F-22A Raptor

Academy, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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I was surprised at the large size of Academy's 1/48 scale F-22A Air Dominance Fighter. The box is big, but the size is justified by two main parts - separate upper and lower halves incorporating wings and fuselage. This is a clever engineering choice that will ease construction and ensure that there are no nasty seams lines at the long wing roots.

Academy's 1/48 scale F-22A comprises 182 parts in grey coloured plastic, 7 clear plastic parts, 7 smoke coloured plastic parts and a comprehensive decal sheet covering at least 18 marking options.

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Thumbnail panels:

The quality of the mouldings is very good, with the plastic surfaces featuring crisp and finely recessed panel lines supplemented with raised detail where appropriate.

Detail is generally very good too, with busy wheel wells and weapons bay. The latter includes stores and separate doors. Horizontal tail surfaces are each attached by a plastic pin, so they may be posed to taste. The thrust-vectoring nozzle petals are separate parts too, permitting them to be attached in open or closed positions.

The cockpit is not quite up to the same level of detail as the rest of the kit, with flat consoles and decal instruments and switches. Fortunately, detail feinds already have the option of several after-market cockpits, one of which is also reviewed here on HyperScale.

Ordnance includes AIM-9M, AIM-9X and AIM-120C missiles, plus GBU-32 bombs. 600 gallon external tanks are also provided.

Two transparent sprues are provided. One is completely clear while the other is tinted in a smoke colour. They are otherwise identical.

The instructions do not suggest which version to use, so the choice will be based on your references or your personal preferences.

The canopy is divided into the clear upper section and a separate frame in grey plastic.

The decal sheet is a real highlight, taking up most of the area of the box and crammed with at least 18 marking options plus stencils.

The quality of printing is excellent, and register is perfect on my sample.

Academy has delivered a large and nicely detailed model with their new 1/48 scale Raptor. The outline appears to be accurate, and the myriad of markings on the excellent decal sheet should please modellers.

Academy's 1/48 scale F-22 is a major improvement over the Italeri kit in the same scale, and will look good whether built straight from the box or enhanced with an after-market cockpit and nozzles.

If you have the slightest interest in this stealthy 21st Century fighter, Academy's kit will be your best choice!

Thanks to Lucky Model for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2009 by Brett Green
Page Created 23 March, 2009
Last updated 23 March, 2009

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