1:72 S-300 PMU (SA-10 Gramble) Air Defense Missile System Multifunctional Radar Vehicle

Radar of the S-300 PMU system 1:72 — a PST kit

An injection-molded plastic kit of the multifunctional radar of the S-300 PMU air defense missile system, in NATO designation SA-10 Grumble, in 1:72 scale from the manufacturer PST. The radar is seated on a heavy off-road chassis with all-wheel drive. The model is not a launcher but precisely the element of the battery that tracks targets and guides missiles onto them, so it complements the sister models of the launchers.

The real subject

The S-300 system is one of the most widespread Soviet and Russian air defense missile complexes. A battery is made up of launchers, transport vehicles and precisely this radar, which searches for and tracks targets and guides missiles onto them. The radar uses a phased array, so it can work with several targets at once without mechanically rotating the whole antenna. The radar is also mounted on a tall mast, which extends its coverage in broken terrain.

Building and painting tips

Glue the large surface of the antenna on a flat board and let it dry thoroughly, otherwise it will warp. Dry-fit the many-wheeled chassis so that the vehicle stands level. Finish the cab before closing it up. Apply a filler primer under the basic green or gray-green shade, then bring out the engraved panel lines with a dark wash. Paint the front face of the antenna in a different tone from the body, which gives it depth. Apply the weathering sparingly: modern equipment tends to be well kept and heavy mud would look untrue.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of modern air defense equipment in 1:72
• Modelers putting together a whole battery of the S-300 system
• Builders of dioramas with present-day vehicles
• More advanced builders, because of the large antenna and the many-wheeled chassis

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