X-47B US Navy UCAS with GBU-27 - 1:72 Platz

[Paul A H]

X-47B US Navy UCAS with GBU-27

1:72 Platz

The Northrop Grumman X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) is a prototype carrier-based aircraft designed to test the concept of launching and recovering an unmanned aircraft from a carrier. Although developed purely for test purposes, in order to provide the most realistic test data possible, the X-47B is a similar size and weight to an operational strike aircraft. It is equipped with folding wings, two full-sized weapons bays and air-to-air refuelling capability.

The X-47B is powered by a development of the same Pratt & Whitney F100 turbofan engine used in the F-15 and F-16. It is capable of high subsonic speeds and has a range in excess of 2000 nautical miles. In line with the projected production aircraft that could follow in the wake of the test programme, the X-47B has been designed to have a low radar signature.

Japanese manufacturer Platz has released quite a range of 1:72 scale UAVs in recent years. Their X-47B is the newest addition to that range, having been released around 12 months ago. As this version is almost identical to the first edition, rather than review the kit from scratch I will point you to my original review, which can be found here. As before, the kit is packed into a glossy, top-opening box, inside which are three sprues of grey plastic. The parts are superbly moulded and the overall impression is of a high-quality, state-of-the-art kit.

This version of the kit includes a small additional sprue which holds the parts for the GBU-27 Paveway III. Although I'm not aware that the X-47B has actually flown with the 2000lb GBU-27 on board, Platz have obviously decided that the weapon constitutes a likely loadout and therefore a good opportunity for a re-release. As both the original kit and the new bombs are superbly re-created, I'm not going to argue!

As before, decal options are provided for both of the test aircraft, numbered 501 and 502 respectively. A very comprehensive set of stencils is included on the decal sheet too, as well as markings for the JDAMs and Paveways. New decals are provided which appear to allow you to build the model in a variety of 'what if' operation guises. The decals themselves are beautifully glossy and look reasonably thin. They are printed by cartograf, so they should perform well.

Conclusion

From the moment you open the box of this kit, you know you're in for a treat, as it has all the hallmarks of a really top-quality product. The quality of the mouldings is superb, and although the X-47B is a relatively clean, simple aircraft, Platz have squeezed plenty of detail into this kit. The decal sheet looks excellent too. Modern UAVs aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if you do like the look of aircraft like this, then this kit should be an essential purchase. Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of