Su-33 Flanker D

Kinetic, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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The Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D is an all-weather carrier-based twin-engine air superiority fighter designed by Sukhoi and manufactured by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association.

It is a derivative of the Su-27 "Flanker" and was initially known as the Su-27K.

First used in operations in 1995 aboard the carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, the fighter officially entered service in August 1998, by which time the designation "Su-33" was used.

Following the break-up of the Soviet Union and the subsequent downsizing of the Russian Navy, only 24 aircraft were produced.

Attempted sales to China and India fell through.

Compared to the Su-27, the Su-33 has a strengthened undercarriage and structure, folding wings and stabilators, all for carrier operations. The wings are larger than on land-based aircraft for increased lift. The Su-33 has upgraded engines and a twin nose wheel, and is air refuelable.

In 2009, the Russian Navy ordered the MiG-29K as a replacement for the Su-33.*

Kinetic has released an all-new 1/48 scale Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D.

The kit comprises 253 parts in grey plastic, 10 parts in clear and markings for 19 aircraft from 1st and 2nd Squadrons.

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The first thing you will notice is the high quality packaging. Each sprue is packed into its own bag and two cardboard boxes provide additional protection for some of the more delicate parts including the one-piece missiles and the burner cans.

Also very striking is the gorgeous surface detail. Kinetic releases have been steadily improving in this respect, and their most recent Mirage and Harrier kits are very good indeed, but the Su-33 raises the bar yet again. Panel lines, vents, access hatches and more are all depicted in their crisp recessed glory.

The cockpit is broken down quite simply, but the relatively small number of parts does not imply a lack of detail. The 21-piece ejection seat gets its very own (small) sprue and looks terrific, although you'll have to source your own harness straps. The cockpit side consoles, tub and rear bulkhead bristle with moulded detail.

The fuselage is broken down into upper and lower pancakes, with outer wings being separate assemblies. Intakes are full length, and optional ramp vents are provided in both open and closed positions.

The clear parts are thin and impressively free from distortion.

The canopy features a separate frame/base and may be posed open or closed. The big upper fuselage air brake may be glued in open or closed positions too.

The burner cans are beautifully detailed and cleverly moulded as three interleaving cylinders plus delicate fan detail deep inside.

Photo-etched parts further enhance this area with some careful origami required.

Control surfaces are supplied as separate parts and may be posed to taste, including flaps and leading edge slats. The instructions offer diagrams to guide the modeller as to the correct control surface configuration for folded wings too.

The stout undercarriage looks good, and the all-plastic wheels have bulged and flattened tyres.

Weapons are beautifully presented and are brilliantly moulded in one-piece each, including delicate fins.

Markings

At least 19 marking options are possible from the number jungle on the Cartograf-printed decal sheet.

Decals have been designed Crossdelta.

This is a deeply impressive kit.

Kinetic's 1/48 scale Su-33 features state-of-the-art surface textures, a very high level of detail, plenty of useful options and poseable parts, and all delivered via a manageable parts count and sensible engineering.

This will be a large and impressive model when finished.

If you want even more detail, Dream Model has already released a colour photo-etched update set including harness straps and a replacement instrument panel, side consoles and other smaller cockpit parts.

Dream Model also offers a Chinese J-15 conversion with resin and photo-etched parts as well as decals. I do like the look of some of the primer-toned Chinese finishes!

Highly Recommended.

*Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia

Thanks to Lucky Model for the samples

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Brett Green
Page Created 12 January, 2016
Last updated 12 January, 2016

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