Monday, December 9

Meng's Growler in a yellow jacket on the way....

Following their earlier Super Hornet one & two-seaters plus the EA-18G's, Meng has released another colourful "Growler" in 48th scale. See what's inside the "yellow jackets" kit & the real thing in our preview...
Meng's Growler in a yellow jacket on the way...

EA-18G Growler Electronic Attack Aircraft "Yellow Jackets"
From Meng Models
1/48th scale
Kit No #​​LS-019
Expected Release: December 2021
The EA-18G Growler plays a vital role in modern warfare, where electronic warfare is just as crucial as firepower strikes. The Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft is specifically designed for this mission, capable of performing various theatre electronic warfare tasks such as electromagnetic countermeasures, electronic interception, and communication countermeasures.

An EA-18G Growler assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron 138 (VAQ-138) over the Pacific Ocean, June 24, 2024.
The U.S. Navy's VAQ-138 "Yellow Jackets" Electronic Attack Squadron was established in February 1976, initially equipped with the EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft. The squadron transitioned to the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft between 2009 and 2010. Since then, the squadron has been frequently stationed overseas, carrying out various missions in support of operations such as Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The motto of the VAQ-138 "Yellow Jackets" Electronic Attack Squadron is "Nothing Less Than The Best," a phrase they live up to through their outstanding operations.

The Kit: MENG's 1/48th scale Boeing EA-18G Growler Electronic Attack Aircraft "Yellow Jackets" kit is a highly detailed kit that includes pre-cut stainless steel PE parts, pre-cut painting masks, and two paint schemes. The kit features accurate ALQ-99 high/low band jamming pods, ALQ-218V(2) tactical receivers, and electronic warfare antennae. The specially designed removable main pylons allow for easy change of electronic pods or external fuel tanks. The kit also includes the AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missiles.
The colour schemes
The model features two paint schemes: a high-visibility livery representing the aircraft of Lieutenant Colonel M.J. Simpson and Lieutenant Colonel B.L. Jones, stationed at Misawa Air Base in Japan in 2022, and a low-visibility livery representing the aircraft of Captain Mark Gertman and Major Michelle Fessenden. The low-visibility livery uses two shades of light grey to blend with high-altitude backgrounds and enhance concealment, as research by the U.S. Air Force has shown that visual colour resolution significantly diminishes at altitudes above 5,000 metres.

Both high and low-viz schemes are inside this boxing...
EA-18G Growler assigned to VAQ-138 in a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, 13 June 2022.

Kit features:
This kit includes accurate ALQ-99 high/low band jamming pods, ALQ-218V(x2) tactical receivers, and AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missiles.
The electronic warfare antennae on the surface of the fuselage are realistic.
The details on both sides of the new tooling front fuselage are excellently replicated.
The folding wing can be built in the folded or unfolded position.
Flaps and slats can be installed in retracted or deployed positions. Horizontal stabilisers and rudders are moveable.
The two-seat variant’s cockpit and cockpit interior equipment are precisely replicated. Two U.S. Navy pilot figures featuring realistic gestures and finely replicated G-suits and equipment are included. Two flight helmet options are provided.
The specially designed pluggable main pylons allow the easy change of electronic pods, external fuel tanks, and the AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missiles.
Pre-cut stainless steel PE parts are included to replicate the precision details inside the nozzles.
You can see more info on this kit and others from Meng on the Meng Models Website...