Ikarus 227 Cudoviste

[Acree]

The Ikarus 227 Cudoviste was the first purpose-designed night fighter in in Eastern Europe and first flew in 1954.  Primary power came from two low-powered radial engines (450 hp Pratt and Whitney R-985).  These were intended to give the Cudoviste long loiter times at low speeds.  The Cudoviste was also equipped with two Turbomeca Palas turbojet engines giving 360 pounds of thrust, mounted on under-fuselage pylons.  These were intended to give (relatively) higher speed dash capability to pursue night bombers and intruders. 

The Cudoviste was fairly heavily-armed with four 20 mm MG151/20 cannon, and was equipped with a radar set manufactured by RR Nis and based on the German Lichenstein series. 

The Cudoviste was not a success, being two slow and insufficiently maneuverable for the intended role.  However, the prototype gave important experience to Yugoslav technicians and aircrew. 

Rogozarski by cacree, on Flickr
Rogozarski by cacree, on Flickr
Rogozarski by cacree, on Flickr
Rogozarski by cacree, on Flickr

[Acree]

This model started out as a Beech 18 (C-45) from Hobbycraft in 1/72 scale.  The vertical stabilizer and rudder came from a Smer Me-262.  The front half of the fuselage was cut off and reattached inverted.  This gave the under-belly step (the former Beech windshield) for the four MG 151 installation.  The nose radome was formerly the under-fuselage radome from a PB4Y Privateer.  The canopy was some randome French vacform from the Falcon vacform French canopies set.  The wing-mounted antennae were from the Me-262 kit, and the Palas engine pods were Russian rocket pods from a Mil Mi2URN Hoplite kit, suitably modified.   

A quick and fun diversion, with very little in the way of realism.  Hope you like it.

Chuck

[Jeffry Fontaine]

A very nice amalgamation of parts!  I was having a problem trying to identify what kits were used for your project so you definitely have come up with a unique looking model :)

[Acree]

Thanks, Jeffrey!  I think the inverted front fuselage makes it really hard to recognize the Beech.  The flat black paint doesn't help either!

[finsrin]

As Jeff said:
A very nice amalgamation of parts!  I was having a problem trying to identify what kits were used for your project so you definitely have come up with a unique looking model :)

Though saw C-45ish look was not sure is C-45 based.  Super build, goes to show you what C-45 kit can become,,, an Ikarus 227 Cudoviste !

[Tophe]

Amazing!

[Volkodav]

 :)

[Brian da Basher]

Looks great in that all-black scheme and seems most plausible!

Adding that nose was truly inspired and Yugoslav markings make it one that could fool many!

Agree with Jeff, could not figure out what kits were used until I read the breakdown.

Brian da Basher

[apophenia]

Brilliant! You had me going in circles trying to figure out the parts mix. Forget the Me 262 tail, I didn't even get the Beech. Well done  :)

[Frank3k]

Nice design! I thought the fuselage was from an A-1 Skyraider!

[The Big Gimper]

Never would have guessed it was a C-45. Great build!

[pigflyer]

In the words of the great Eric Morecambe, "You can't see the join!"
Brilliant stuff, great build and finish.     

[Acree]

In the words of the great Eric Morecambe, "You can't see the join!"
Brilliant stuff, great build and finish.     

Lots o' PSR!