Back over ten years ago, the USAF was looking for a replacement for its F-15 Eagle. Such is the state of modern military aviation that it takes a long lead time to get a new aircraft into production. There are a number of reasons for this. First of all, equipment tends to stay in service for a much longer period of time than 50 years ago. The F-100 was in service for 20 years, the F-4 for over 30 and the F-15 has been around for 25 years with a bunch more to go. 

Aircraft also cost a lot more than they used to, so it is expected that they be around for a long time. It is rare that an airframe does not undergo a major avionics change about half way through its useful lifespan. Avionics make it practically a new aircraft. Technology is such that developing a new plane is time consuming and often quite difficult. Test aircraft often show problems that result in pre-production and production aircraft being different from the prototypes. Such is the case of the YF-22 vs the F-22A that is just now in pre-production, over ten years after the prototype first flew.

During the most recent fighter competition, there were two aircraft up for the honors of supplanting the Eagle. One was the YF-22, which won the competition; the other the YF-23. This aircraft is, to me, a much cooler looking and stealthier aircraft than the rather squat F-22. In fact, there was darn little to chose between the two. Both of them were able to meet or exceed the requirements set out. There were two prototypes of each plane, each with different engines. Despite the equality in performance, the YF-22 was chosen. Though many will bemoan the fact that Northrop is usually dumped on and claim bias to the Lockheed aircraft, the fact is that the F-22 would be easier to build and therefore cheaper per unit. The two YF-23 prototypes are still extant at Edwards AFB and though not flown in a long time, I understand that one is to be uses for some sort of flight testing. Any additional info would be appreciated. 

Dragon has been well known for kits that look great in the box, but are the dickens to build. Well, I can tell you from experience that this kit is not that way. Basically it is a very simple model, as you can see. Most of the plastic is in the upper and lower fuselage halves. There are no options other than canopy open or closed and decal choice. No opening weapons bay or any other goodies. Basically one sticks the baffles into the fuselage as well as the interior. Glue the fuselage halves together, and stick on the landing gear and doors. That's it!

The kit itself has the required engraved panel lines. The cockpit tub is nice enough with raised detailing on the side consoles and instrument panel. Decals are also given for these areas if you so choose. There is also a stick and seat. The seat looks like an Aces seat so you may want to replace it with an aftermarket one....or not. You will need to put weight in the nose; actually, a lot of it as it is a tail heavy model.

Instructions are very good and up to industry standards. Paints referenced are Gunze and FS 595 standards are given as needed. There are two camo schemes; a light grey one and an 'F-15' sort of scheme. One is for the GE engined plane and the other for the Pratt and Whitney engined version.

Construction is really very straightforward and is simple enough that just about any modeler can produce a super model from this kit. The only problem will be finding one. Over the last few years it has become a bit tough to find.

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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