A-4N Ayit (Eagle) Conversion
 

Cutting Edge Modelworks

Reviewed by Dave Williams

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Meteor Productions

Israel has a long history with the A-4 Skyhawk, using two unique single-seat versions, the A-4H and the A-4N, as well as a number of ex-USN A-4E and A-4F aircraft provided by the US to make up for wartime losses. Designed for the Hasegawa A-4E/F kits, this new conversion from Cutting Edge is designed to make the A-4N version, which was based on the A-4M airframe. One obvious difference between the M/N version and the earlier E/F version is the new canopy and windscreen. The canopy was larger, slightly wider, and had a revised frame line at the rear, and the windscreen featured a center section with straight frames instead of the oval center section of the earlier single seat A-4 versions.

Most of the parts are the same as those in the CE A-4H conversion (CEC48322) previously reviewed here on Hyperscale. Carried over from the previous set are:

• The extended tailpipe fitted to all IDF A-4s after the 1973 Yom-Kippur War to reduce the aircraft’s vulnerability to ground-launched IR guided missiles.

• Two 30mm DEFA cannon, each consisting of a barrel (hollowed out at one end) and the associated underwing fairing.

• Underfuselage braking parachute fairing.

• Elisra radar-warning receivers (RWR) for the underside of the nose and the sides of the tail.

• Rectangular blade antennas.

• Large right side mid-fuselage air intake associated with the uprated J52-P-408 engine fitted to all A-4Ns. Note that the new engine installation included the fitting of wider air intakes. These are not included in the set and will require the purchase of Cutting Edge’s A-4F “Superfox” conversion (CEC 48316)

The new “N” specific parts consist of the following items:

• A new dorsal avionics fairing (“hump”). Broadly similar to the original A-4F fairing, the new part adds an intake and exhaust port on the right side.

• New cockpit sections required by the new windscreen and canopy. The cockpit area must be cut out of both fuselage halves in order to fit the new parts. The new resin fuselage sections are detailed on both the exterior and interior. Some careful trimming and test fitting are recommended when removing the sections of the kit fuselage, especially on the right side, where the cut line runs just above the channel for the refueling probe.

• New canopy and windscreen molded in clear resin. The resin parts are actually quite clear and polished to a high gloss (no Future necessary). One word of WARNING from Scott at Meteor Productions: DO NOT allow any alcohol to get on the clear part of the canopy or windscreen! These clear parts are made of a special resin and alcohol will cloud the clear part.

• Also cast in clear resin, a KB-18A strike camera which was located in the rear of the left landing gear fairing. This modification resulted in the red anti-collision beacon being moved to the right landing gear fairing. The strike camera was also fitted to some A-4Hs.

• Although not in the set I have, there should also be some Black Magic masks for the new canopy and windscreen. These were not ready in time for the release of the sets at the US IPMS Nationals, but Scott has indicated that the masks will be sent out to those who have purchased the set and want them when they are ready.

The instructions also recommend the addition of CE’s A-4M cockpit set (CEC48334) for the instrument panel coaming and canopy jacks. Although the cockpit set is not absolutely required, some sort of replacement coaming must be made or obtained as I’m told that the kit part (D3) will not fit the replacement upper fuselage sections. On more item of note, the set only is designed to build one of the metal nose A-4Ns. Some A-4Ns has a clear bubble at the tip of the nose for an Angle Rate Bombing Sensor (ARBS), so check your references for the particular Ayit you are building.

At the time of this writing, Hasegawa hasn’t made any official announcement on whether they will be expanding their Skyhawk line to include the A-4N version. For those who can’t wait, the CE set is available now for your building pleasure.

Review sample kindly provided by Meteor Productions.

Dave Williams
IPMS/USA 19050
 

Cutting Edge Modelworks products are available from Meteor Productions Website

Review Copyright © 2001 by Dave Williams
Page Created 17 August, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page