1:48 PLAAF J-10AY Vigorous Dragon [8.1 Aerobatic Team]

J-10AY in the colors of an aerobatic team, 1:48 scale, Trumpeter

This injection-molded plastic kit captures the J-10AY, the display version of the single-seat J-10 used by the aerobatic team of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It differs from the ordinary combat A model above all in its striking color finish, which makes the model an eye-catching piece for the display case. The scale is 1:48 and the manufacturer is Trumpeter.

The real subject

The Chengdu J-10 is a single-engine multirole aircraft with a delta wing and a forward canard, whose unstable layout is compensated by fly-by-wire controls. The letter Y in the J-10AY designation marks the display form, which the team took over after it retired its older J-7 series machines. The public came to associate the aircraft in its new colors with displays at air shows around the turn of the 2000s and the 2010s. The layout remains single-seat, so in shape it is a close relative of the production J-10A.

Building and painting tips

The color scheme of the aerobatic team is based on large white areas, and those show best on a carefully sanded and primed surface. Fill and polish the seams on the fuselage and at the air intake before spraying. Lay the white down with an airbrush in thin coats over a light primer, so that no patchiness remains. Prepare a smooth gloss clear coat under the decals, unify the whole with a clear coat once it has dried, and keep any weathering very light, because display machines are kept in perfect order down to the last detail.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of aerobatic team aircraft
• Modelers who want a strikingly colorful piece for the display case
• Anyone interested in the contemporary People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 1:48 scale
• Builders with experience of spraying light shades

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