X-47B w/GBU-27

Platz, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Valom's 1/48 scale An-2 Colt is available online from Squadron.com

The Northrop Grumman X-47B is a demonstration unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) designed for carrier-based operations.

Developed by the American defence technology company Northrop Grumman, the X-47 project began as part of DARPA's J-UCAS program, and is now part of the United States Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. The X-47B first flew in 2011, and as of 2013, it is undergoing flight-testing, having successfully performed a series of land- and carrier-based demonstrations.

Northrop Grumman intends to develop the prototype X-47B into a battlefield-ready aircraft, the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) system, which will enter service by 2019.

Source: wikipedia.org

The kit comes in a top-opening box made from good quality glossy card. Written instructions are in Japanese and English. Lacking a parts map, the instructions are easy enough to follow with simple but clear diagrammatic assembly stages. The parts come enclosed in a plastic bag, with the decals further protected in their own bags.

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Thumbnail panels:

This appears to be the second boxing of the X-47B by Platz, the other being box #AC-07 and titled “US Navy X-47B”. The review boxing has “w/GBU-27”in its title, and I note that that these weapons are on their own sprue. So presumably, this additional sprue and different markings distinguishes the review kit from the earlier boxing.

As with other Platz kits I have reviewed, this one has crisply moulded parts with delicate engraved panel detail and acceptably thin attachment points.

The Airframe

Being a UCAV, there is of course no cockpit detail to describe. Assembly commences with the top and bottom halves of the main wing and blended fuselage. Before joining these halves there are the engine air intake and what would be the cockpit area on a manned plane to insert. There is also the engine exhaust that fits from the outside along with a few small external details. The instructions do not mention the need for nose ballast to prevent tail sitting; and I almost think that none may be needed judging by the main undercarriage’s location. However, if in doubt, I would add some none-the-less.

Leapfrogging the instructional phases, I will mention the outer wing panels next. These are split into top and bottom halves, and can be positioned folded for carrier stowage or extended for flight. They also have the option of deployed or closed airbrakes. These items are quite substantial, and account for about a sixth of the outer wing area.

It should be apparent from this description so far, that the basic airframe can be assembled in no time at all.

The undercarriage and wheel-wells are possibly a bit simplified, but still nicely rendered. The main wheel-wells being quite large, and flanking the even larger twin payload bays. Like the main wheel-wells, the payload bays have large single doors.

There is the option of either GU-27 or GBU-32 to fit inside the bays.

I have a feeling that the X-47B has yet to carry weapons, as trials seem to have focussed on carrier launch and recovery so far. I suspect that these weapons are an anticipated fit, and compliment the kit’s what-if markings.

I have included some images of a competed model from the Platz website. Despite the website stating it is kit #AC-12, the unit markings it is pictured wearing are not included with the review kit.

Colours and Markings

The kit offers four markings options that include unit codes and insignia. Also included are basic national insignia and a variety of airframe stencilling. The superbly printed decals are by Cartograf. Markings for trial aircraft 1 & 2 are provided and covered by the main colours and markings guide.

There are also what if markings for aircraft of CVW-8 and CVW-14, with three carrier options.

These are covered by a small sub-section of the paintings and markings guide, but are not identified as what- if options.

This is a very nicely engineered kit produced to high standards. It should be a quick and simple one to build.

I recommend this kit highly.

Thanks to Platz Hobby for this review sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2014 by Mark Davies
Page Created 11 June, 2014
Last updated 11 June, 2014

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