June 6, 2018

Tales of Transparency – The Importance of Getting it Right

We’re sticklers for getting things right. While we’re the first to admit that some times we goof up from a historical stand point, we also make every effort to get the facts correct as best as we see them, going so far as to research each model from every conceivable angle.

Recently, we noticed that Hobby Master announced two new F-16 Fighting Falcons, both done up in an Iraqi livery (HA3863 and HA3864). Although we knew that the Iraqi Air Force never flew the F-16 prior to the Coalition-led 2003 invasion (Operation Iraqi Freedom), we initially didn’t put two and two together and listed them with the incorrect air force roundel and without fore knowledge as to which unit they are attached to or where they are based. What troubled us most was that, over the years, the Iraqi Air Force has employed a number of different roundels on their aircraft, making it rather confusing to showcase them in the proper light.

The Iraqi Air Force roundel employed from 1931 to 2004

Since the 2003 invasion, for example, the IAF has been using a completely different rounded to denote its aircraft, circular like most other air forces, a red semi-circle on top and black on the bottom. There are three green stars strung out across the center of the roundel with an Arabic inscription interspersed between them.

The Iraqis, looking to distance themselves from the Hussein regime, adopted a new air force roundel in 2004 which continues to be used to this day

Anyway, we think we got it right now, but just wanted to point out that sometimes we go to great lengths to ensure the accuracy of each listing, even if the average layperson may not care about minutia like this or wonder if we’re suffering from an advanced case of OCD.

 

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Calibre Wings Shows Off More in the way of Suhkoi

Some manufacturers we don’t hear from for months on end while others seem loathe to dropping the mic anytime soon. Such is the case with Calibre Wings, who today posted pictures of yet another Suhkoi aircraft – the Su-17 “Fitter” fighter-bomber. The Su-17 is an ideal aircraft for model makers, one that can be modified, upgraded and retrofitted into both the Su-20 and Su-22. Since it was exported to seven countries around the world — from the Eastern bloc nations to a handful of Middle Eastern states — a wide array of liveries are also possible, some a bit more eclectic than others..A Yemeni Su-22, for example, may not be at the top of everyone’s wish list.

As a Cold War aircraft, the variable-wing Su-17 entered service way back in 1970 and, because of its endurance and numerous revisions, saw yeoman service in the near decade long war between Iran and Iraq, as well as the Russian incursion into Afghanistan. No fewer than 14 different Su-17 variants were fielded, from trainers to dedicated attack aircraft. While CAD drawings are making their way around the publicity circuit, its likely the first Su-17 won’t see service with the Calibre Wings’ air force until early 2019.

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