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RQ-4B Global Hawk
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Kinetic, 1/48 scale

S u m m a r y
Catalogue Number: Kinetic Kit No. 48084 - RQ-4B Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Scale: 1/48
Contents and Media: 62 parts in light grey plastic. Markings for two aircraft.
Price: USD$19.99 plus postage available online from Lucky Model.
Review Type: FirstLook and Full Construction
Advantages: Still the only injection-moulded model of a Global Hawk in 1/48 scale; high quality moulding; nicely recessed surface details; delicate detail including engine fan and turbine exhaust; simple parts breakdown and assembly; excellent decals including stencil markings.
Disadvantages:  
Conclusion: Kinetic's re-released Global Hawk is nicely detailed. It is a surprisingly large model with a wing span measuring more than 80cm, but should be a fast build.

 

Reviewed by Brett Green

FirstLook

 

The RQ-4 Global Hawk concept is a logical extension of the short-range unmanned RQ-1 Predator.

The Global Hawk is also unmanned but is much larger, capable of high altitude, long distance flights. With an endurance of 32 hous and a cruise speed of 635km/h, this is an impressive machine.

In 2010, Skunkmodels Workshop was the first model company to produce the RQ-4B as an injection moulded kit in 1/48 scale. Now the kit has been re-boxed under the Kinetic brand with slightly darker plastic and new decals for the the USA, Japan and South Korea.

Kinetic's 1/48 scale scale RQ-4B comprises just 62 parts in medium grey plastic and markings for multiple aircraft thanks to the number jumble supplied.

 

  • RQ-4B Global Hawk Review by Brett Green (Kinetic 1/48): Image
  • RQ-4B Global Hawk Review by Brett Green (Kinetic 1/48): Image
  • RQ-4B Global Hawk Review by Brett Green (Kinetic 1/48): Image
  • RQ-4B Global Hawk Review by Brett Green (Kinetic 1/48): Image
  • RQ-4B Global Hawk Review by Brett Green (Kinetic 1/48): Image
  • RQ-4B Global Hawk Review by Brett Green (Kinetic 1/48): Image
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The first impression upon opening the box is that this model is big. The wing span is 82cm - bigger than many 1/48 scale bombers.

 

 

Moulding quality is very good. The panel lines are recessed.They are perhaps a little wider and deeper than is currently expected but they should look better under paint.

Overlapping panels, such as the bottom rear fairing, are accurately depicted as slightly raised from the surrounding plastic. Don't sand these flat!

 

 

Detail is good too, although with no cockpit it is limited to the engine with fan and turbine exhaust detail plus well-rendered undercarriage legs and wheels. Tiny antennae are also provided for the fuselage and wings.

With only 62 parts, the kit breakdown is simple. The fuselage is supplied in left and right halves, plus a bottom "canoe" section. The long wings are each made up from a top half with integrated leading and trailing edges and an insert for the bottom. The rudders are provided as separate parts.

Markings are called out for USAF, Japan and South Korea. Stencil markings are included on the decal sheet too.

 

 

The decals are perfectly printed, glossy, in register and feature minimal carrier film. They are designed by Crossdelta and printed in Italy by Cartograf, so you know they're good!

 

 

Conclusion

 

With a wing span of more than 80cm, Kinetic's 1/48 scale RQ-4B Global Hawk should certainly be an eye catching model on your shelf or in competition.

The original price was USD$39.99 but it is now a bargain basement $19.99. That's great value too!

Thanks to Lucky Model for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2020 by Brett Green
Page Created 2 December, 2020
Last updated 2 December, 2020

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