Russian R-3S AA-2 Atoll-A and R-13M AA-2 Atoll-D Missiles - 1:48 Eduard Brassin

[Mike]

R-3S AA-2 Atoll-A and R-13M AA-2 Atoll-D
1:48 Eduard Brassin

The AA-2 Atoll as it is known by NATO terms was a reverse engineered copy of the AIM-9 Sidewinder that was fielded in the early 60s, with upgraded versions in the form of the AA-2C and AA-2D both increasing range, a proximity fuse and accuracy due to improved manoeuvrability. The missiles saw fairly wide service with Soviet Bloc forces as well as export operators, while China decided to copy it as the PL-2.

The sets are available separately and arrive in Eduard's familiar bubble pack, with parts for four missiles and their launch rails included. Each set includes four missile bodies with moulded in rear fins, four blocks of four forward fins, four launch rail adapters, four clear seeker heads and four resin covers, plus a small PE sheet and a large (for the size of the set) decal sheet. All of this is well protected by a double layer of foam, with the PE and decals trapped between the front of the case and black backing card that is taped in place.

R-3S AA-2 Atoll-A (648125)





R-13M AA-2 Atoll-D (648122)

Construction is easy once the casting plugs have been removed, involving adding the four steering vanes to the holes on the forward portion of the missile, the clear seeker heads, or resin covers (which involves removing the very tip of the missile), and a few small PE parts including the exhaust ring at the rear. The AA-2A has a larger, more rounded seeker head and no green proximity fuse section behind the steering vanes that is visible on the D. Their launch rails are also different, with the newer D rail being more streamlined.

Markings
There are a surprisingly high number of decals included on the sheet, split between the missiles and rails almost equally. Keys show where each one goes, and detailed colour call-outs are made using the excellent Gunze paints, which although not widely available in the UK, are becoming more so via MDC, and are a good basis for a conversion to your favourite brand.

Conclusion
Excellent detail and decals to create some highly realistic looking Atolls. Suitable for using on Mig-21s, Mig-22s and Mig-23s, plus the many variants of the Sukhoi Su-17/20/22. Construction is simple, you have all the painting references you need, and the decals to add that final detail. Much improved over almost any OOB offering you could mention.

Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of