This model just landed in my collection from hongkong-models on ebay:
Air Force 1 Sukhoi SU-35S Super Flanker "21" 1/72 scale
Sukhoi's Su-35 Super Flanker (NATO designation "Flanker E") took the world market by storm when it proved able to challenge and defeat any aircraft in the East (and West) except for absolute top-of-the-line fighters such as the EF2000 and F-22. The direct derivative of the Super Flanker, aptly designated the Sukhoi Su-37 Terminator, was only intended as a technology demonstrator but is one of the most maneuverable aircraft ever built.
I'm actually quite impressed with this model, it's the first time I've seen a diecast company come very close to the overall shape of the flanker. Witty wings and Gaincorp had inaccurate shape especially around the canopy but Air Force 1's Su-35 is pretty close. This is a series 2 model so does come with optional gear, weapons and canopy. It doesn't come with a pilot figure though and the canopy was a bit flimsy but I wouldn't have left it up anyway. The weapons were a tight fit, just like Witty Wing's model so be careful not to overexert them into the slots. I'm glad they didn't go with a movable airbrake or rudder - that would have made it seem more toylike. What surprised me the most was the nozzles - this is the first time I saw a manufacturer attempt at thrust vectoring. The nozzles can be positioned in every direction. Overall I like it, here's some pictures:
Close up at the thrust vector
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AF1 definitely upped their game with this one. Granted the colors are not quite there yet but it's passable. It's not that way off. The only other thing is that the ordnance and the landing gear/doors are simplified compared to witty. That's it. Overall, the shape, it's really really good especially with it's gears up. Definitely better than Gaincorp's and witty's single seater efforts. Quite surprised that they'd chosen to do an entirely different mold rather than just modify their existing not so good su-27 tooling
Hey Mr. SuperKungFu, does it fit on a witty stand?
Thanks for the quick response Mr.SuperKungFu. That is unfortunate that it cannot be mounted on a witty stand as I really want to display it with its gears up. But it's not a deal breaker to me.
Damn, now that's a mean looking flanker.
I'd say this is the best flanker to date even better than Witty's much improved 2 seaters. It doesn't get any better than this. Gonna hold off though on this one as there is another Su-35 scheme that I have in mind. I am hoping AF-1 does it with the same effort as this one
I'd say this isn't the typical AF1 tooling. I just noticed that the rivets aren't as over sized as their other toolings. The tooling is superb. And if I am not mistaken, I think this is AF-1's first model with an option to display the canopy open.
I'd say this isn't the typical AF1 tooling. I just noticed that the rivets aren't as over sized as their other toolings. The tooling is superb. And if I am not mistaken, I think this is AF-1's first model with an option to display the canopy open.
AF1 is evolving, looks like. They mean to be actual competition, not just a money-grab. With the loss of Witty and possibly Falcon, this step up of AF1 is good news.
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Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or imbeciles who really mean it. Mark Twain
Sukhoi's Su-35 Super Flanker (NATO designation "Flanker E") took the world market by storm when it proved able to challenge and defeat any aircraft in the East (and West) except for absolute top-of-the-line fighters such as the EF2000 and F-22.
You forgot the rafale!
Thanks for the review I'm tempted perheaps waiting for another camo.
Thanks SuperKungFu for its magnificent photos and model review.
I am very surprised at the effort AF1 has done on this model and I agree with you that in form and proportions is the most successful the real model to date.
I still think that if AF1 wants to talk as equals to equals with HM in terms of quality, they must change the way of paint the models, because in this particular model looks a poor painting work (a pity ... .)
Anyway, I think AF1 have hit the target in terms of the general forms of Flanker and hopefully with a little effort on your part in painting, maybe we could see in the near future large number of variants of SU 27 that many crave.
Thanks for the quick response Mr.SuperKungFu. That is unfortunate that it cannot be mounted on a witty stand as I really want to display it with its gears up. But it's not a deal breaker to me.
Damn, now that's a mean looking flanker.
I'd say this is the best flanker to date even better than Witty's much improved 2 seaters. It doesn't get any better than this. Gonna hold off though on this one as there is another Su-35 scheme that I have in mind. I am hoping AF-1 does it with the same effort as this one
you can still display it gears up on the stand that comes with it.
Very nice indeed, my only request would be they painted the wheel hubs to match the real a/c not just all black (unless that is correct but I don't think so).
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On the bench....or in the queue:
Not at all, I just took another look and I think the models hubs are dark green. Perhaps it's just me being fond of the legacy green like on the Mig-25 and SU-34 Fullback.
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On the bench....or in the queue:
no it just hasn't got to retailers yet, obviously this just came out in Asia, HK would be the first to have it since they are a major shipping export. It will be around September before this model comes to the US and the price is about the same so I bought it from HK. arrived very quick and in good condition.
