Airfix Model World 12/2012

The F3H-2 Demon is of ten regarded as an underpowered machine with a troubled existence. Nevertheless, and after the introduction of the more powerful Allison J-71 engine, this design found its place as the U.S. Navy's first all-weather embarked interceptor with missile capability. The experiences amassed by both McDonnell and the U.S. Navy with this hefty aircraft ushered in more famous carrier-borne creations, such as the F-4. At first inspection, the plastic parts provided by Hobbyboss were a pleasure to look at. The plastic surface was well detailed with consistent panel lines and, when viewed more closely, it was obvious that Hobbyboss took care when positioning the tool ejector pins; they were all located in places that would be hidden on the finished model. The runners came individually packed, which was extremely useful regarding the clear parts. Also included was a photo-etched fret that provided details for the engine exhaust fan, airbrakesand wing fences.

download

Airfix Model World 11/2012

The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is the single biggest hazard facing ground forces currently operating in Afghanistan. To help combat these dangers, the Oshkosh M-ATV is the U.S. military's latest development in an evolving series of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. This concept emerged following rising casualty rates from lEDs following the invasion of Iraq. Initial MRAP vehicles were based upon designs developed in Rhodesia and South Africa, which utilised a V-shaped hull to divert the force of an explosion away from the vehicle's underside. They are large and very bulky vehicles, which have proved cumbersome in the difficult terrain of Afghanistan. The M-ATV, however, is smaller and designed to take advantage of the greater protection provided by an MRAP vehicle, but coupled with the greater mobility necessary to meet the terrain conditions. It is now the primary ground vehicle for U.S. forces in Afghanistan and is intended to be a replacement for the M1114 HMMWV. MRAPs are proving to be remarkably successful. In fact, since their introduction IED-related casualties have fallen by a massive by 90%.

download

Airifix Model World 10/2012

The DH.9a was a successful light day bomber which first entered service with 110 Squadron in June 1918. Its 'Ninak' nickname came from the then phonetic alphabet; at the time, 'Ack' was used for the letter A, and thus the '.9a' portion of the aircraft'sdesignation morphed into Ninak in military-speak. The type was borne out of the necessity to find a replacement for the under-performing DH.9, which in turn was already a replacement for the DH.4. By the Armistice, 110 Squadron alone had dropped 10 tons of bombs on German targets with only slight losses. An Anglo-American collaboration, the DH.9a married a British airframe with an American-built Liberty engine. Its V12 water-cooled power plant was rated at 400hp, which produced a top speed of 114mph (183km/h) at 10,000ft (3,048m). A 450lb (204kg) bomb load was carried externally and other armament consisted of a single .303in Vickers gun, synchronised to fire through the propeller arc, and a scarf-mounted single or twin Lewis gun for the rear gunner.

download

Airfix Model World 09/2012

Reconnaissance has had a long history in the Hellenic Air Force (HAF), and it began when 335 Squadron of 112 Combat Wing fitted a camera in the tip tank of an F-84G Thunderjet. Positive results led to the delivery of the RT-33A (a T-33A trainer with cameras in a modified nose). The new aircraft prompted 335 Squadron to form the 348 Tactical Reconnaissance Flight which, on July 7,1954, was relocated to 110 Combat Wing in Larissa, after being supplied with the new RT-33A. These aircraft were eventually replaced by the RF-84F Thunderflash, which was acquired in August 1956. Until autumn 1978, the RF-84F was the only type in the squadron. Then, the RF-4E Phantom II ushered in a new era of air reconnaissance with the HAF. On March 29,1991, the RF-84F was withdrawn after 34 years' active service, and left the squadron with just a handful of RF-4Es. However, in August 1993, numbers were increased with the addition of surplus RF-4Es from German Air Force stocks, and the unit is now known as 348 Mira 'Mafia' (eyes).

download