Cutting Edge Decals 1/32
A-7E Corsair II 'Desert Storm'

The folks at Meteor Productions continue to turn out great aftermarket decals with some of the best instructions/color profiles on the market. Markings are provided for one very interesting aircraft:

• A-7E, BuNo 160552, VA-72, AC/400, USS John F Kennedy, Early 1991, CAG aircraft

This was the SLUF (Short Little Ugly 'Fella') painted in a special scheme shortly after the surrender of Iraqi forces during Operation Desert Storm. VA-72 and its sister squadron VA-46 were both starting their transition to the F/A-18 Hornet, the last two SLUF squadrons to make the transition, when they were alerted for Operation Desert Shield. Both squadrons delayed their Hornet schools and prepared to take the A-7 into combat one last time.

By the time hostilities ended in 1991, both A-7 squadrons had accumulated an impressive sortie count and were able to accept tasking beyond the range of their new aircraft - the Hornet. Nevertheless, the Corsair II was getting old and was unable to defend itself from an airborne threat which the new Hornet could accomplish. When the USS JFK returned home, VA-72 and its sister squadron turned in their SLUFs and resumed their Hornet transition training.

As the Kennedy and its air wing began the journey home, the maintenance crew put the CAG's aircraft from VA-72 into the paint rack and gave it this farewell paint scheme to signify the SLUF's final cruise.

Highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Meteor Productions for this review sample!