BLACK_MAMBA

The R-73 was integrated enough that they did windtunnel tests and flight tests with it. Known locally as the V3P. Not sure if the ever fired one but I believe they did. They (Atlas/Denel/Kentron) used a pair of retired F1CZ's for missile testing of which the V3P was one. There were no issues with the Cheetah what so ever. It only flew later and had a less public life compared to the F1. Even the chief designer for the engine conversion project has no idea where all the rumours of problems with the Cheetah arose. Buying a proper 4th gen fighter to operate as your future frontline fighter rather than trying to soup up already souped up aircraft from the 60's is just sound and defense planning. Initially Gripen would also have had a large local support industry rather than being reliant on Saab support contracts. In the end they did neither which is one factor contributing to the mess they are in today. But this goes far beyond the scope of this Thread.

Awesome work Steve. That extra work makes one hell of a difference to the look of the aircraft. It was, and will be worth all the effort. Keep it up.

I like to think it is!😂 I'm just applauding the really amazing work so far on a very interesting and tough medium.

She came out looking very smart indeed! Great work!

My sentiments exactly! Some great work being shown here.

As far as I understood things it was air frame fatigue (that was already extended ~ 2013 to fly till 2015 with remade parts), engines and other spares shortages that grounded 558 instead of the lack of technical expertise. Probably the usual case of "we have lots of spares, except of the things we actually need".

This will be an exciting one! You seem to have all the basics covered... The only real big external difference between the F2 and F3 was the short GR engines you already covered. The rest should all be the same. Popcorn ready.🍿

Amazing work going on here! And taking the micro scale into account - bravo!

Looking good so far, Ralph. I love F3's no matter the scale and kit bashing for extra accuracy is even better! Watching with interest how you progress.🍿

I think the F-117's showed how devastating they could be with only two smart bombs - although the were 1000 pounders. In the hostile opening hours of a conflict stealth is worth more than payload size.

Excellent work thus far on a plane that spawned a dynasty! I'll be here watching with popcorn in hand.😃

She came out looking very nicely! The effort around the front windshield does certainly change the "look" for the better in my opinion. I do hope we see you tackle an FA.2 as well now knowing where most of the issues are and how to adress them.