Every air force of any size has a test unit. This is a place where modifications to aircraft are tested to be sure they work as advertised before being incorporated into the fleet. It is also a place that is used to put new aircraft through their paces before being delivered to training and operational squadrons.

For Canada, this is the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE). Their aircraft have, for many years, had a red X on the fin. This particular sheet covers a very impressively painted CF-18B. Now for those who wonder how they are going to duplicate this scheme, I should put your mind at ease. Leading Edge has not only provided the dark red bits, but also the lighter trim items and a set of sticky as well as paper masks to help you with properly placing everything. You will have to paint the red, but these masks (not shown because all you'd see is a green/brown rectangle) will help out. There are additional bits if you use the Hasegawa kit and want the flaps lowered.

The decals are superbly printed on nearly two full sheets and come with an extensive set of instructions that provide a step by step guide to help when it comes to painting this scheme. I found it interesting that they mention Testors setting solution to be ineffective. The instructions also state that stronger ones (Solvaset, Mr Mark Softener) should be diluted before use. The end result will be a superb looking aircraft by any standards.

Review sheet courtesy Leading Edge Decals. Thanks for your support

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