GBU-49

Eduard BRASSIN, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Eduard Brassin’s 1/72 scale GBU-49 Bombs are available online from Squadron.com

GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II is Raytheon's enhanced dual-mode GPS and Laser guided version of the laser-only GBU-12.

The GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb is an American aerial bomb, based on the Mk 82 500-pound general-purpose bomb, but with the addition of a nose-mounted laser seeker and fins for guidance. A member of the Paveway series of weapons, Paveway II entered into service circa 1976.

Paveway II laser-guided bombs use what is known as "bang bang" guidance. This means the bomb's fins deflect fully, rather than proportionally when it is attempting to guide to the laser spot. For example, if it sees the laser spot and determines that it should make a change it deflects its fins until it has over-corrected and then it deflects back the opposite direction, creating a sinusoidal type of flight path. This type of guidance may be less efficient at times.

Eduard Brassin offers a growing range of aftermarket guided bombs, amongst the latest of which is the pair of GBU-49s reviewed here.

The two bombs come attractively packaged in a blister pack with sponge cushioning.

Very clear instructions are included, with colour call-outs cross-referenced to the Gunze Aqueous and Mr Color paint ranges. The instructions detail the somewhat complex finish applied to this weapon, and a small sheet of decals provides for the bomb markings. A PDF copy of the instructions is downloadable from Eduard’s website.

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The quality of casting is excellent, with the casting-blocks attached to the tail of the bomb and its fins by thin wafers, and there is a separate block providing alternate uncovered and covered laser seeker-heads. The PE fret provides the four forward fins and four tail fin tabs for each bomb (in fact there are four spars of each, which is a handy insurance after allowing for the carpet monster’s share).

Painted and decaled, these GBU-49’s should be an excellent addition to any suitable model, and are sure to be a vast improvement over any injected kit items. Unlike several of their other Brassin GBU sets, Eduard has yet to offer the GBU-49 in 1/48 as well as 1/72 scale.

This pair of GBU-49s by Brassin is very nicely rendered. They offer a real opportunity to improve and refine the appearance of numerous subjects. I definitely recommended them.

Thanks to Eduard for the samples and images.

Review Text & Black Background Images Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies
Page Created 2 November, 2015
Last updated 2 November, 2015

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