Modern Hobbies

1/72 GBU-38 JDAM

Review by Max Bradley on Aug 25 2008

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The GBU-38 is a 500lb class GPS guided munition. It can be flown on the F-15E, F-16, A-10, B-1B, AV-8 and the F/A-18C/D/E/F.

 Greg has taken great care in modeling the GBU-38. The strakes on the nose are raised and after painting look even better. The strakes brackets have the correct shape and width and are fairly easy to paint as they are raised. The tail end of the JDAM is just as impressive. On the back of the JDAM you can see the small raised transmitter along with the screw holes that attach the guidance end to the bomb casing. Be careful that you don't trim the GPS transmitter off after you have removed the JDAM from the sprue.

Construction: The JDAM comes of the sprue with two fins already molded on. Thus, you will only need to glue 2 fins instead of the usual 4. I would recommend a light sanding and cleaning before you glue them on to ensure a strong bond. Also, as with all my resins, I use super glue as normal modeling glues don't work. Take note that for a USN or USMC GBU-38, you need to lightly sand off the nose, as these versions have a different fuse that is flat faced. After this you can begin painting. GBU-38's used by the USMC and the USN are gray in color whereas the USAF GBU-38's are olive green with gray tail and strakes although occasionally I have seen gray GBU-38's on F-16's. The last photo has examples of the Air Force dummy version (blue) , Live version (green) and the Navy/Marine Corps version in grey.  Note the sanded nose on the gray variant.

 I would highly recommend buying some of these GBU-38's for your aircraft. They are highly detailed and look amazing. Thank you Greg from Modern Hobbies for the review samples and all of your hard work!

Max

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Photos and text © by Max Bradley