Douglas A-4K Kahu Conversion

BarracudaCast, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Douglas Skyhawk was New Zealand's sole strike aircraft type for more than 30 years until its retirement from service in 2002.

The New Zealand Government purchased ten A-4F and four TA-4F Skyhawks from the United States in 1970. These aircraft were redesignated A-4K and TA-4K in New Zealand service. New Zealand also purchased ten of Australia's A-4G and TA-4G Skyhawks in 1984, two years after Australia's last remaining aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne was retired.

New Zealand's Skyhawks were upgraded from 1985 onwards. These reconditioned Kiwi Skyhawks were modernised to F-16 standard with glass cockpit, APG-66 radar and new navigation systems, VHF antenna behind the cockpit, ILS aerials either side of the fin and numerous other noticeable modifications, reinforced structural elements and the distinctive avionics "hump" was removed.

A-4Ks were operated by Nos. 2 and 75 Squadrons RNZAF. They were based in Ohakea in New Zealand, and Nowra on the south-eastern coast of Australia - the old home of the Royal Australian Navy's A-4Gs.

The Skyhawk has not been replaced in New Zealand service.

Barracuda Studios has released a 1/32 scale conversion for the New Zealand upgraded A-4K Kahu Skyhawk.

It is designed to fit Trumpeter's 1/32 scale A-4E/F Skyhawk kits, although it may be adapted for the old Hasegawa kit.

The set comprises eleven parts in 3D printed grey resin parts, four parts in pale yellow resin, two parts in clear resin, one small decal sheet and instructions.

The grey resin parts include the revised fin with the squared off leading edge, front and back of the revised instrument panel, HUD body, underwing RWR antennae (two), ruddertop, VOR/ILS rudder pedals, parabrake housing (early and late) throttle handle, stick top and intake.

As is usual for 3D printed parts, they are attached to their bases many very fine strips. These should be quick and easy to remove and clean up.

The yellow resin parts have been cast conventionally. These are the UHF comms antenna, underwing ILS antenna and underwingRWR antennae (two).

The high intensity strobe and HUD glass are supplied in clear resin.

Decals are supplied for instruments and glass cockpit panels.

The set is delivered with an illustrated contents list and full instructions may be downloaded from Barracuda Studios' website.

Cleanup and assembly look very straightforward.

Decals are not included but you have a couple of choices. Ronin Graphics produced a 1/32 scale set of pre and post Kahu Skyhawks some time back. They are in the process of re-issuing this sheet.

Oldmodels Decals produced a 1/32 scale decal sheet in 2018, which also includes the Draken International aggressor markings.

This is a high quality and comprehensive resin set for converting Trumpeter's 1/32 scale A-4E/F Skyhawk kit into an upgraded New Zealand A-4K Kahu

Thanks to Barracuda Studios for the images and information

Barracuda Studio products are available online from their website

Text and Images Copyright © 2022 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 21 October, 2022
Last updated 21 October, 2022

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