This book looks at the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver in French Service. In need of aircraft after WWII, the French Navy received the first 56 of what was to be a force of 110 Helldivers in 1949. Already considered obsolete by the US and not so affectionately nicknamed “Son of Bitch 2nd Class” by US personnel who operated it, the French Navy set about putting it to use in Indo-China.

This book is a brief overview of Helldiver operations by the three Flotille so equipped. Each is presented in a short “newspaper article” style, followed by some very brief coverage of Helldiver use by second-line units. The text section concludes with a listing of aircraft and personnel lost on operations.

The RQ-7 Shadow is a UAV used by the US Army and Marine Corps for surveying the battlefield for damage assessment and just about anything else. It is made to be compact and portable. It is launched by a pneumatic track and recovered with arresting gear similar to what’s used onboard aircraft carriers. Academy has offered a great diorama of this UAV. I could call it a kit but it comes with a base, two choices of pneumatic launchers, and two complete figures, so the term diorama is accurate. Also included are two sheets of decals – one with markings for the UAV and the second with digital camouflage for the figures.

For most modelers, we all will spend lots of time and energy detailing the aircraft to the max, yet when we get to the ordnance, we are left wanting by the kit-supplied items. Eduard comes to the rescue within their Brassin line and provides a great set of Sparrows for your latest detailed build. Designed and molded with the latest technology, they will satisfy the need for detail.

A Little History

The AIM-7 Sparrow family was birthed out of a late 1940’s project to develop an aerial beam-riding rocket out of the HVAR used during WWII. Douglas quickly discovered the size of the HVAR was inadequate for the needed electronics, so the body was enlarged. The result was the AAM-2 Sparrow I, which made its first “interception” in 1952, and was carried onboard Skyknights and later F3H-2M Demons and F7U Cutlasses. It use was limited, but it did pave the way for further development.

History

The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engined aircraft designed for both fighter and attack missions. The initial versions, the A and B (two seat) entered operation in 1981. The F/A-18C was a visually similar but had a number of improvements related to avionics and weapon carrying capability. It started production in 1987 and has proven successful in the various roles. The Hornet participated in Operation Desert Storm and proved very successful in combat situations. The Hornet is also operated by the Air Forces of Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland.

Items in the Box

The items are made from photo-etched sheets, two in quantity, made from metal. The assembly instructions are a fold out sheet, printed both sides.

Construction

The build is very basic, as I followed the instruction sheet. Many tiny parts are noted on the photos enclosed.

Finish

None. Same as exterior of aircraft.

Conclusion

The items went on the model well. Care must be taken as the parts are tiny. I would like to thank IPMS and Eduard for allowing me to review this product.