejection seat, control console and the hydraulic lifts to hold the canopy in the open position, as well as a very nice looking HUD display. The photo etch is also exceptionally good. It comes with everything else you will need to detail this small work of art. The cockpit that comes with the Fujimi kit will make an acceptable office but the detail that can be added with the Aires set is exceptional. There is just that much more detail when compared to the Fujimi parts. The seat is also beyond comparison. The kit seat is the usual multi part seat that has decal seatbelts while the Aires is much more detailed with photo etch bits and seatbelts.

Putting this cockpit in can be a little work. As with most aftermarket cockpits, if you want great detail, then you are going to have to take your time to cut and test fit until it fits in just right. I recommend doing this with the tub well before you try to start working on the cockpit. No need in knocking off all of that detail trying to get a good fit.

All in all, I really enjoy using Aires cockpit sets because they can be a model all by themselves and really add a high level of detail to an otherwise plain aircraft. I highly recommend this set.

Many thanks to Aires and IPMS USA for the opportunity to build this set. Keep up the great work, Aires.