The Sidewinder is the most widely used missile in the West, with more than 110,000 missiles produced for the U.S. and 27 other nations, of which perhaps one percent have been used in combat. It has been built under license by some other nations including Sweden. The AIM-9 is one of the oldest, least expensive, and most successful air-to-air missiles, with an estimated 270 aircraft kills in its history of use.
The Navy Sidewinder design progression went from the early production B model to the D model that was used extensively in Vietnam.
Once the Air Force adopted the Sidewinder as part of its arsenal, it developed the AIM-9E, introducing it in 1967. The "Echo" was an improved version of the basic AIM-9B featuring larger forward canards as well as a more aerodynamic IR seeker and an improved rocket motor. The missile, however still had to be fired at the rear quarter of the target, a drawback of all early IR missiles.
In the box
Both sets of missiles are packed in Eduards blister pack, with a foam insert protecting the missiles.
Both sets have four missiles each, with construction pretty much the same for both.
Casting is as usual from Eduard top notch, with some nice raised detail on both sets.
The D model has larger rear fins then the E and is slightly shorter.
Four resin forward canards are supplied for each missile, and to help with placing the canards a photo etch jig is supplied, but only with the D boxing.
Both sets of missiles have photo etch exhaust rings for the rear.
Each missile has a clear resin seeker head, and Eduard have also supplied seeker head covers.
Decals and instructions
Both sets come with a small instruction sheet, which has the build in an easy to follow sequence.
The front of the instructions have the painting and stencil guide. Paints numbers are supplied for the Aqueous and Mr Color range of paints.
A decal stencil sheet is supplied for both sets.
AIM-9D MFG ID - 648 156, Price £7.20 (Hannants)
AIM-9E MFG ID - 648 196, Price £7.30 (Hannants)
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SUMMARY
Highs: Good casting, easy to buildLows: None reallyVerdict: Two nice sets of missiles to hang from USAF and USN aircraft. The quality and casting are better then the injected plastic missiles you typically get.
Our Thanks to Eduard! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Andy Brazier (betheyn) FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH EAST, UNITED KINGDOM
I started modelling in the 70's with my Dad building Airfix aircraft kits. The memory of my Dad and I building and painting a Avro Lancaster on the kitchen table will always be with me. I then found a friend who enjoyed building models, and between us I think we built the entire range of 1/72 Airfi...
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