#3 DONE +++ Saab A 32A Lansen, '29' of Swedish Air Force's Försökscentralen

Dizzyfugu · November 02, 2016, 07:25:01 AM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on November 02, 2016, 04:48:52 AM
And I have an Emhar FJ-4 too, just never opened the box.

You have to be strong in order to dare this - even though the kit builds into a nice (yet very basic) Fury model. Just don't cut the single-piece canopy for an open display...

Here's a look at the mess...

1:72 North American FJ-4B 'Fury'; aircraft '202', 860th Squadron, Netherlands Marine-Luchtvaartdienst/MLD; on board of HNLMS Karel Doorman R81, New Guinea/Indonesia region, 1960 (Whif) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Dizzyfugu · November 03, 2016, 01:06:15 AM

In the meantime, we're about to add some paint:

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The light green is Humbrol 150 (Forest Green, FS 34127), Humbrol 91 (Black Green, ~RLM70) was used for the for the dark, bluish green. Finally the brown tone was mixed with Humbrol 29 and RLM 79 (Sandgelb, from the Modelmaster Authentics range) plus a bit of Humbrol 62 (Leather) for an orange-ish, sandy tan tone, so that it does not look too much like USAF FS 30219. Comes very close though, despite all efforts... $:-\$
The underside was painted with RLM 76 (Humbrol 247), a tone that IMHO comes very close to the dull Blågrå tone of Swedish military aircraft since WWII.

In parallel, serial production of the ordnance has started. These twelve fat missiles are actually HVARs from the Airfix/Heller A-1 Skyraider, but they fit perfectly under the Lansen!

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

zenrat · November 03, 2016, 03:03:36 AM

In my ever so humble opinion the RLM70 isn't blue enough. I would have gone for something like US Navy gloss blue.
But then given my reputation for colour choices what do I know?

Snowtrooper · November 03, 2016, 03:37:09 AM

So, the rockets are practice rounds since they're green?

Flygvapnet has had this tendency to show mostly practice rounds in the publicity photos, hence many think that the Swedes really paint their live missiles bright green.

Dizzyfugu · November 03, 2016, 06:20:37 AM

Ah! Probably like the blue US training rounds.
But then it makes even more sense - under a test institution aircraft. And it looks odd, too...

Dizzyfugu · November 03, 2016, 12:10:21 PM

Moving on, with some panel shading and first decals: the silver wing leading edges are created with decal sheet instead of paint, a clean and convenient solution.

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Other markings next. Most markings come from an RBD Studio aftermarket sheet (excellent stuff!), puzzled together from various aircraft and with the benefit of additional stencils, since the OOB sheet is pretty minimalistic. To make matters worse, the OOB sheet was printed off-register, so that almost nothing with 2 colors or more could be used.

The cool thing about the RBD Studio sheet is, though, that it actually allows to create the "29" from the inspiring profile! The orange nose band, a typical marking for fighters operated by the Försökscentralen, was scratched from decal sheet.

One detail that is certainly not correct in the inspiring profile is the squadron emblem on the air intake. I do not think that machines operated by the Försökscentralen carried any such markings (I could not find any proof so far), so I chose something that comes visually close.

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Dizzyfugu · November 04, 2016, 08:01:15 AM

+++ BREAKING NEWS +++
FC/29 existed! I found proof of the aircraft on a Swedish website:

Found at: http://lae.blogg.se/2013/september/lansen-till-salu-2.html

Not certain when the pic was taken, though, but with some imagination the weird paint scheme can be recognized (e. g. the large brown area on the left flank above the wing). Looks pretty weathered, though.
According to this source it's s/n 32209 and ended up in the USA in 1985, under private ownership as N5468X and even in flying condition.

It even received a new all-grey livery:

Linked from here: https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=de&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.de&sl=sv&tl=en&u=http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1126705/&usg=ALkJrhg6xCXa67ik04jIic-I_pELjozWcg

Dizzyfugu · November 04, 2016, 10:00:06 AM

...and on the model, we're closing in on completion with decals and ordnance:

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Anyway, even if the aircraft existed, I still consider the inspiring profile and what I have created a whif, because the information basis is so vague.

Old Wombat · November 04, 2016, 10:01:48 AM

Coming together nicely, now!

Dizzyfugu · November 05, 2016, 02:35:36 AM

Here she is: an 1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970. Still speculative how "real" or fictional this livery is, but there are so many guesstimates and personal interpretations that this model is highly fictional. Looks good, though!

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Some background:
In Autumn 1946, the Saab company began internal studies aimed at developing a replacement aircraft for the Saab B 18/S 18 as Sweden's standard attack aircraft. In 1948, Saab was formally approached by the Swedish Government with a request to investigate the development of a turbojet-powered strike aircraft to replace a series of 1940s vintage attack, reconnaissance and night-fighter aircraft then in the Flygvapnet: the B 18/S 18, J 21R/A 21R and J 30 (de Havilland Mosquito).

