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.

The pods are simple to assemble, being cast in two parts. As you have come to expect with Aires, the parts are cast in durable resin with no imperfections – the detail is superb. These pods are cast with empty tubes; normally. the warheads of the rockets are visible when the tubes are loaded. The only trick to assembly with this set is to ensure that you evenly remove the halves from their pour stubs. Because of the way that the halves are cast, there is no interior detail for the back end of the rocket tubes and the firing contacts. Since the pods are so small and the back opening even smaller, this lack of detail is not noticeable. I used a micro saw to remove the components and cleaned them up with a small file. I used gap-filling CA to attach the two halves. I sprayed Model Master Buffable Aluminum Metalizer in several coats on the pods. After the Metalizer cured, I buffed it with a soft cloth.

You may note that the finished pods lack any markings. Aires provides a small decal sheet with all of the appropriate stenciling and warning striping. Unfortunately, I spilled water on the sheet and ruined it. From previous experience working with Aerobonus decals, I know they are very thinly printed and extremely delicate. As a result, you need to handle them with great care and apply them where they should be located. They are the weak link in the Aerobonus ordnance sets. The good news is that it is not uncommon to see pods with no stenciling, it having worn off.

This set fills another gap in Soviet/Russian aircraft ordnance. It is a little pricey at $4 per pod, but the quality is superb. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Aires for supplying the review set and IPMS-USA for the review opportunity.