1:72 Russian combat training aircraft Su-27UB

Su-27UB 1:72 (Zvezda)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the two-seat Su-27UB combat trainer in 1:72 scale from the Russian maker Zvezda. The package holds plastic sprues and water-slide decals. The model is meant to be glued together and painted.

The real subject

The Su-27UB is the two-seat variant of the heavy Su-27 fighter, designated Flanker-C in the NATO code. The instructor and the pupil sit in tandem one behind the other, so the cockpit has a lengthened canopy and the aircraft received enlarged vertical tail surfaces that compensate for the change in the shape of the forward fuselage. The power comes from two turbojets with afterburners. The structure follows an integrated aerodynamic layout with the pronounced smooth blend of the wing into the fuselage that is characteristic of the whole family of the type. Unlike purely training aircraft, the two-seat version kept the equipment of a combat aircraft, so it served for training and for operational duties alike.

Building and painting tips

Use thin cement for plastic applied into the joints with a fine brush. The two-seat cockpit is clearly visible under the large canopy, so it pays to spend time on it and to mask the canopy rather than paint it freehand. Even the surface out with a primer before the decals and overcoat it with a gloss varnish, so that the decals do not silver; once dry, knock the surface back with a matte coat. The gray camouflage stands out if you shade the individual panels slightly and bring out the engraved lines with a panel line wash.

Who the model is for

• modelers interested in jet fighters in 1:72 scale
• builders who want the two-seat version beside the single-seater in their collection
• intermediate modelers
• collectors of aircraft of the end of the Cold War

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