1/48 U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeye 2000

Description

This is an injection-plastic jet aircraft model kit.

Kinetic continues their 1/48 E-2 series with this release of the E-2C Hawkeye 2000. This version has the 8-bladed props, and the kit also features optional position wings and very impressive detailing overall. A handy 18-page color booklet is included which offers an introduction to the type and useful walkaround photos. Decals are given for what appear to be two aircraft, this is the one area that is weak as while the decals themselves appear to be excellent there are clearly two options given but the instructions really only address one: “164495/640” of VAW-120. The other option seems to be “165518/650”, also of VAW-120 but the only mention of this is in the top view in the instructions, which show the “650” appearing on the top of the starboard wing, with “640” appearing on top of the port flap. This is clearly an error, as the modex would be one or the other. Of some concern is that “640” is one of the aircraft pictured in the color booklet – and it is not a Hawkeye 2000, but rather an E2C with the new props. Fortunately it appears parts for a non-Hawkeye 2000 variant are included, but they are not pointed out in the instructions, so have your references handy! (165818/650 is, however, a Hawkeye 2000).