SAAB/IAI Draken II

[chrisonord]

As a rule the aircraft bought by the Honduras air force had to be multi role, but due to the new threat from Cartel Mig -29's dedicated interceptors were decided upon to cover the Combat air patrol's  and air to ground missions. Talks were getting nowhere with modern Gen 4 aircraft due to price, except for the 3 ex demonstrator Rafales that were purchase and pressed in to specialist mission work. IAI who had done several upgrades for Honduras were involved in a joint project with SAAB, to upgrade several low hour Draken's by using both Grypen and F-16 SUFA parts where applicable. As well as weapon carrying capability that was increased in the "new" Draken's modern more powerful engines were installed. Honduras liked the sound of these on paper, but wanted to know what they could do in reality. The first production version was prepped tested then shipped from Israel to Honduras for trials. The aircraft was liked by all who flew it and it was certainly a lot better than the original incarnation that had been offered to them a few decades earlier. The aircraft was pressed in to front line service, soon after testing, and proved to be a lethal adversary to the MIG's belonging to the Cartel
The kit is the old Airfix one with an F-16 engine nozzle, modified tail, and some extra hard points for aam's
Cheers.
Chris
IMG_2325 by Chris Hall, on Flickr
IMG_2324 by Chris Hall, on Flickr
IMG_2323 by Chris Hall, on Flickr
IMG_2322 by Chris Hall, on Flickr

[PR19_Kit]

I like that Chris, it looks very capable. 

I was trying to see some F-16XL bits in there, but there aren't. 

[chrisonord]

I like that Chris, it looks very capable. 

I was trying to see some F-16XL bits in there, but there aren't. 

The XL I have is going to be am upgrade in its own right Kit, the major upgrades are internal Glad you like it
Chris

[Snowtrooper]

Nice. Something similar would have made sense IRL too - after all, when at the end of the Cold War Sweden disposed of the multitude of Drakens that were stockpiled for Finland in case of WW3 (in addition to themselves), it would have made more sense to sell them (and probably earn nicely from the modernization and after sales service) instead of scrapping.

[Jesse220]

Nice.

[DogfighterZen]

Very nice indeed!

[Dizzyfugu]

Cool. Interesting how the longer fin changes the overall look. The wingtip launch rails are a nice addition, too, the Draken looks much bigger now?

[zenrat]

 

[perttime]

How dare you do that to a Draken       

What is that thing under the nose?

[NARSES2]

I like that

[chrisonord]

Cheers