History
A derivative of Cessna's T-37 jet trainer, the A-37 was created for the COIN (counterinsurgency) role. Two prototypes designated YAT-37D were tested during 1963-64. The growing conflict in Vietnam was the stimulus for a contract in 1966 to produce thirty-nine aircraft designated A-37A . In 1967, twenty-five of the A-37As were deployed to Bien Hoa air base in South Vietnam for an evaluation program known as Combat Dragon. These aircraft performed well in several roles, including close air support.
Some deficiencies in the A-37A were noted during Combat Dragon; this led to large-scale production of an improved version, the A-37B. The more familiar A-37B had a long and successful career in U.S. and foreign air arms. It was produced in 1/48 scale by Monogram in 1992. Trumpeter also has a 1/48 A-37B listed as a future release.
Kit Overview
The plastic parts are of very high quality. I don't see any obvious problems like sink marks, gouges, inconsistent panel lines, etc. The petite recessed surface detail is very well done; some items like the fuel filler caps are appropriately raised. The clear parts are also excellent.
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No separate control surfaces are provided, which will simplify the build. The cockpit is well appointed with raised surface details and multi-part ejection seats. Engine compressor faces and flame holders are included for the interior of the air intakes and exhaust nozzles, respectively.
A sheet of photoetched parts includes seatbelts/harnesses, canopy mirrors, gunsight, antennae, FOD screens, thrust deflectors, and fuel tank strakes.
The instructions are a series of large, easy-to-understand exploded diagrams. A parts map is also present.
Options
The modeler can position the speed brake up or down, the canopy up or down, and the thrust deflectors open or closed. Optional air intake covers (plugs) are also in the kit.
Ordnance
The kit contains a generous amount of underwing stores:
- 4 X drop tanks
- 4 X napalm containers, possibly BLU-11 (mislabeled as fuel tanks in the instructions)
- 2 X LAU- 3 rocket pods
- 2 X SUU-14 bomblet dispensers
- 2 X M 117 750 lb bombs
- 6 X Mk.82 500 lb bombs (mislabeled as Mk. 81 in the instructions)
- 2 X SUU-11 Minigun pods
Markings
Decal Sheet A has markings for one aircraft of the 604th Special Operations Squadron at Bien Hoa. The national star-and-bar insignia is out of register and should be replaced by aftermarket decals. The Tactical Air Command badge for the tail is questionable, since photos of other A-37As of this squadron lack this badge. I also question the color and shape of the rescue markings.
Decal sheet B has markings for the ordnance.
A full-color Painting and Markings Guide specifies the paint scheme and decal placement. The paint color call-outs are listed for Mr. Hobby, Vallejo, Model Master, Tamiya, and Humbrol.
Conclusion
COIN fans should rejoice, because here is a modern, state-of-the-art kit of a subject often overshadowed by other, more famous aircraft types. I hope that the construction is smooth and trouble-free. One item omitted from the kit that the modeler should add is the whip antenna behind the cockpit and the two dipole antennae on the horizontal stabilizer leading edges. Otherwise, this kit is good to go.
My thanks to Stevens International and Internet Modeler for the review sample.