1:48 Russian missile R-40R AA-6 Acrid

The R-40R AA-6 Acrid missile 1:48 — a Plusmodel resin accessory

A resin casting of the Soviet R-40R guided missile (AA-6 Acrid in the NATO reporting system) in 1:48 scale from the Czech manufacturer Plusmodel. It is an accessory of aircraft armament, not a model of an aircraft, and an accessory of real exhibition quality at that: the R-40 was among the largest air-to-air missiles ever taken into service, so even in 1:48 scale it is an item that cannot be missed.

The real subject

The R-40 missile came about in the 1960s specially for the MiG-25 interceptor, which was to destroy fast high-altitude targets. The extraordinary dimensions of the missile match that: it measured several meters in length and carried a massive warhead. The R-40R version used semi-active radar homing: the target was illuminated by the powerful radar of the MiG-25 and the missile homed on the reflected signal, which made an attack possible in all weather and against targets with no marked heat signature. It was typically carried in combination with the infrared R-40T version.

Building and painting tips

Wash the large casting free of the mold release agent, cut the casting blocks off with a saw and sand the surfaces with protection for your airways; glue with cyanoacrylate glue. The long body deserves a check for straightness and a fine rub down before varnish. Complete a light gray or white base with the dark dielectric radome of the seeker head and fine emphasis of the panels; the large surface of the missile carries weathering beautifully.

Who the accessory is for

• Builders of the MiG-25 and Soviet interceptors in 1:48
• Modelers who want stores with proven geometry instead of the kit parts
• Makers of dioramas with munitions and ground crew arming an aircraft

The accessory is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.