1:32 BGU38 500LB JDAM set (US NAVY)

The real subject

The GBU-38 is a guided aerial bomb of the 500 lb weight class, which arises by adding a JDAM guidance kit to a conventional unguided bomb. The kit replaces the original tail section and adds steerable surfaces, so that after release the bomb corrects its path toward entered coordinates. It is guided by the combination of an inertial unit with satellite reception, thanks to which it is usable even under low cloud and at night. The figure of 500 lb is a weight class, not a caliber.

What the set offers

This is an accessory set of underwing stores in 1:32 scale for models of combat aircraft. The name specifies the US Navy form. Where exactly the bombs should hang on a particular machine and which racks go with them should be checked against a period photograph of the machine you are building; stores differed not only by type of aircraft but also by the task of the particular sortie. In 1:32 scale the bombs are fairly large and make up a prominent part of the silhouette on a finished model, so it pays to pay attention to seating them symmetrically.

Building and painting tips

Cut surplus material away with a sharp blade a little clear of the part and carefully sand off the remainder, so that the shape of the bomb body is preserved. Wash and degrease the parts before painting, or the paint will take poorly. Choose the glue according to the material given on the packaging and check the exact preparation procedure in the manufacturer's instructions. When painting, it proves best to spray a continuous primer first and only then to lay on the body color and set apart the colored bands that mark the kind of munition on practice and live rounds.

Terms of supply

A set of underwing stores is supplied. The model of the aircraft, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.