R-77 / AA-12 Adder Missiles

GasPatch
1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scales

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Vympel NPO R-77 missile (NATO reporting name: AA-12 Adder) is a Russian active radar homing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. It is also known by its export designation RVV-AE. It is the Russian counterpart to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.

The R-77 was marked by a severely protracted development. Work began in the 1980s, but was not completed before the Soviet Union fell.

For many years, only the RVV-AE model was produced for export customers. Production was further disrupted when the Russian intervention in Ukraine resulted in a Ukrainian arms embargo against Russia, severing supply chains. The Russian Air Force finally entered the R-77-1 (AA-12B) into service in 2015. It was subsequently deployed by Su-35S fighters in Syria on combat air patrols. The export model of the R-77-1 is called RVV-SD

Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia

GasPatch Models is well known for their high quality injection moulded 1/48 scale kits including the Henschel Hs 123 and Me 163, but they also produce a good-sized line of WWI, between the war and WWII 3D printed accessories.

They have now expanded into the field of modern Russian missiles with their brand new R-77 / AA-12 Adder available in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scales.

These will be suitable for the latest upgraded versions of the Su-27, Su-35S, MiG-29 and MiG-31.

The 1/72 and 1/48 sets include four one-piece missiles and separate grid fins.

The 1/32 scale set provides two one-piece missiles and separate grid fins.

Apart from the scale, the missiles in each set are identical.

Each of the missiles feature beautiful detail. The four stub wings are printed in place on the body.

The grid fins are particularly impressive. 3D printing allows these unique fins to be accurately represented in a way that would not be possible using plastic or photo-etched parts - or at the least would be very fiddly to assemble. With these fins, cut them off their base and they are ready to go.

3D printing quality is to the highest standard, while detail is amazingly crisp. The missiles really are very impressive indeed, and they are quite big too.

There will be very little cleanup required prior to assembly and painting. The bottom of the missile bodies are cast via fine strips that will be a snap to clean up - almost literally, I'm sure.

The missles being reviewed are:

21-72242 – 1/72 R-77 / AA-12 Adder (4 missiles) €10.00

21-48243 – 1/48 R-77 / AA-12 Adder (4 missiles) €14.00

21-32244 – 1/32 R-77 / AA-12 Adder (2 missiles) €18.00

The fins are delicate, especially in the smaller scales, so care will be required when removing, handling and painting.

Packaging is simple but effective. The parts are contained in a clear blister pack and immobilised by custom-cut foam to ensure the delicate parts are delivered in perfect condition. All of my samples are free from any damage.

Instructions are included although assembly is pretty much self-explanatory. The inclusion of painting instructions is a nice touch though.

The only issue with my samples is that the 1/72 missiles have been packed with the 1/48 scale cover and instructions.

GasPatch describe these guns as "Elite Accessories" and this is no exaggeration. They have delivered a truly exquisite series of R-77 missiles here. If you are buiding a recent version of the Su-27, Su-35S, MiG-29 and MiG-31 in 1/72, 1/48 or 1/32 scale, these will be a luxurious finishing touch.

Gorgeous!

Thanks to GasPatch Models for the samples.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2021 by Brett Green
Page Created 29 September, 2021
Last updated 29 September, 2021

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page