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KJ-200 Chinese AEW Aircraft (83903) - 1:144 HobbyBoss via Creative Models Ltd


Julien

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KJ-200 Chinese AEW Aircraft (83903)

1:144 HobbyBoss via Creative Models Ltd

 

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The KJ-200 NATO Reporting name Moth (Or Y-8 Balance Beam) is a Chinese AEW / Airborne Early Warning Aircraft.  The key component of the system is an Active electronically scanned array (AESA) phased array radar antenna in which the radar beam is electronically steered without moving the antenna. This is mounted on a Shaanxi Y-8 which is itself based on the An-12. The PLA Air Force currently have 7 of these, and the PLA Navy 3.

 

The Kit

Until now I don't think there has been a kit of this aircraft. In 1.144 it is still large but manageable for most modellers. The kit arrives on 5 sprues of grey plastic, a clear sprue, a small sheet of PE and 4 individual propellers (these are packed in their own box for added protection). The whole cockpit/nose section of the aircraft is moulded in clear plastic.

 

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Construction starts by adding some internal parts and the windows to the main fuselage sections. Then the main internal floor is made up with the front gear well on the underside of this, Internal bulkheads are fitted as is the main cabin roof. At the front the basic cockpit is completed. Instruments are provided for the panel as decal. The cabin/cockpit is fitted into the main fuselage and this is closed up. 

 

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The nose section can then be added along with the wings. There is a single part upper with left/right lowers, once these are together wing tips need to be added. The tailplanes are also then added with there end fins. The engine nacelles can then be built up and added along with the landing gear. Lastly the single part props are added and the radar beam id made up and added.  The final thing to do is a to add a series of PE blade aerials to the fuselage though the instructions don't show them being added. They are just there in the last steps.

 

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Markings

There is a small decal sheet as the aircraft carries minimal markings. Just National insignia, serials and warnings for the props.

 

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Decals are printed in house and have good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin matt carrier film cut close to the printed areas. 

 

Conclusion

This is a really nice rendition of this unusual  aircraft. Very highly recommended.

 

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Review sample courtesy of

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  • Like 7
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Great, I've been waiting for that kit to be available in UK.  Thanks for the review, that nose section is unusual and should make fitting and detailing the cockpit easier.

 

Cheers,

 

Mike

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  • 2 weeks later...

the geometry is completely wrong, it is so off the real thing, i still cant believe it, not even the AN-12 has this windshield, which is the platform.

if you are not too deep into these things, count the windows of the real thing (6) and then check the number on the model - and laugh 🙂

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  • 2 years later...

Must agree RCI, the whole thing is way off, as you say, the geometry, window number and shapes. Other than a complete aftermarket replacement part the only other way would be to sand the clear piece smooth and replace the windows yourself, using masks. A shame as the rest of the kit looks OK.

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