The Vought A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-capable subsonic light attack aircraft introduced to replace the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. The A-7 airframe design was based on the successful supersonic Vought F-8 Crusader. It was one of the first combat aircraft to feature a head-up display (HUD), an inertial navigation system (INS), and a turbofan engine. The Corsair II initially entered service with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. It was later adopted by the United States Air Force, including the Air National Guard, to replace the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, North American F-100 Super Sabre and Republic F-105 Thunderchief. The aircraft was also exported to Greece in the 1970s, and Portugal in the late 1980s.
From 1967 to 1971, a total of 27 Navy squadrons took delivery of four different A-7A/B/C/E models. The Vought plant in Dallas, TX employed up to 35,000 workers who turned out one aircraft a day for several years to support the Navy carrier-based needs for Vietnam and SE Asia and commitments to NATO in Europe.
In 1974, when the USS Midway (CV-41) became the first Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF) aircraft carrier to be homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, two A-7B squadrons assigned to Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5) were concurrently homeported at NAF Atsugi, Japan.
Revell 1/48 A-7A Corsair II
- Skill Level 2
- Scale: 1/48
- Length: 11-1/2″
- Height: 4″
- Wingspan: 9-3/4″
- Parts: 67
- Stock Number 85-5484
- MSRP: $19.99 USD
This is a re-release for June/July 2014. The A-7A Corsair II in 1/48 from Revell. A quick look at the sprues reveals a stamping date from back in 1979. Unlike some of the latest releases from Revell USA, this particular kit was molded here in the USA rather than Poland. There is a fair amount of raised surface detail. The air intake is a 2 parts deal which is sealed at the end, yet it gives the infinity illusion once it is assembled in place. Part of the intake will be the undercarriage and plenty of room is available to add the much-needed weight and keep the finished model from sitting on its tail.
As it is to be expected, the new Revell A-7A Corsair II has a very modest cockpit and a seated pilot figure is also provided. For a model this age, it is molded very clean with no flash or thick mold lines. One can either build as is or add some wire and plumbing on the landing gear bays. At 67 parts spread around 10 building steps, this model kit is a nice option for beginners.
We have been spoiled with receded panel lines for the last few years. I don’t feel as comfortable with raised panel lines but somehow this is a kit enticing and begs to be built. One thing that got my attention upon removing the clear box wrapping was the very colorful decal set included with the kit. The decal sheet has no company to give credit to. Only that they are printed in Italy. The colors are very solid with no noticeable level of transparency.
Markings and Ordinance provided with the A-7A Corsair from Revell are:
- A-7A Corsair II U.S. Navy VA-22 ”Fighting Redcocks” USS Coral Sea 1987.
- A-7A Corsair II Portuguese Air Force Monte Real Airbase 1999.
Included with this model kit are 2 drop tanks, 2 500 lbs bombs, and 6 250 lbs bombs with the required mounting pylons. This kit would make a nice in-flight display model and I believe that’s the route I’ll go with the Portuguese markings.
Oldie but still goodie for the MSRP price.
Recommended!
I thought I was going nuts when I discovered the backward landing gear. How can this even happen?!?! I’m new to modeling and, I suspect, this is the oldest version of a kit that I have done. So far it’s been plagued with many issues that I didn’t encounter in my other kits – raised panel lines, poor fits, terrible mold spots and flaws and lack of clear detail. I won’t recommend this kit unless the builder is willing to put in a lot of extra work and adjusting.
I totally concur with you Papa John. These kits are targeted mostly to the craft stores. With a 40% OFF coupon folks get what they pay for without screwing a $60+ kit with their little experience. They make good kits for those starting the hobby while sharpening their skills at the same time.
Yeah, I’m gonna do more research of reviews before I buy anything else. I’ve become obstinate about finishing this piece of jun, however. There are a few things I can do to make it a better model. Still, ya gotta wonder if it’s worth it…
I hope someone brings it to the attention of Revell that the damned front landing gear is MOLDED BACKWARDS! This was extremely annoying. I have contacted them about it, but haven’t received a response.
Thanks for the input Lane and sorry about this. Could you post a picture of the offending part while the model was being built so we can try to join you on your letter to Revell? Thanks in advance.