Military Model Scene

The Taiwan based manufacturer AFV Club have been producing some first class 1/35 kits over the years and this recent release adds another interesting subject to their range. The HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) is a long serving surface to air missile system in service with the US Military up to 2006 and continues with a number of other nations.

This recent kit from AFV Club is every bit as good as we have come to expect from them.  It builds in essentially three sections, the base unit (trailer), the launch mounting and the 3 missiles.  The three missiles are identical, though you have an option of building either of 2 versions thanks to alternative fins. They fit together well and are quick and straightforward to build in themselves.  The main element is the base unit, a two-wheel trailer.  This features three extendable outriggers and can be assembled either with them down as emplaced for firing or folded up for a travelling configuration.  There are some small detail parts involved, even though the basic box structure is neat and simple.  There is a corresponding choice of dismounting the box of the launch controller and fitting it to a small tripod.

Finishing options are provided for 4 alternatives, a nice selection of colours and markings, and showcasing the use of the system by different nations.

A - For a USMC example as deployed during the Gulf War, 1990-91.  The launch unit is in US Desert Sand while the missile remain in Olive Drab.

B - US Army, 6th Battalion, 65th Air Defense Artillery, Florida, as at Oct 27 1962. This has the launch unit in Olive Drab (with yellow stencilling) while the missiles have white bodies, green fins and a tan nose cone.

C - ROCAF (Republic Of China Air Force), 621st Battalion, 608th Group, Air Defense Missile Command.   This has a green overall launch unit while the missiles are in a Sandy Brown colour and Grey nose cone.

D - Israeli Air Force, so the launch unit in IDF Grey 1 and the missiles themselves in a paler Yellow colour.

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Robin