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Unicraft 1/72 Predator UAV

By Allan Wanta

History

As with most of Unicrafts' current projects, this aircraft has its basis in real life. Navy and Army versions have flown successfully over Bosnia and are currently operating in Afghanistan. Designed as an information gathering unmanned platform, events have allowed the plane to serve as a hunter/killer as well. The UAV is designed to be flown from a bunker or van many miles away, using the latest in satellite guidance. No longer will a human need to be in physical danger in order to vanquish his opponent, we can now kill by wire.

The original test versions were painted in prototype white, later models get the usual Grey overall like most of our fleet.

The Kit

Unicraft kits have been steadily improving, each becoming more detailed and less cumbersome than the one before. I noted in earlier reviews that engraving and quality of casting have improved, this allows better representations to be made. The UAV presented here is no exception. Very well done casts that have no discernible pinholes or mold marks are packed nicely in Igors' handmade box. Step by step instructions are not enclosed, but with full-scale drawings and few actual parts make it self-explanatory. Although I did have a question as to a bit that goes under the nose, looks like an added electronics chin in front of the FLIR ball. No matter, it fit well, and that's what matters. Another delicate area are the very small propeller blades, they almost look like scrap pieces in the bag.

Be careful when applying the wings to the fuselage, making a jig would be a good idea to keep the dihedral even, same for the three rear fins. In one picture, I noted an earlier version of the UAV as having the fins on the upper portion of the rear fuselage; both versions could probably be fashioned as long as information was at hand.

The landing gear has wires inserted to make them sturdy, a great idea since they are mighty thin and spindly. The landing gear wheel wells are not deep enough, but when painted black offer no problems of believability, not in this small scale.

My overall craft was painted a neutral gray scheme overall, although a two-tone scheme with a darker gray undersides is not out of the question. This one is an unarmed reconn version, with minimal markings, which are supplied in the kit for numerous vehicles, as they are called. One of the armed options being tested in Yemen has two Hellfire missiles, and has proven reliable and successful. For the most part, this kit is a weekend project, having well engineered parts and castings.

Conclusion

Despite a long waiting list for a Unicraft kit, they are a most enjoyable build when one is in hand, and is a unique addition to anyone's modeling shelf. The entertainment meter rates this kit as an 8, ease of construction is 7, and cool factor is 9. Keep up the great work Unicraft!