Twobobs 1/48
A-7E VA-22 'Gecko' Redcock

TwoBobs has turned out another interesting set of markings, this time for the A-7E. This release in 1/48 scale is intended for the beautiful Hasegawa 1/48 A-7E Corsair II, AKA SLUF (Short Little Ugly 'Fella').

As the information provided on the instruction sheet indicate, the best known camouflaged A-7E was the CAG's aircraft from VA-72 after Desert Storm. This aircraft's tan/brown wrap-around scheme was distinctive compared to the otherwise standard gray over white camouflage worn by standard fleet SLUFs. While well-known, this wasn't the only unique camouflage worn by USN SLUFs.

In 1988, the USS Enterprise was taking part in a skirmish with the Iranian Navy in the Straits of Hormuz to keep the Iranians from closing off the Persian Gulf from commercial traffic. In April 1988, A-7Es of VA22 and VA-94 (part of CVW-11) conducted combat operations against the Iranians resulting in several sunk vessels, and one frigate badly damaged. These combat operations were dubbed Operation Praying Mantis and were abruptly ceased when the Iranians withdrew. In the course of this action, VA-22's CO and XO 'boss birds' were painted in distinctive camouflage.

The two aircraft featured in this set are:

• A-7E, BuNo 160537, NH/301, VA-22, USS Enterprise, Apr 1988, Operation Praying Mantis
• A-7E, BuNo 158013, NH/302, VA-22, USS Enterprise, Apr 1988, Operation Praying Mantis

This set will definitely look great on your Hasegawa 1/48 A-7E and is highly recommended!

For more information about this set and the other releases from TwoBobs Aviation Graphics, visit their website at http://www.twobobs.net.