1:72 P.1HH HammerHead UAV (2nd flying prototype)

P.1HH HammerHead UAV 1:72 - A&A Models, the second flying prototype

This kit in 1:72 scale captures the Italian P.1HH HammerHead unmanned aircraft, specifically in the form of the second flying prototype. The manufacturer is the Ukrainian brand A&A Models, which concentrates on less usual subjects produced in smaller runs.

The real subject

The HammerHead is an unmanned machine for long surveillance flights, derived from an Italian twin-engine aircraft with pusher propellers and a canard surface on the nose. Compared with the manned original it received a markedly lengthened wing of high aspect ratio, which is essential for long endurance flights at high altitude, a revised nose and equipment for flight without a crew. The prototype machines served to verify the flying qualities and the systems, so individual examples differ from one another in detail - and that is precisely why a particular prototype is specified in the name.

Building and painting tips

With kits from smaller runs, count on the parts needing more preparation than with large manufacturers: clean up the parting lines, remove the remains of the gates and test all the main assemblies dry first. The long slender wing is sensitive to the correct dihedral and to the strength of the joint with the fuselage, and it pays to reinforce it from inside. The surface of prototypes tends to be smooth and of one color, so every imperfection in the filling shows - use a primer before painting and look the surfaces over under a sharp light. Apply the decals onto a gloss surface and at the end even the surface out with a matte or semi-matte coat.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of unmanned aircraft and modern aviation.
• For modelers looking for a subject outside the usual mainstream.
• For builders with experience of models from smaller runs.
• For anyone interested in development prototypes and how they differ from production machines.

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