1:48 KH-59М Air-to-surface Missiles with Launchers and Targeting Pod, 2 pcs (for all kits)

The real subject

The Kh-59M is a Russian air-to-surface guided missile for attacking ground targets from a stand-off distance. It is television guided, so the crew watches the picture from the seeker head and steers the missile onto the target. That is why a pod carried under the aircraft belongs with it, providing the data link to the missile. On a model the missile is recognizable by the engine nacelle under the body and by its deployed control surfaces.

What the set contains

The package holds two missiles including their launch rails, plus the targeting pod, all in 1:48 scale. The set therefore covers the whole external store at once, because a missile on its own without the pod only tells half the story on a model. It is intended for kits from various manufacturers, it is fitted externally on the pylons and it needs no surgery on the structure of the model.

Building and painting tips

Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder back. The parts are not polystyrene, so super glue will bond them. Before painting, wash and degrease the surface and lay down a coat of primer. The missiles and the pod are easier to paint separately and to fit only onto the finished model. The exact procedure follows the instructions from the manufacturer.

Who it is for

The set is for a modeler building a Russian tactical aircraft in a strike configuration who wants the external stores faithful down to the detail. Given the size of the missile it is worth checking in advance that it lines up under the wing with the other stores. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.