Hasegawa X-29 What-if

[Vultures1]

From Wikipedia (link😞 ‘The Grumman X-29 was an American experimental aircraft that tested a forward-swept wing, canard control surfaces, and other novel aircraft technologies. The X-29 was developed by Grumman, and the two built were flown by NASA and the United States Air Force. The aerodynamic instability of the X-29's airframe required the use of computerized fly-by-wire control. Composite materials were used to control the aeroelastic divergent twisting experienced by forward-swept wings, and to reduce weight. The aircraft first flew in 1984, and two X-29s were flight tested through 1991. X-29 number two was maneuverable up to an angle of attack of about 25 degrees with a maximum angle of 67° reached in a momentary pitch-up maneuver.’

 

The Hasegawa X-29 is a great little kit of this unusual and striking aircraft: with good fit, nice detailing (including the complicated-looking canopy raising mechanism), and it goes together quickly to deliver a satisfying result.  Only two problems in my opinion: (1) the prototypes were painted gloss white and (2) the decals are a series of long stripes, which invite problems especially as Hasegawa decals are not always the best.  My solution, therefore, was a what-if scheme.  I’m not usually into WIFs but the extreme manoeuvrability suggested a potential ‘real world’ DACT (Adversary/Aggressor) application.  I had a set of Colorado F-5 decals, which included a gloss black scheme for ‘Red 23’ of VF-127 Cylons that looked like it would work on the X-29 and show off the unconventional airframe nicely.

 

To ‘operationalise’ my X-29 into a production F-29A, I raided the spares box.  A Hobbyboss F-5E donated its instrument panel, centreline pylon and fuel tank, wing pylons, arrestor hook, RWR antennae on the nose and tail, navigation lights and gunsight.  I added an airbrake under the rear fuselage, removed the bulge ahead of the MLG bay, and cut the main gear doors into two part … because I thought the single doors on the X-29 spoiled the smooth lines – my model, my rules 😉 The missile rails came from a Hasegawa F-16 and the antennae under the forward fuselage from a Wolfpack set.  The AIM-9L acquisition round is Eduard Brassin and the ACMI pod is built up from a Hasegawa AIM-9E and some metal rod. 

 

Just a bit of fun and I like the result.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[russ c]

Great looking Aggressor `whiffer`, cool scheme

[SAT69]

Very imaginative model building!  Good looking aggressor scheme!

[Natter]

Your model, your rules and a great result.

[Vultures1]

4 hours ago, russ c said:

Great looking Aggressor `whiffer`, cool scheme

 

3 hours ago, SAT69 said:

Very imaginative model building!  Good looking aggressor scheme!

 

2 hours ago, Natter said:

Your model, your rules and a great result.

Thanks guys, much appreciated!

[dnl42]

Outstanding work! 

 

I was at Grumman at the time these were flying, and they were a great subject of coffee break conversation in Plant 35. The fly-by-wire systems used both digital and analog systems, each triple-redundant. Also the F-5A is the best possible source for cockpit detail as they were the donor for the forward fuselages. The MLG were from the F-16

[theplasticsurgeon]

Great looking model,  I really like the black look.

I built this kit as Hasegawa intended in 1988.

And again in 2019 - using leftover F-16 decals.

 

[Vultures1]

On 9/19/2020 at 6:06 PM, dnl42 said:

Outstanding work! 

 

I was at Grumman at the time these were flying, and they were a great subject of coffee break conversation in Plant 35. The fly-by-wire systems used both digital and analog systems, each triple-redundant. Also the F-5A is the best possible source for cockpit detail as they were the donor for the forward fuselages. The MLG were from the F-16

Thanks @dnl42! The X-29 is a really fascinating collection of parts and must have quite something to see flying.  Although the F-5A would of course be the best source of cockpit detail, I feel the Hobbyboss F-5E sacrificed its parts in a noble cause.

On 9/19/2020 at 6:57 PM, theplasticsurgeon said:

Great looking model,  I really like the black look.

I built this kit as Hasegawa intended in 1988.

And again in 2019 - using leftover F-16 decals.

 

I remember your build @theplasticsurgeon - really nice work and it was one of my inspirations for this build.  I think the X-29 makes a great canvas for all sorts of what-if schemes

[opus999]

What a great idea, and beautifully executed!  It makes for a very striking model.  

[Adam Poultney]

Great model, good work on the gloss black