DXM Decals DXM41-7115: 1/72 JASDF F-2A Viper Zero (ACM 2013)

Every couple of years, the Japanese hold an Air Combat Meet (ACM). These events are used to test the readiness of their air force in a number of categories including air to air combat, aerial gunnery against a target, and general air defense. This includes maritime interceptions. A number of units are invited to participate and they generally cover several classes of aircraft.

This particular sheet covers two F-2A Viper Zero squadrons, 3 and 8 who participated in the 2013 ACM. There are markings on the sheet for three aircraft, all of them in FS 35045 over 35109, which are both relatively dark as is the norm for Japanese Maritime aircraft. Both units are based at Misawa AB in northern Honshu.

Two planes are from 3 Squadron one with full color markings and the other in greys. They have 'Samurai Spirits' on the fin tip and the meet name on the lower fin. The other is from the 8th FS and has their Jaguar marking on the fin.

The DXM decals are superbly printed by Cartograf and include a full color placement guide that includes an extensive data placement guide as well. For kits, the only one of which I am aware in 1/72 scale is the  version from Hasegawa, which I built earlier this year and found to be a nice kit.  Note that I have darkened the sheet image to make the white easier to see.

Check with your local retailer about getting this sheet in.

October 2014

Review sheet courtesy of http://www.thepmw.com. You can get yours now at this link.

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