1:32 B83 nuclear bombs (2 pcs)

The most powerful bomb of the American arsenal

The B83 entered service in 1983 and after the older types left it stayed the most powerful free-falling weapon the US Air Force carried under its wings. The effect could be set over a wide range and the upper limit reached a value of 1.2 megatons. A casing with a strengthened tip was designed for release from low altitude against hard targets, and a braking parachute in the tail section slowed the fall and gave the crew time to leave the endangered area.

Who carried it

In service it was taken up by the B-52, B-1B and B-2 heavy bombers, and among tactical machines by the F-15E and F-16. A body roughly three and three-quarter meters long and a weight of over a thousand kilograms placed this weapon among the bulkiest stores of the Cold War. Its withdrawal was decided only in 2023, so it accompanied the US Air Force for four whole decades.

Contents and workmanship

The package contains two bombs cast in resin, with the division of the casing, the lifting lugs and the shape of the tail cover drawn out. The castings are separated from the casting block with a saw or a sharp knife, and the cut is then leveled with sandpaper. Before finishing, it is advisable to wash the parts in lukewarm water with a little detergent, so that mold release residue from the mold disappears. The dimensions match 1:32 scale, so the set fits large kits of combat aircraft.

• Material: cast resin
• Number of pieces: 2
• Purpose: stores under the fuselage and the wing
• Scale 1:32, suitable for large kits

A bomb of this size is worth hanging so that it can be seen. On a model with an open bomb bay or on a wing pylon it looks better than hidden under the fuselage, because here it is the size that catches the viewer.