Finished Builds and Vote

[Modelling_Mushi]

Just finished the Japanese Mistel composite, 1/72. Glamour (?) shot below.



Build thread and more finished pics here:
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,40427.new.html#new

[JayBee]

Blue Angels MQ-47B

As previously reported in the build thread The Blue Angels re-equiped with pilot-less aircraft in late 2018.

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,40447.0.html


In early 2019 the first display was performed before Admiral Zook (Wooky) Barakas Johnston of the USN Air Review Board.

The photo's here show Angel1 saluting the reviewing officer as taxies back to it's parking slot.








..and then returning to the allocated parking spot.

[lenny100]

not the best photos but here is my entry




build at http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,40412.msg680212.html#msg680212

[sandiego89]

STOL Jaguar V, French Air force.  

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,40422.msg680565/topicseen.html#new

1/72

Realizing that the VTOL Mirage VIII would never make it to production, France still desired a largely French product to allow operations from dispersed strips and roadways.  France asked SEPECAT to come up with a STOL version of the Jaguar, with a single lift jet replacing the rear crew member in the two seat version.  A single non- after burning Adour eased maintenance commonality with the main engines. The lift jet also provided bleed air for blown flaps.

Lift was also augmented with thrust deflecting paddles behind the main engines. These were nicknamed "boules de sucre" (sugar scoops) by ground crews.

Although the aircraft could not operate in VTOL flight mode, it had outstanding short field capability.    

Development of the Jaguar V went surprising quickly by using a early pre-prodcution two seater for trials.  The type saw use with one training and three front line squadrons, and chalked up some interesting export orders as well.  

[Nick]

Irish Gnats



In the early 1970s the Irish Air Corps started looking to replace the now elderly De Havilland Vampire trainers they'd been flying since 1956. Several contenders were available ranging from the US-built F-5 or T-38, the French Fouga Magister, the Dornier Alpha Jet and the HS Hawk. They'd rejected the possibility of having the Vampires rebuilt and zero-hour rated as not being a suitable long-term solution.
The Hawk and Alpha Jet were still undergoing trials and would not be available soon enough plus the costs were deemed too high. The US option was just too much for Irish needs and even with the offer of a low cost loan the price was too high.

The Gnat was an outside runner in this race but ironically the Troubles in Northern Ireland gave it a winning chance. The British wanted to keep the Irish Government on side following several unfortunate shooting incidents across the border and elsewhere. The RAF were phasing the HS Gnat out of service in readiness for the new Hawk and had many surplus well-looked after machines. So, the deal was made. Ireland would receive 10 ex-RAF Gnats fully rebuilt to zero-hour standard and a huge pile of spare parts.

In 1974 six pilots from the Irish Air Corps attended the Gnat training course at RAF Central Flying School, six more would do the same in 1975. After the end of each course they each flew home in a new Gnat painted with the Irish tricolour.
Given that the Gnat was the star of the RAF's Aerobatic Display Team it didn't take long to create an airshow display with 4 Gnats under the banner of The Silver Swallows 




This is the modern Airfix 1/72 Folland Gnat with Irish markings from the Airfix Fouga Magister kit.

[Ed S]

In the late 60's and early 70's, the USAF and USN were starting dedicated dissimilar air combat training programs (Aggressors and Top Gun). The USAF wanted a small, supersonic fighter that had the size, performance and appearance that could simulate the Mig-21. At the time, the USAF fighters were big powerful long range fighters (F-105, F-4...) so they went off shore looking for options. They eventually leased a squadron of SAAB J-35 Drakens.  These became the first Aggressor Squadron.







Build thread:  http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,40430.15.html

[perttime]

Hey!
My favourites are falling behind. Do something!

[PR19_Kit]

Mine are the two leaders. 

[NARSES2]

Mine are the two leaders. 

Well statistically there's a good chance of that - I'll get my hat 

[Supertom]

Well, one of mine are finally done. The JA-37ST will have to go back to the paint shop