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AIM-7E Sparrow

Eduard BRASSIN, 1/48 scale

S u m m a r y :

Catalogue Number

Eduard Brassin Item No. 648-062 - AIM-7E Sparrow

Contents and media

20 x Grey resin parts, Photo etch and single sided A5 instruction sheet.

Scale

1/48

Price

USD $12.95 from www.eduard.com

Review Type

First Look.

Advantages:

Great detail to enhance any Vietnam/1970’s era fighter.

Disadvantages:

No painting guide.

Recommendation:

Highly recommended


Reviewed by Phil Parsons


Eduard's 1/48 scale AIM 7E Sparrow is available online from Squadron.com

 

Background

 

Development of the modern AIM-7 Sparrow began in 1955 by Raytheon. 

In 1963, production switched to the AIM-7E version which was powered by a new propulsion system, a solid-fueled rocket from Rocketdyne. The new motor significantly increased range and performance of the missile. About 25000 AIM-7E missiles were built, and the Sparrow was used heavily in Vietnam by the USAF and the U.S. Navy.

The first combat kill was scored on 7 June 1965, when USN F-4B Phantoms shot down 2 MiG-17s. In 1969 an improved version, the E-2, was introduced with clipped wings and various internal changes.

Considered a "dogfight Sparrow", the AIM-7E-2 was intended to be used at shorter ranges where the missile was still travelling at high speeds, and in the head-on aspect, making it much more useful in the visual limitations imposed by the Rules of engagement in Vietnam.

The next variant, the AIM-7F, entered service in 1976.

 

 

FirstLook

Firstly, based upon research this Eduard AIM-7E is a clipped wing version and covers the period 1969-1976 in USAF/USN use and probably later for countries that purchased the AIM-7E under Foreign Military Sale (FMS) purchases.

 

  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale AIM-7E Missile Review by Phil Parsons: Image
  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale AIM-7E Missile Review by Phil Parsons: Image
  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale AIM-7E Missile Review by Phil Parsons: Image
  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale AIM-7E Missile Review by Phil Parsons: Image
  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale AIM-7E Missile Review by Phil Parsons: Image
  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale AIM-7E Missile Review by Phil Parsons: Image
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This is another very simple weapons kit to enhance any Sparrow equipped fighter. The level of casting and detail is of the high standard we have come to expect from Eduard. Minimal clean-up as always, and the only thing that would be nice would be a placement template to allow you to mount the forward fins in the correct position (all at 90 degrees to each other). I have seen resin/PE templates to hold the fins in the correct position while gluing, just a request, as I personally hate lining up the fins.

 

 

Conclusion

This looks to be a great aftermarket addition for your F-4 or F-14.  

Thanks to Eduard for the samples.

Review Text Copyright © 2012 by Phil Parsons
Page Created 5 August, 2012
Last updated 5 August, 2012

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