On 20 December 1948, a phase one contract for the design and mock-up of the proposed aircraft was issued. The requirements laid out by the Swedish Air Force were demanding: it had to be able to attack anywhere along Sweden's 2,000 km (1,245 miles) of coastline within one hour of launch from a central location. It had to be capable of being launched in any weather conditions and at day or night. In response, Saab elected to develop a twin-seat aircraft with a low-mounted wing, and equipped with advanced electronics.

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1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

On 3 November 1952, the first prototype conducted its first flight. A small batch of prototypes completed design and evaluation trials with series production of the newly designated Saab 32 Lansen beginning in 1953. The first production A 32A Lansen attack aircraft were delivered to the Swedish Air Force and proceeded through to mid 1958, at which point manufacturing activity switched to the other two variants of the Lansen, the J 32B and S 32C. These two models differed substantially from the first, the J 32 B being fitted with a new, more powerful engine for greater flight performance along with new navigation and fire control systems. On 7 January 1957, the first J 32 B Lansen conducted its maiden flight; on 26 Match 1957, the first S 32C Lansen performed its first flight. Production of the Lansen continued until May 1960.

The A 32 Lansen was Sweden's last purpose-built attack aircraft. This was the ground attack and maritime strike version. It replaced Saab B 18 and was later replaced by Viggen. In the years 1955-58 287 were delivered to the Swedish air force. This version had four 20 mm guns in the nose, covered by shutters. The shutters were opened upon "safety off", but had to be closed by command. Empty casings were kept from the air intakes by a pair of small plates under the nose. As they then impacted the external fuel tank, its nose was covered in neoprene to protect it.

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The radar used in the A 32A was designated PS-431/A, actually of French design but built in Sweden. Instrumented ranges were 8, 20, 80 and 160 km. The radar gave the A 32 a true all-weather capability and was also used to aim the indigenous RB 04 anti-ship missiles.
As these aircraft always operated in groups, and as an economy measure only about 25% of them were given radars, Typically, only these leader aircraft had navigators aboard and marked the target with illumination flares, while the others, only operated by a single pilot, carried out the actual attack with bombs or missiles.

The replacement of the A 32A formally began in June 1971, the more advanced Saab 37 Viggen being slowly used to take over its attack responsibilities. The last A 32A was retired from active service in 1978. Accidents destroyed a third of all Lansens during 25 years of service.

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

As the type was gradually being replaced by more modern types, the versatile Saab 32 still continued to be operated into the late 1990s as target tugs and electronic warfare platforms, a total of 20 J 32Bs were converted for these duties into J 32D and Es. By 2010, at least two Lansens were still operational, having the sole task of taking high altitude air samples for research purposes in collaboration with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority; one of these collected volcanic ash samples in mid 2010. By 2012, a total of three Lansens reportedly remained in active service.

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

General characteristics:
Crew: two
Length: 14.94 m (49 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 13.0 m (42 ft 8 in)
Height: 4.65 m (15 ft 3 in)
Wing area: 37.4 m² (402.6 ft²)
Empty weight: 7,438 kg (16,383 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 13,600 kg (29,955 lb)

Powerplant:
1× Svenska Flygmotor RM5A afterburning turbojet
(a Rolls Royce Avon Mk.21/21A outfitted with an indigenous afterburner),
delivering 3,460 kp dry and 4,700 kp with afterburning

Performance:
Maximum speed: 1,125 km/h (700 mph)/Mach 0.91
Never-exceed speed: 1.200 km/h (745 mph)
Cruising speed: Mach 0.8
Range with internal fuel only: 1.850 km (1,150 mi)
Service ceiling: 14,000 m (45,800 ft)
Rate of climb: 60 m/s (11,800 ft/min)

Armament:
4× 20 mm cannon with 180 rounds per gun (7 s of firing) in the lower nose section
A total of thirteen external hardpoints for a wide variety of up to 3.000 kg ordnance,
including a pair of Rb04 anti-ship missiles, unguided missiles and bombs of different calibers,
and special loads like a BOZ 3 chaff dispenser pod.

A relatively simple build, without major donations or transplantations. "FC/29" - fictional or not - turned out to be quite colorful, I am positively surprised.
Its high contrast camouflage proves to be quite effective in the beauty pics, and the green ordnance as well as the bright markings are nice contrasts. Looks very different from "normal" Saab 32s, especially from the all-green fighters.
This will certainly not the last Saab 32 I'll build, it's a very impressive and elegant aircraft!

1:72 Saab A 32A ,,Lansen", aircraft ,29' (s/n 32209) of the Swedish Air Force Försökscentralen during camouflage trials; Malmslätt, Sweden, 1970 (Quasi-whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

zenrat · November 05, 2016, 04:15:04 AM

DogfighterZen · November 05, 2016, 05:09:04 AM

Looks good, nice work on the camo.

NARSES2 · November 05, 2016, 06:02:33 AM

That's just stunning

TheChronicOne · November 05, 2016, 08:10:59 AM

Excellent work!! Man, I hope I'm good as you some day, Dizzy!! I love it.

loupgarou · November 05, 2016, 03:53:41 PM

Execllent as usual! You could pass it off as an aircraft of the Swedish Volunteer Group in Vietnam.