During the 1960s, we saw the development of many aircraft types such as swing-wing and VTOL planes. The '60s was also a decade of 'limited' wars and the development of COIN (COunterINsurgency) aircraft. Basically, these were relatively simple airframes that were beefed up to carry equally simple ordnance. Designed to be operated by those air arms that were not capable of operating sophisticated aircraft, many of these aircraft were developed from trainers. 

While many of these COIN aircraft were developed from aircraft such as the T-6, T-28, O-2 and others, one that is still being used is the A-37. This was a beefed up T-37 trainer. Four wing hardpoints were added as were wing tip fuel tanks. The cockpit got upgraded avionics as well as ejection seats. In flight refueling capabilities were also added to the aircraft. In addition there were retractable FOD screens to prevent debris from entering the engines and a 20mm gatling cannon was added. All this extra stuff really increased the weight of the aircraft so larger engines and stronger landing gear were required. What resulted was an aircraft that looked like a T-37, but which had few interchangeable parts with that trainer.

The result was a very capable, jet powered COIN aircraft. They saw extensive service in Vietnam from the late 1960s onward. Many were turned over to the South Vietnamese Air Force and after that country was overrun by North Vietnam, many were left and operated by the victors. 

Back in the US, the A-37 was operated by many ANG and Reserve units. The aircraft was perfect for FAC (Forward Air Control) and a number of examples were modified into OA-37Bs. This modification was mostly in the addition of radios. The last OA-37 operated by US Forces was retired in 1992. However, many of these airframes have been given/sold to friendly countries in Latin America including Guatemala, Colombia, Dominica, Uruguay, and others. Its ease of maintenance and pleasant flying abilities make it well liked.

Academy's kit of the A-37 is reminiscent of the Hasegawa kit, however, it has been brought up to modern standards. It has engraved panel lines, acceptable wheel well detail, a separate canopy, nice cockpit detailing, optional refueling probe and a super selection of ordnance to go under the wings. You four fuel tanks, 2.75 inch rocket pods, bombs and SUU-14  dispensers. Naturally, not all aircraft sported all this stuff at once and not all carried four hardpoints per wing. This aircraft is going to be a tail sitter so you will need to put weight into the nose to prevent that. The kit also has quite a few pieces to it, many of them being rather tiny so it won't be a super fast build.

The instructions are more than adequate giving a brief history, a color chart giving generic colors as well as FS numbered colors for the camouflage. There are 13 construction steps including a chart on which underwing option can go on which hardpoint. The paint and decal diagram is on a separate sheet. There are markings for two aircraft. One is a Korean version from the 8th Fighter Wing circa 1996. The other is for a USAF aircraft from the 8th SOS in Vietnam around 1970. Both are in SEA camouflage of two greens and a tan upper and light grey undersides. The decal sheet is quite comprehensive for this scale. Some of the white markings sort of disappeared against the light blue background so it will be interesting to see if they are opaque enough not to have bleedthrough. 

Overall it looks like a very nice kit and an improvement over the older Hasegawa one. Those wanting to do an ANG OA-37B will have to piece together their own decals for those as I seriously doubt if anyone will do an aftermarket sheet for this kit. Fortunately, the markings are simple and should not be difficult to locate.

Here is an addendum provided by Martin Sczepan about another boxing of this kit and a PE set:

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The kit is also available as A-37B 'Black Eagles' (kit No. 1672). This version contains the same sprues - molded in white instead of grey plastic - but different decals and instructions. The large decal sheet (almost the size of the box) contains markings for any of the aircraft of the R.O.K.A.F Black Eagles aerobatic display team for the 1996 and 1998 seasons as well as markings for an overall gunship grey OA-37B of 19th TASS, 51th TFW from Osan AB, Korea in the mid 1980s. A complete set of individual numbers and serial numbers is provided. A small table on the painting instructions relates the individual a/c numbers with the serial numbers of each plane for the 1996 and 1998 seasons. Even subtle differences in the paint schemes for the two the seasons are represented. The instruction sheet provides information which parts are to be used for each the two paint schemes.

Eduard produces a nice little photoetched detailing set for the kit. The 'Zoom' range is relatively new in the Eduard product line. For a small price you get only some basic parts (seat belts, instrument panels etc.) which can be used without modifications of the kit parts. I like this approach - you get everything you really need but you don't have to spend so much money on it. These sets are also nice for modelers who want to use PE parts for the first time - no cutting, shaving or sanding of the plastic, no confusion by the large number of parts, no complicated folding sequences. Simply glue the pieces to their positions, paint them and enjoy the results... 

Set number SS106 for the A-37B contains seat belts, instrument panel (in the Eduard PE/film style), cockpit sidewall padding, gun sight, engine faces, FOD screens, tank filler caps and some other small parts. A plate with the name of the airplane, which can be mounted to the base is also provided. So if you want to improve your model without the desire to superdetail it, this PE set is probably the easiest way to go.

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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