Hasegawa’s 1/48th A-7E Corsair II, VA-72 Desert Storm
Desert Storm in 1991 was a war that had all the services in transition. Vietnam Era aircraft and Helos participated with the newer generation aircraft, some seeing action for the first time. The Corsair II was one of those that were already being withdrawn from service, VA-72 and VA-46 were the last squadrons to fly the Corsair in combat. Aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), most of the aircraft were already being sent home to transition to the F/A-18, but were recalled to the Kennedy as she sortied from Norfolk NS, for the Persian Gulf in August of 1990. (Just as our reserve squadron was activated in the same month). The Corsair performed brilliantly in its mission, launching two major strikes per day off the Kennedy. Bombing, with CBU's, Mk-82,83 and 84 bombs, Walleyes, Mavericks and HARM's. Upon returning home both VA-72 and VA-46 were stood down and decommissioned, the transition to the Hornets went to VA-37 and VA-105 instead, the fortunes of war.
The kit is the excellent Hasegawa offering, wonderful to build, I built the D and E at the same time. Only using Eduard's Cockpit interior set to enhance an already ok cockpit from the kit. The decals are Superscale, using the kit decals for the stencils and labels. PE are already supplied for the exterior plumbing along each side of the fuselage. I used a standard load of 6 CBU's and 2 Mk. 83's 1000lbs bombs along with AIM-9 sidewinders. The scheme of overall Med Blue Grey was used using MM Acrylics and some weathering not to heavy. The bombs have that ablative coating that are applied on all USN bombs to prevent accidental cookoff on the flight deck in case of a fire, Eduards RBF flags and the CBU's are from the Hasegawa weapons set. Thanks for viewing.
Chuck
Fly Navy
11 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Gregor de Ste Croix said on June 14, 2013
Excellent SLUF Chuck! I didn't know these were deployed in the Gulf. I really like the 60's/70's jets.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 14, 2013
They performed very well with the tasks given to them. Mission rate was 80% which in combat operations are excellent. Very capable attack aircraft.
Jack Mugan said on June 14, 2013
Chuck... Looks great.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 14, 2013
Thanks Jack
Jaime Carreon said on June 14, 2013
Good lookin' bird, Chuck! Those blue markings really perk up that low-viz scheme.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 14, 2013
Compared to the more bland line birds that VA-72 had in the squadron it is not quite as boring looking. VA-46 were in overall Lt Gull Grey, but still like to build one to represent one of their Corsairs.
steven a weinmann said on June 14, 2013
VERY nicely done Chuck 10!
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 14, 2013
Thanks Steve
bob mack said on June 14, 2013
oh chuck...i love it...most appealing scheme
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 14, 2013
Thanks Bob, it was enjoyable kit to build.
Frank Cronin said on June 14, 2013
Chuck,
What a great looking model of a neat airplane. I really like the scheme and the way you textured the bombs. Great job.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 14, 2013
I would love to take credit for that, but they are actually a resin set I got back in 08 or so. I have reproduced that affect on plastic bombs before but not as well as those resin bombs. I'll see if I can find the packaging and find out who made those. I believe they are no longer in business, still it is good to know who the manufacturer is.
Thx Chuck
George Williams said on June 14, 2013
Chuck, you've made a great model, it looks great!
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 14, 2013
Thank you George.
Donn A. Wells M.D. said on June 14, 2013
A really fine job on one of my favorite Navy jets- I was privileged to get to know some A-7 pilots back in the 60's, when these were brand new. I've done quite a few of the Fujimi 1/72 kits and have the Hasegawa 1/48 scale in the stash. If I ever get to it , your example will be an inspiration !
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 16, 2013
My first duty station was at NAS Pt Mugu and VA-305 still had their A-7's, but were already in transition to the F/A-18A. The Fujimi kits are great, have a couple and 1 built. You will enjoy building the Fujimi kit as it is not a difficult kit as is the Hase kits are as well. After maybe doing anyone's F-14, which are quite labor intensive.