With the release of the 1/72 Skunk Models MQ-9 kit, it only made sense that Caracal would reduce down their 1/48 sheet to fit the new kit. And that is just what has happened.

The sheet itself is superbly printed by Microscale and offers markings for seven different aircraft. Aside from one in overall white, these aircraft are all painted in FS 36375 upper surfaces with FS 36176 on the underside. Doing a general search for paint, it seems that this  latter shade is the same dark grey used on the Mod Eagle scheme.

Anyway, the two non USAF options are for a NASA version named "Ikhana" in overall white and an RAF version. The NASA plane will require modification to take away several of the systems, including the FLIR sensor. The RAF variant  with 39 Squadron (which, I believe, last flew Canberra PR.9s) is standard and even carries the US serial in addition to the RAF one.

For the the rest there are three of them with the 432nd Wing. One is a standard marking, one has special 432 WG markings and the third has 42 ATKS markings. The units for these aircraft are considered Attack Squadrons, something that the USAF hasn't had in ages.

One option is for the 174th Attack Wing, New York ANG, which traded in F-16s for these. Finally, there is the 29th Attack Squadron, 49th Wing. The 49th was the F-117 Stealth fighter wing.

The set includes full painting and placement information in a small booklet along with references on where to find some photos of these aircraft.

If you are into the latest in unmanned aircraft, then this is a sheet you simply must have.

November 2011

Thanks to www.caracalmodels.com for the review sheet. Get yours today from the link or have your local shop order it for you.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

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