Mirage 1/400 Tirantul-Class Corvettes | |  Background
Project 1241 was the designation for a new class of guided missile corvette that would replace the Osa-Class corvette that served the Soviet Navy and its allies around the world. Using a hull that is smaller than the Nanuchka-Class and having less capabilities than that class, the Tarantul is nevertheless faster and more agile. Powered by a pair of 32,000 HP gas turbines, the Tarantul class can cruise around 40 knots and can be armed with either anti-ship or anti-aircraft missiles in addition to its multi-purpose 76mm deck gun. The Kits Mirage has released two new installments in their 1/400 naval series, both are variants of the Project 1241 Tarantul-Class Guided Missile Corvette. The first is the Type 1241.RE Tarantul II, which is a simplified export version of the Russian service corvette. Molded in medium gray styrene, the kit contains three parts trees comprising the two-piece hull, main deck w/superstructure, and all of the various exhaust stacks, missile launchers, guns, etc. Of course, a display stand is also incuded. The kit includes instructions, parts and decals to represent the domestic and export Tarantul II as used in Russia, Iran, or Bulgaria. The second kit is the Type 1241.8 Tarantul III which was a technology demonstrator using an upgraded Tarantul hull with the quadruple-launcher Kh-35 (SS-N-25 Switchblade) anti-ship missile system. As you can see in the lower photo, the parts layout for the tree containing the main deck is different from the one above. Also molded in medium gray and provided on three trees, the markings reflect its short service with the Russian Navy as there was little interest in the export market for this capable craft. If you're interested in Soviet and/or modern Russian naval subjects, these two corvettes reflect the contemporary designs that will look great on your shelf. You'll find these kits at your favorite hobby shop or online from Squadron Mail Order. My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample! | 
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