| Date of Review |
July 2007 |
| Manufacturer |
Shull24.com |
| Subject |
Sniper XR Pod for the F-16 |
| Scale |
1/48 |
| Kit Number |
48027 |
| Media |
Resin |
| Pros |
First Sniper pod in 1/48 (that I'm aware of) |
| Cons |
|
| Skill Level |
Intermediate |
| MSRP (USD) |
$8.00 |
The Sniper XR (extended range) targeting pod is a newer generation
FLIR system with capabilities well beyond LANTIRN. While LANTIRN
was still new during the first Iraq war, it was old technology
by the time the second Iraq war came about. While Strike Eagles
and Block 40/42 Vipers ruled the night during Desert Storm,
it was the Air National Guard Vipers and their Sniper pods
(as well as the Litening pods) that provided greater operational
capabilities at night during OIF. Today you'll see Snipers
on not only ANG Vipers, but now Block 40/42 and even CCIP Block
50/52 Vipers (and F-15E and A-10).
Shull24.com is the first producer in 1/48 scale (that I am
aware of) for the Sniper XL pod. They offer two different packages,
this one with the F-16 inlet pylon, or set 48028 for the F-15E
and A-10C. This set consists of four parts cast in white resin
and the forward section cast in clear resin. The FLIR mounts
slips inside the clear forward section so you will see details
after the pod is painted (and the lenses are masked). The chin
intake adaptor mounts on the starboard side of the F-16 (CCIP
Block 50/52 Vipers move their HTS pods to the port side chin
pylon with this installation).
If you're looking for a very contemporary configuration for
your next Viper project, this pod system is very distinctive
and will definitely draw the attention of the 'modelers in
the know'.
I purchased my kit from Shull24.com direct.
I highly recommend this update kit for your Viper.
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