F6F-5K Sparrow missile tests

[otftch]

This is a 1/72 F6F-5K Hellcat drone used to test fire the XAAM-N-1 Sparrow missile at the Point Mugu missile test site. There were fears about the rocket exhust damaging the wings of the carrier aircraft so it was decided to use an un-piloted drone for safety. There were quite a few of these F6F drones around so it was decided to use one of them. In the event all shots were fired from manned aircraft. I just couldn't resist an F6F with a guided missile hanging under the wing. The underbelly tank is not fuel but is modifed with test instrumentation. Kit is from Hasegawa.
Ed

 

[Airframes]

Nice ! Wonder what the effect on control was like when the missile was fired.

 

[vajled]

hehehe, probably like bull riding
nice job there Ed

Roman

 

[Wurger]

Looking very nice. A good job Ed.

 

[Lucky13]

Nice one Ed!

 

[Matt308]

Now how cool is that!!

 

[rochie]

wow great subject Ed

 

[Andy70]

Very cool! And well done, too!!

 

[A4K]

Great stuff Ed! Nice subject as always.
Btw, where did you find the 'Point Mugu' markings?

 

[otftch]

They are individual letters from a micro-scale letter number sheet
Ed

 

[otftch]

They are individual letters from a micro-scale letter number sheet
Ed




Thanks all for your comments.
Ed

 

[Gnomey]

Good work Ed!

 

[Wayne Little]

Wow, that is a different Hellcat....not seen that variation before...done good though!

 

[A4K]

They are individual letters from a micro-scale letter number sheet

Thanks mate!

 

[mrf17]

Nice one. The Sparrow testing was a very interesting era in Naval Test at Magu and China Lake. You captured the Hellcat "shooter" well.

 

[vikingBerserker]

The Hellcat really looks pretty sweet in red. You did a great job on her.