1/48 Bronco Jian J-10S Vigorous Dragon

Gallery Article by Andy Davies on Jan 26 2011

 

This is the Bronco model of the Jian J-10S twin seat aircraft now operational with the Chinese Air Force, (and possibly heading for Pakistan too).  Whilst it serves primarily as a training aircraft there are rumors that several may have been converted to become Airborne and control aircraft, (a form of Wild Weasel) with the rear seater being the commander of a four ship formation.  The J-10S can also operate as a standard fighter if needed.  Aside from the obvious this version differs from the standard fighter J-10A in that the forward fuselage is some 2 1/2 feet longer to accommodate the extra man, has an enlarged, lengthened dorsal spine and an uprated 27,557 lbs thrust WS-10A engine, basically an enlarged and modified Salyut AF-31F turbofan as fitted to the SU-27 Flanker.  So power to weight the aircraft has plenty of grunt to go along with its high agility.

The model is a delight to build having very good surface detail and many parts.  A small PE set is included with replacement parts for the aerials, HUD, seat harnesses and cockpit detail, a comprehensive weapons loadout and a high quality decal set, with around 200 decals ...I think they must have included every single stencil on the real aircraft and weapons!

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The model was airbrushed using Mr Hobby Aqueous colours, namely US navy gull grey, medium grey and light airframe grey before washes were added using oils, white spirit and Promodelers dark and light dirt.  This was followed by a fairly heavy coat of Klear prior to decalling, another light coat over to seal them and finally several light coats of Vallejo satin varnish.

All in all a great kit, and a fun build, ...looking forward to Bronco's new J-10B version later this year.

Thanks for looking,

Andy Davies

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Photos and text © by Andy Davies