KIT:

Testors 1/72 B-2A Spirit

KIT #

7571

PRICE:

$25.00

DECALS:

One aircraft

REVIEWER:

Gerd Kuijpers

NOTES:

 

HISTORY

The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

The blending of low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and large payload gives the B-2 important advantages over existing bombers. Its low-observability provides it greater freedom of action at high altitudes, thus increasing its range and a better field of view for the aircraft's sensors. Its unrefueled range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles (9,600 kilometers).

The B-2's low observability is derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures. These signatures make it difficult for the sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track and engage the B-2. Many aspects of the low-observability process remain classified; however, the B-2's composite materials, special coatings and flying-wing design all contribute to its "stealthiness."

Designed for the cold war and built when it was over. This is the most expensive aircraft ever build, $2.1 billion each. Only 21 are operational now, and in my opinion, there is no need for such an expensive machine because all the US enemies are riding on donkeys or are broke. Nevertheless, I don’t say it isn’t fun to build.

THE KIT

This kit comes in a very big box, it looks more like a shoebox. Inside is a large plastic bag floating. The bag contains one big sprue with all small parts, one clear sprue   and the six main parts, two for the mid-section and four for what you can cal the wings. The plastic is very soft and there are many dents in the large parts (this is going to be a lot of sanding and putty). This kit is made in 1991, about tree years after his first flight. That is way the shape is accurate, the length is 29 cm and the wingspan is 72 cm.  

The raised panel lines are completely wrong, the best solution is buying the world airpower journal volume 31. The best detailed pictures of the surface detail of the B-2 are in this book. The bomb bay, the wheel bays and the opened flaps don’t consist detail, this is because those are the parts that are still classified and there is still no information available. Four scram missiles are included as a war load. The cockpit isn’t important, you can’t see it.

The decals are of the first test B-2 the AV-1 and so is the paint scheme. The paint scheme that is used on the operational B-2s isn’t available, Testors didn’t reboxed one with the new scheme and no aftermarket decals are made. Therefore, an option is to build a test B-2, or you can make the decals and the paint scheme yourself. I am going to try the last option.

Adding the Eduard photo etched set, you can open the auxiliary intakes and, detail the front wheel bay. This will make your B-2 a little more professional.               

 

CONCLUSIONS

I know this isn’t the best kit available but it is a beautiful aircraft with a very cool shape.    

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