Platz Hobby

 1/72 RQ-4N Global Hawk model kit

Product # AC-5

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Nov 2 2011

 

This new kit from Platz Hobby is for a 1/72 RQ-4N Global Hawk.  The is an unmanned high altitude long-endurance aircraft for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.  The "R" is for reconnaissance and the "Q" is for unmanned aircraft system.

The parts are contained on 5 sprues of grey plastic with no clear parts. This kit has recessed panel lines and fine detailing.  The first thing I noticed about this kit is the long slender wings that remind me very much of the U-2 high altitude reconnaissance aircraft.  The engine intake is a one piece cone, so you won't have any seams to deal with.  The wheels have very fine spoke detail.

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There are no weapons as this is a surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft and because it is a UAV you don't have all the extra work that comes with cockpit detailing etc, so that should make this a simple and enjoyable build.

The decals include 5 RQ-4N Global Hawks including 3 US Navy, one Japanese and one with US Naval Oceanographic Office with Project Birdseye.  Four of these aircraft have tail art and the 5th aircraft is the white US Naval Oceanographic Office with a big American flag on the tail and noseart of a white Arctic Fox on ice skates and wearing a red super hero cape.     

  • RQ-4N Global Hawk US Navy Ser. # 166509 in overall grey with a black silhouette artwork on the tail of a lobster holding a submarine.

  • RQ-4N Global Hawk US Navy in overall grey with a black silhouette of a Hawk or Raptor on the tail.

  • RQ-4N Global Hawk Japanese Self Defense Force Ser. # 5201 in overall grey with blue and yellow stripes on the tail with a red volcano and there is also Japanese characters on the side of the fuselage. 

  • RQ-4N Global Hawk US Navy in overall grey with a black silhouette of a stylized Hawk or Raptor on the tail.

  • RQ-4N Global Hawk US Naval Oceanographic Office with Project Birdseye in overall white with red tail and red flight control surfaces on the wings.  The is noseart of a white Artic Fox on ice skates and wearing a red super hero cape and a large American flag on both sides of the tail.

The decals are excellent quality and in register and include stencils for 1 aircraft.  All parts are packed in 3 separate bags to protect the smaller more delicate parts and the decal sheet is in it's own plastic bag.

Models of UAV's have become more and more popular in recent years and this latest offering from Platz Hobby is beautifully done and provides some great markings options and colour schemes.

Check out http://www.platz-hobby.com/ for this and other fine products.  I'd like to thank Platz Hobby for the review sample......this kit is made in Japan and the high quality is evident throughout this tiny model kit.

Steve Bamford

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Photos and text © by Steve Bamford