RNoAF A-7N+ Corsair II

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

So thanks to our very own Howard of Effingham, I now posess the means to build and equip my Norwegian A-7. No pics as yet, you'll just have to trust me until I can find some time to get them taken and posted, probably Friday this week.

Here's the idea/backstory:
It's the early eighties, the Cold War is in full effect. In the United States the first F/A-18A's are joining the fleet and the faithful A-7's are beginning t o be retired. Given that Norway shares a border with an increasingly belligerent Soviet Union and tensions are mounting, the Norwegian Parliament takes heed of the Air Forces' request for an interim 'platform' to fulfill the anti-shipping and close air support role pending the arrival of a fourth generation multi role aircraft. The Norwegians approach the Swedes with a view to leasing 'attack' configured Viggens, and the Americans to lease newly retired A-7's. Despite their age, the lower operating costs and greater flexibility of the older A-7's wins-out.

Fast forward to 1995. The A-7's are now supplemented by F/A-18A's but a major and ptentially catastrophic problem develops with the locally designed software upgrades to Hornets' the avionics. The entire fleet is grounded. Despite there being no direct threat from the Soviets anymore, the decision is taken to extend the working life of those Corsair's still in-service.

This includes adapting the radar & weapons systems to carry/target/launch the Penguin ASM and other 'modern' weapons including Durandal's, AGM-88's, Paveway III series LGB's etc, upgrading the RR Spey engines to maximise endurance therefore negating the need for any IFR capability (the wing-fold mechanism is also deleted at this time to save weight), and upgrading of the ECM/Jamming suite.

This will be be the basis of my Fujimi 1:72 A-7E project, be patient with me as the build won't start in earnest until July as from this coming weekend I'll be away for a month. The first two weeks will be spent on the second (two-week) residential course down at the HMCG Training Centre near Christchurch - yes that is only thirty minutes from Plastic Past-Times in Poole..... Warning - and the second two weeks will be in sunny Germany, staying on a farm in the Black Forest with the family (cannot wait  )

Hopefully I can post a couple of photos of what little progress that I've made so far on Friday, before then, it's down to trust !

Stay tuned.

Ian

[Jschmus]

This sounds cool.  Using the HARM won't be a stretch; it was part of the USN inventory from the middle Eighties and was deployed in combat by A-7s in Libya and during Desert Storm.

[Jeffry Fontaine]

Since it will be a Norwegian aircraft will there be any Penguins involved in this build?  The RBS-12 (AGM-119) Penguin missile would be an ideal addition to your little warhorse's arsenal. 

The obligatory "in action" photo to stimulate the creative juices...

(image source: Federation of American Scientists)

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Jeff
That's why I was 'biggin' up' Trevor..... He sent me the missiles and the rails. All I have to do now is source some 1:72 Norwegian F-16 decals and decide on a final (probably multi hued grey) camo pattern.

Ian

[Mossie]

Think the Norwegian markings would suit the A-7 down to the ground, looking forward to it Ian!

[Scooterman]

Jeff
That's why I was 'biggin' up' Trevor..... He sent me the missiles and the rails. All I have to do now is source some 1:72 Norwegian F-16 decals and decide on a final (probably multi hued grey) camo pattern.

Ian

Ian, I got you covered if you can't source any from your side........

[nev]

Jeff
That's why I was 'biggin' up' Trevor..... He sent me the missiles and the rails. All I have to do now is source some 1:72 Norwegian F-16 decals and decide on a final (probably multi hued grey) camo pattern.

Ian

Might be able to help you out there mate....does the old Italeri F-16 come with Norway decals?

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Thanks for the comments so far, chaps. Nev & Brad I'm OK for roundels it's the squadron fin-flashes I'm needing, if you can help, then let me know.... Thanks both.

And so onto the first pics:-







First to go was the fin tip, then a cut along the panel line below it to allow for the 'Marconi' style RWR bar. Fifteen minutes with some plastic card, a sharp blade and some sanding sticks.



Next:-







Next to go were the raised sections at the wing-fold. Again just a few minutes with a new chisel blade and various grades of sanding stick, then a quick re-scribe.



Finally for now:-







A nose job ! - Unlike our friend Piero and his stunning TSR2 project, I've confined myself to simply chopping off the nose of an unsuspecting 1:48 F/A-18 drop tank and taping it to the front of my poor little SLUF. Must admit to be extremely lucky with this as the Hornet tank was the firsr one I tried AND was cut using a Mark 1 eyeball and with absolutely no measuring..... like I say very lucky !

So that is it for this project for over a month. Will be back in July with more progress.

See you all later.

Ian

[Mossie]

It's the little things isn't it?  Love the nose job!

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

After an enforced absence....... It's back !





If it hadn't been for an emergency rush to the nursery - Toddler-Gatherer had somehow managed to insert a small bead into her right nostril - I would have gotten more done this morning. as it is I only had enough time to rub-down the seam on the inside of the intake halves. (Far) More to come soon.

Thanks for looking.

Ian

ps:-
For those who may be interested - the bead shot-out of Missys' nose when she ran to greet me as I walked into her class....... Job done !

[Scooterman]

Ian, you still need those squadron markings?

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Ian, you still need those squadron markings?

No thanks Brad, brother Nev came thru for me.

Ian

[nev]

Toddler-Gatherer had somehow managed to insert a small bead into her right nostril

I know I shouldn't laugh but.....I always thought she took after you

[Aircav]

No hand-eye co-ordination thats the trouble 

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Right so that's Steve & Neil off the Christmas card list....... Pair of scallywags 

Ian