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AF1 have come a long way since their original Chinese copy Su-27's but I still think they have abit to go before I'd get one, they have improved the parts a lot, it would be good to see more detailing on the missiles but the main issue is still accuracy of the livery and quality of it's application to the model.
It was the same with HM's IDF liveries which have improved a lot since the last Viper and now on the Eagle
I think while this is a great improvement (which I was quick to judge as horrible) I think that the only thing that lets this down is the paint job. It seems like they have nailed the profile of this one (which is comforting as the now defunct witty had theirs down) and they only need a few more things to be good, such as the missiles and the gear to be a contender to HM. Seeing their willingness to take on the obscure and new toolings im looking forward to AF1's future.
From the photos, the air intakes appear to be unrealistically and abruptly closed off in a worse way than those of their T-50. It is taken for granted that Witty's Flanker and Fulcrum intakes go in until you see the engines!
From the photos, the air intakes appear to be unrealistically and abruptly closed off in a worse way than those of their T-50. It is taken for granted that Witty's Flanker and Fulcrum intakes go in until you see the engines!
From the photos, the air intakes appear to be unrealistically and abruptly closed off in a worse way than those of their T-50. It is taken for granted that Witty's Flanker and Fulcrum intakes go in until you see the engines!
The air intake has the engine shield up, especially for flankers and other russian birds their runways and taxiways are not as "well kept" so they have the FOD shield when on the ground. That's why you don't see the engines. For example take a look at this real picture of the flanker, you don't see the engines:
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I suppose that would damage the 'illusion' if you wanted to display it in flight? Although as there is no pilot the illusion may already be somewhat damaged
The air intake has the engine shield up, especially for flankers and other russian birds their runways and taxiways are not as "well kept" so they have the FOD shield when on the ground. That's why you don't see the engines. For example take a look at this real picture of the flanker, you don't see the engines:
Thanks for the great pics and review SKF. I did consider the engine shields but didn't think that those black stoppers in the AF1 models are meant to be the shields. Engine shields are normally red and positioned right at the edge of the intake mouths. If the shields are up, shouldn't they clearly show in any photo regardless of the lighting?
SKF's picture of the Flanker above actually does not show it's shields up. Even front shots of the Flanker in flight do not show the engines because they not near the mouths.
It's the same with the Witty models. You can't see the engines unless there is enough lighting from the front, otherwise no.
In some ways, Italeri's 1:100 diecast T-50 is more accurate than AF1's 1:72 T-50. In the same way, compare Italeri's Su-34 Flanker to AF1's Su-35.
I think it's wonderful AF1 is making these beautiful Russian aircraft you can't find in 1/72 scale diecast anywhere else - I myself bought their T-50 last year. But we should also compile each and every flaw and provide feedback to them so their future models are hopefully improved.
We shouldn't accept omission of obvious details like realistic air intakes, correct matte paint scheme, concealed screwheads, etc that we used to take for granted for Witty's and even smaller scale models.
Thanks for the great pics and review SKF. I did consider the engine shields but didn't think that those black stoppers in the AF1 models are meant to be the shields. Engine shields are normally red and positioned right at the edge of the intake mouths. If the shields are up, shouldn't they clearly show in any photo regardless of the lighting?
SKF's picture of the Flanker above actually does not show it's shields up. Even front shots of the Flanker in flight do not show the engines because they not near the mouths.
It's the same with the Witty models. You can't see the engines unless there is enough lighting from the front, otherwise no.
That's not the FOD guard I was referring to, you are showing a hard block where they typically put on an aircraft when it's already stationary or on the tarmac/hangar which is the color red
but I'm referring to it's internal FOD guard that's moves up and down inside the intake. It's about 1/3 the way inside the engine intake and it's black, you won't see it. It's the black plate as shown here in this kit but it's inside the engine
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That's not the FOD guard I was referring to, you are showing a hard block where they typically put on an aircraft when it's already stationary or on the tarmac/hangar which is the color red
but I'm referring to it's internal FOD guard that's moves up and down inside the intake. It's about 1/3 the way inside the engine intake and it's black, you won't see it. It's the black plate as shown here in this kit but it's inside the engine
Unless I'm mistaken, isn't the guard supposed to be parallel to the intakes? So if these are guards, they should be slanted, not straight, right?
I'm actually disappointed by this. As a collector i like to see more planes, as as somebody opposed to putin's neo-fasist state i want him to waste as much money as he can on militarily useless airshow airplanes like the T-50.
It was also reported that Sukhoi has told malaysia that they can't get PAK-50s until 2035, though that's likely to be moved up as russia's foreign exchange reserves dwindle. if oil stays around $50 (which it probably won't, but if), russia's vaunted foreign exchange reserves (including gold holdings) could be down to zero, yes, zero, by the end of the year.
Air Force 1 Sukhoi SU-35S Super Flanker "21"
Re: Air Force 1 Sukhoi SU-35S Super Flanker "21"
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