The GBU-8/B HOBOS (Homing Bomb System) was developed in the late 60’s by the U.S. Air Force in an effort to improve the accuracy of its bombs. ; The HOBOS consisted of an electro-optical guidance system fitted to a MK 84 2,000 lb. bomb and was intended as an alternative to the then new laser guided bombs. ; The advantage of the HOBOS was that once the seeker was aligned with the target and locked on, the weapon could be released as a fire and forget weapon. ; Disadvantages were that the seeker needed an area of high contrast to lock on to and the system was more expensive than the laser guided bombing systems.

Background

Conceived and initially developed on the eve of World War II, the Churchill infantry tank was designed to provide infantry support in European conflicts, including trench warfare as seen in World War I. Although rushed into production early in the war to counter an anticipated German invasion of England, the Churchill matured through a number of marks to become a versatile and effective element of Allied armored forces.

Some Mk III Churchills were fitted with special wading gear for amphibious landings. Most notable of such landings was the ill-fated Operation Jubilee, in which Canadian forces tested the feasibility of opposed amphibious landings on the European mainland in 1942.

The Model

This variant of Dragon’s Mk III Churchill features additional parts to outfit the kit with wading trunks, exhausts, braces, and other details to replicate the Churchills landed during Operation Jubilee.

The Vehicle

Developed from the M-41 Light Tank with which it shared many parts and features, the M42 40 mm Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun, or "Duster," was an armored light air-defense gun built for the U.S. Army by the tank division of the General Motors Corp. from 1952 until 1959.

The vehicle had a crew of six, weighed 25 tons fully loaded, and was armed with two fully automatic 40mm Bofors guns with a combined rate of fire of 240 rounds per minute (rpm). For close in defense, it also carried either a .30 caliber or 7.62mm pintle mounted machine gun. The 500 hp, six-cylinder, Continental, air-cooled, gasoline engine was located in the rear of the vehicle and via a cross-drive, 2-speed Allison transmission, could attain a top speed of 45 mph with a range of 100 miles. A total of 3,700 M42s were built.

TwoBobs Aviation Graphics have been around for years, and have built a solid reputation for producing some of the finest after-market decal sets in the industry. Chances are, if you’ve been around aircraft modeling for a while you’ve used some of their products already. Their recent release of a set of 1/48^th Viggen decals was meant to coincide with the recent Tarangus release of a JA-37 Viggen in the same quarter scale.

The decal set under review comes in a sealed plastic envelope that contains two sheets of individual markings covering the following nine different aircraft:

Chris Gibson’s latest book on British aviation projects examines the post-war genesis of the RAF's maritime patrol aircraft. Starting with the British affection for its flying boats of 1945, Chris Gibson chronicles the switchback path that led to the Shackleton and ultimately the Nimrod. As a bonus for underwater target fans, Chris Gibson provides intrepid commentary on the aerial systems developed to counter the threat from Soviet submarines.

To seek and destroy Soviet submarines, Shackletons and Nimrods carried many advanced weapons and sensors, but also played a role in saving lives at sea. Then, after forty years' service, the Nimrods were withdrawn without replacement after one of the most expensive procurement disasters.

Following in the path of Chris Gibson’s previous books, this tome presents hundreds of illustrations, photographs, and artwork. Chris must have really enjoyed the research as there are many projects depicted I was previously unaware of.