Hawker De Havilland PC-9 Winjeel II

kitnut617 · February 18, 2009, 10:22:37 AM

As the Terrier is well in hand, I'm going to have another go at this GB using the Aero 72 (Aeroclub) kit of a PC-9. I will keep the changes to a minimal amount, change the prop for the uprated engine, a couple of fuel tanks and some ASM's, plus some guns. And I'll use the Hawkeye Models decal sheet for a FAC aircraft.

kitnut617 · February 21, 2009, 10:04:03 AM

Having started this kit I've had to revise my plan. Originally I wasn't going to go with wingtip tanks, just go with how they're carried for real, but I've realized that the guns won't go in the wing. So I'll go with gun pods instead and move the tanks to the wing tips. I'm still not sure if I want to go with a four-pack of missiles or a two-pack, it will all depend how much clearance there is once it's on it's wheels. A two-pack might be better aerodynamically though.

The kit is quite basic but being a short-run injection the fit-up of the main parts needs working on and it looks like some PSR will be in order. The plastic though is quite soft. The prop will get it's blades shortened a bit as it is very marginal for ground clearance as it is.

Jschmus · February 21, 2009, 10:53:23 AM

Wow! I like this one. Those missile pods look like TOW launchers. You might want to say that they're something else, as flying slow and level in a straight line at low altitude makes one a sucker for AAA.

Ed S · February 21, 2009, 10:55:03 AM

Great idea. And very realistic considering the Tucano and the AT-6 type COIN a/c.

Looking forward to watching this one develop.

Ed

kitnut617 · February 21, 2009, 11:47:27 AM

Quote from: Jschmus on February 21, 2009, 10:53:23 AM
Wow! I like this one. Those missile pods look like TOW launchers. You might want to say that they're something else, as flying slow and level in a straight line at low altitude makes one a sucker for AAA.

I couldn't remember what they were but they're left-overs from the Mangusta. I don't think TOW missiles are what I want, might have to hook out some RP pods from somewhere.

Edit: I think I've got some zunnie pods, I wonder where I put those now --------

kitnut617 · February 21, 2009, 12:53:45 PM

Quote from: Ed S on February 21, 2009, 10:55:03 AM
Great idea. And very realistic considering the Tucano and the AT-6 type COIN a/c.

Looking forward to watching this one develop.

Ed

Well talking about Tucanos, here's another project which might get finish in time for this GB. I was amazed to find that the wing might be based on a P-51 wing, these cannon seem to just fall in.

Brian da Basher · February 21, 2009, 01:20:28 PM

That right there captures the essence of "Trainers with Teeth"! Bravo!!!

Brian da Basher

BrittMac · February 21, 2009, 01:51:03 PM

Nice! I think that the wing tanks and the gun pods really set off that airframe. It looks the part.

And the Tucanostang is very sweet! The wings do look like a custom fit and the cannons are the icing on the cake.

I think you are making this far too believable..........you sure this is a whif?

kitnut617 · February 21, 2009, 02:14:09 PM

Quote from: BrittMac on February 21, 2009, 01:51:03 PM
I think you are making this far too believable..........you sure this is a whif?

And thanks BTW.

John Howling Mouse · February 21, 2009, 04:08:37 PM

Yep, both of these are probably somewhere in "Jane's Encyclopedia Of Obscure But Cool Aircraft"

kitnut617 · February 22, 2009, 08:44:01 AM

Some progress, as the wing is injected as one whole piece I decided to glue the tanks and pylons on now as I'm going to need it like this anyway to figure out how much ballast it will need. Change the load-out slightly, going with a couple of 19 shot RP pods. I also had to trace the wheel wells as the doors are some items that have to be made from card, as is the nose wheel well and doors and some items in the cockpit.

Doing a comparison of the PC-9 and Tucano, it's interesting to see the different philosophy behind their thinking. The two aircraft are about the same size but where Embraer seems to have gone with the tried and tested route, Pilatus has been a bit braver and design a new wing which is much thinner.

Ian the Kiwi Herder · May 02, 2009, 11:17:56 PM

Robert has asked that we move this topice to the 'Finished Builds' thread as he will not have time to complete it before mid-May (the new completion date).

Ian

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