Panda Hobby 1/35 Bumerang IFV Object K-17

In the early 1990s, the BTR-90 was developed as a replacement for the BTR-80 in the Russian Army. While it was an improvement in armament, protection, mobility, and internal space over its predecessor, it all came at the cost of greatly increased unit price. It wasn't accepted into service (except in small numbers) as the modest increase in performance wasn't seen as enough justification for its cost and complexity. Purchases of the BTR-80 stopped in 2010 and the improved BTR-82 was obtained as a stop-gap measure. In mid-2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense issued a requirement for a modular wheeled family of armored vehicles instead of buying the BTR-90. Development of a new wheeled APC is being done alongside the new and similarly armed Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle.

In November 2011, media reports said the new project had been approved. On 21 February 2012, Colonel General Alexander Postnikov said that the Russian Army would be taking the first deliveries of the Bumerang prototype in 2013. Large-scale deliveries are to begin in 2015. At least 2,000 Bumerang vehicles are to replace the BTR-80 and BTR-82/A in Russian service.

The Bumerang was first seen in public (initially with its turret and cannon shrouded) during rehearsals for the 2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade. 

This is the first kit of this new vehicle and adds to Panda Hobby's growing catalogue of brand new Russian AFVs. In line with other kits from PH, it is molded in a tan plastic and the molding is superb. There are a considerable number of parts used to build up what will be some pretty hefty suspension pieces. The kit has the inner and outer wheels separate so you can paint them prior to trapping the tires between them. The tires are a rather stiff material that doesn't feel like the usual rubber or vinyl.

You'll notice the photo etch fret. This contains a lot of small brackets that are required to attach some of the plastic bits. There are little rain hoods for over the turret windows, a grille for the turret and an upper cover which needs to be wrapped around the side rocket pods. 

The kit can be built as either the 2015 or 2016 mod and there are separate pages for these. From what I gather, the difference between the two are that the 2016 version has additional storage areas on the lower hull.

These are supposed to have river fording capability so you get the usual flat lower bow with propulsors at the back. All the hatches are to be built in the closed position as there is no interior. The exception to this are the doors over the engine intake area on the right side, which are to be built open.

The vehicle has a very low turret with the usual sensors on the upper surface. This is armed with a small caliber cannon and has a coaxial machine gun. The gun has no elevation capabilities and the turret itself does not have the usual little locking key to keep it from falling off if the model is accidentally turned upside down. The builder would be advised to glue this in place. The kit also comes with a section of stranded copper wire to use for the tow cable.

Instructions are Panda's usual well drawn booklet. Separate exterior painting information is provided showing only that the exterior is FS 34102. I'm not sure if the fanciful insignia is normal on non-parade vehicles, but it is included.

So there you have it. Another excellent AFV for the modern Russian military builder. Due to the very small etched bits, it may not be the best for the beginner, but those used to modern AFV kits will simply take that in stride. Well worth picking up.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumerang

November 2016

Thanks to Glen Coleman and Panda Hobby for the preview kit. Get yours at your favorite hobby shop or on-line retailer.

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