1:48 MICA IR (4 pcs)

The real subject

MICA is a French air-to-air guided missile that replaced an older pair of missiles of differing range with one common body. It is made in two versions that differ in the method of guidance; the letters IR in the designation belong to the version with infrared guidance, that is one that tracks its target by its heat signature. It is carried above all by the Rafale and the upgraded version of the Mirage 2000. In shape it is a slender body with small control surfaces, so on a model every extra bit of thickness shows.

What the set contains

The package offers four pieces of the missile in 1:48 scale. The finished missiles replace parts from a kit, whose control fins tend to be thick and whose edges tend to be rounded, and they also serve as accessory armament for models that do not deal with external stores at all. Compare the arrangement on a particular machine with a photograph of the real thing, because the number and position of the pylons differs from aircraft to aircraft.

Building and painting tips

The parts are not polystyrene, cement for plastic models will not join them, so use super glue. Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the surface. Before painting, wash the missiles in lukewarm water with detergent and let them dry. Paint them to one side, mounted on a piece of wire, and glue them to the model only once they are finished. The control fins are thin and break off easily, so work over a tray with a rim and hold them with tweezers.

Terms of supply

Four missiles are supplied. The model of the aircraft, the pylons, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.