Beyond The Sprues
Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Aeroplanedriver on June 17, 2020, 03:35:33 PM
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Started this one on Sunday afternoon for the One Week Build on the other site. If I hadn't been lazy this morning I might actually have finished this one in 48 hours. I go back to work in 4 weeks and by golly I am determined to enter something in the 48 Hour GB before I do!
Anyhoo...Revell 1/48 Rafale M as a Swiss Air Force Rafale in the mid 2020s following a win in the Air 2030 project to find a replacement for the F-5E and eventually the F-18.
This started with the intention of it being a Royal Navy Rafale, but as it progressed I wanted something a bit different. I wanted to change the look up a little too and was pleasantly surprised to find that in Revell's kit the noses of the massive external fuel tanks are IDENTICAL in cross section to the kit radome, so I used one of those for a blunter radome. I'm also building it as a gear-up inflight build on a stand, partly to facilitate the One Week build, and partly because the M model's gear is just plain UGLY.
Final reveal tomorrow but I'll throw out how she looked around the 48 hour mark.
(https://i.imgur.com/B2D1BXql.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3iqimOgl.jpg)
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Good looking build, really like the colors.
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:smiley:
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Really nice scheme
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The less-pointy radome does not detract at all from the appearance of the Rafael. Actually gives it a great look, one that would also look right at home on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
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Done in about 72 hours!
In August 2020 Switzerland concluded a competition to select a replacement aircraft for its fleet of aging F-5Es. As with the earlier cancelled replacement project the Dassault Rafale won the competition, this time competing against the Eurofighter Typhoon, SAAB Grippen, Boeing F-18E, and Lockheed F-35. Unlke the earlier program the decision was made to proceed with the purchase of 36 Rafale S aircraft, as well as a new ground-based air defence system based on the Eurosam/Aster 30 system. The Rafale S was a hybrid between the latest version of the Rafale C F4 and M aircraft. To facility long term operations from improvised airstrips and roadways the S retained some of the strengthened structure and strengthened main landing gear of the M, as well as the arrestor hook, but without the need for catapult launches the C nosegear was utilized and all other maritime modifications were eliminated. the S was also configured to carry AIM-9X and AIM-120 AAMs to retain a common weapons store with the F-18 fleet. Integration of the MBDA Meteor was also included though Meteor missiles were not ordered by Switzerland until 2027.
The first Swiss Rafales were delivered in late 2023, entering front line service with the 11th Fighter Squadron at Bern in 2024. The F-18s from the 11th Fighter Squadron were transferred to the 8th Fighter Squadron, a reserve unit operating F-5s. Over the next two years the 17th Fighter Squadron and the Patrouille de Suisse also converted to F-5s allowing more F-5s to be retired and F-18s to transfer to reserve militia units. A follow on order in 2029 for an additional 34 Rafales allowed the F-5E to be completely retired by its 2030 target date and for all F-18s to transfer to reserve units.
This model shows a Rafale of the 11th Fighter Squadron in 2026 operating in the QRA role, carrying two AMRAAM and two AIM-9X AAMs as well as a centerline fuel tank. Common for the QRA mission the centerline tank is painted high visibility red with the international aviation emergency frequency in large white letters to assist in interceptions of stray aircraft.
(https://i.imgur.com/ayNnAY1l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1PxkzYWl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sydlIqfl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cj1bT7kl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yTre9BOl.jpg)
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Sweet! 8) :smiley:
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:smiley:
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That looks gorgeous! :-* The red centreline "call me" tank is a neat addition. Also cool to see AIM-9s on the wingtips.
How can you build so fast? Do your glue and paint not need to dry?
And how can you build so fast AND so neat? It doesn't look rushed at all.
<...> I'm also building it as a gear-up inflight build on a stand, partly to facilitate the One Week build, and partly because the M model's gear is just plain UGLY. <...>
You're soooo right! :smiley: The comical front landing gear leg with it's big wheels makes it look like a toy. Like one of those big wheel tricycles.