Zvezda 1/144 Tu-160 Blackjack By Chris Banyai-Riepl

Overview

In the mid-1950s, with surface to air missile technology rendering subsonic bombers obsolete, attention turned towards supersonic bombers. In 1975, the full-scale development of what would become the Tu-160 began at the Tupolev design bureau. Based on TsAGI proposals for a multi-mode aircraft, the Tu-160 combined the capabilities of the Tu-95 with the variable geometry outer wing system of the Tu-22M and the supersonic aerodynamics developed on the Tu-144. The result was a large and powerful supersonic bomber with immense capabilities.

The configuration features a high aspect-ratio wing, four engines in two pods underneath the fixed wing section, and all-moving tailplanes. All weaponry is stowed internally in two large bays equipped with rotary launchers, each capable of holding six Kh-55 cruise missiles. The first flight of the prototype Tu-160 took to the air on December 18, 1981, and after several years of flight testing, the aircraft entered operational service in 1987. Currently there are only 20 Tu-160s operational in Russia, out of 33 manufactured.

The Kit

For those who do not want to relinquish the shelf space to the massive Trumpeter 1/72 Blackjack, this kit will be a logical choice. Even in 1/144, though, this is a big aircraft, and with the wings extended, it will still take up a good amount of space. The kit is nicely molded in medium gray plastic, with petite recessed panel lines throughout. The small decal sheet provides markings for three Tu-160s, all with names on the nose.

Even though this is a 1/144 model, the kit comes with a surprisingly complete interior. This is difficult to see in the 1/72 kit, and it will be even more difficult in 1/144, but there is enough there to keep it busy enough under the small clear pieces. There is a separate instrument panel, seats, and control stick. This fits onto the lower fuselage piece. It is with the fuselage that the most complex assembly shows up, with six main pieces to make up the core fuselage assembly, not counting the clear parts. This means a lot of seams, but a quick test fit shows that, with careful dryfitting, filling should be minimized.

Moving back from the nose a bit, the wings are solid right and left pieces, with surprisingly thin trailing edges. These can be positioned in one of three ways, with all the appropriate glove pieces provided for the different positions. The engine nacelles are separate and made up of no less than ten pieces. The landing gear is likewise nicely detailed, while retaining enough sturdiness to support the finished model. Completing the model are complete weapons bays, with rotary launchers and Kh-55 cruise missiles.

Speaking of finishing, there are not a lot of options for finishing the Tu-160. Unless you want to struggle through one of the unpainted aircraft, your only choice is white, or white. Two of the options have the red/blue/white bent bands on the tail, while the third has the larger style. All three have the blue/yellow flash on the nose, and the aircraft names are Pavel Taran, Il’ia Muromets, and Ivan Iarigin. The decals have excellent register and feel thin. I have never used Zvezda decals before, so I am not familiar with their application.

Conclusion

This is an outstanding kit of an impressive aircraft, and while the construction is a bit more complex than other kits, there should be no real surprises. My thanks to Zvezda for the review sample.