Aggressor Squadron

Subscribed!  I've been working on this as well.  I did the same f5 kit.  Finished an esci Kfir as well.  In the stash is an f-16n, a4e/f and an f18.  What do you plan on building?

Me too! Should be cool.

(The stick-in-the-mud part of my personality leads me to offer a friendly reminder that it's the 'zoomies' in the USAF that call them 'aggressors'; the USN/USMC call them 'adversaries.'   Not sure which you have in mind; it rocks, either way!)

This should be fun. Even a “what if?” F-20 for this project? Very cool!

Specifically, the USAF squadron that is the training squadron for DACM training is/was the 420th "Aggressors" and they fly a variety of aircraft, including, F-5E (Mig-21 flight charateristics), as well as A-4Es, F-16s, and some F-18's as well. All thse aircraft are used ot train pilots in dissimilar air combat maneuvering (DACM). They were teaching many various grops, and were originally used as Russian aggressor trainers. They spoke Russian (both on the ground and in the air), read Pravda, and even ate Russian foods at time.

The Navy and Air Force took different approaches to DACM. The Navy would send a few aviators per class to Top Gun, who upon completion of the course would return to their squadron and pass on what they had learned. The Air Force rotated whole units thru Red Flag where they would work on integrated strike and CAS packages. So the mud movers had to deal with the Aggressors as well as the escort fighters. CSAR was even factored in to Red Flag.

Following.  This will be a cool build.

First off, thanks to everyone for the positive suppoprt. I 'd like to aplogize for the misleading title of this thread. As was pointed out the Navy and Air Force had different names for the Pilot training squadrons: Aggressors/Adversary. 

I used the term covering both programs interchangably, so the models will be both Adversary and Aggressor.

This book is the inspiration for these builds:

It has a lot of great color pictures in many camo schemes of both Aversary and Agrressor, even helicopters! I will be relying upon it heavily.

The models I wil be building will be limited to the ones in my stash. Which will also include an F-16 and an A-4. I even have that ESCI K/Fir kit, which will be included too. About that K/Fir, I have a soft spot for Delta winged craft. If remember correctly, I bought that kit after the movie "Iron Eagle" came out.

I'm sure this is going to be fun and will run as long as it takes to get these done. Well, back to the bench.

I really like doing these kits - a chance to do some really cool schemes.  Here's the two I've done

It is fun to make kits in the "not usual" paint schemes.  Agressors are the perfect chance to do so.  I don't know why, but I fully intend to do an A-4 in this Mig 17 scheme.  Definately catches the eye.

index by Tim Bowers, on Flickr

Have fun!

keavdog

I really like doing these kits - a chance to do some really cool schemes.  Here's the two I've done

 

 

nice builds. the sun downers are stationed in keywest they do the fly bys at the dolphin game from time to time.

BillG56

 

 

keavdog

I really like doing these kits - a chance to do some really cool schemes.  Here's the two I've done

 

Now that's what I'm talking about! 

 

 

 

 

+1 frm me, going to love watching these colors get laid down!

Caveman

It is fun to make kits in the "not usual" paint schemes.  Agressors are the perfect chance to do so.  I don't know why, but I fully intend to do an A-4 in this Mig 17 scheme.  Definately catches the eye.

index by Tim Bowers, on Flickr

Have fun!

 

THIS is a really cool idea!

Here's an update on the F5-F. Cockpit is done and all the major fuselage parts added..

some seam filling  and sanding, typical Monogram. I decided that since this wasn't a "combat" aircraft, I chose to omit the armement pylons with the exception of the center line fuel tank. Here I filled in the attachment points on the model...

Here are the decals I will be using for this build and the F5-E. The "F" will get the "snake" paint scheme and the "old Ghost" for the F-5E...

Now I'm waiting on my paint order to arrive, then I will get to masking and spraying.

That’s coming along great. Very wise to opt for no plylons or ordnance. At most, aggressor aircraft may carry a drop tank, aside from a captive inert missile and ACMI pod on the wingtip missile rails.

Looking good.  Btw hasegawa weapons set D comes with an/apx-95 tacts pods.

I forgot about those weapons kits. I'll have to see if I can score one. They would make a perfect compilment to these builds. Thanks for the tip.

July 30 update...

The filling and sanding is complete. Here I gave it a primer coat of Model master enamel Light Ghost Grey to reveal any more flaws in the model...

after one last go over, I painted the model in the base color FS 33531 Sand (again Model Master)...

After a couple of days drying time, I am beginning the mask process with this...

We'll see how it goes...

After brushing on 2 coats, I am ready for the next color, Model Master FS 30118 Field Drab.

Ooooh I'm really anxious to see how that works. Sounds like a good idea. Seems like you would end up with some just slightly fuzzy edges which should look to scale?

OK, an update on the F-5F, After the Field drab was applied and masked the Green was the last color to go on...

After allowing the paint to dry thoroughly, I peeled off all the masking. I then re-masked for the nose and jet engine exhaust areas and sprayed them.

Here is the model after all the touch ups are done. The gloss has been applied and now waiting for that to cure sufficiently before moving onto decals...

I'll check back after the decals have been applied. Thanks for looking.

That's an "Oh, wow!"

Very, very nice!

Are you just doing US aggressors/adverseries or can I tempt you with some of the British ones?

IX Sqn Typhoon

100 Sqn Hawk T.1

Well, I'm starting with USAF/USN aircraft, but won't rule out other nations. If its colorful, it's problably in. It's just going to to take some time, especially at the rate I work. 

Looking very cool in those colors Mark.  Looking forward to the decals.  Fantastic job filling and sanding

Great job on your next build try a product from AK interactive  camouflage elastic putty.

https://ak-interactive.com/product/camouflage-elastic-putty/

It will make you experience easier and you get great results.

West Coast

Great job on your next build try a product from AK interactive  camouflage elastic putty.

https://ak-interactive.com/product/camouflage-elastic-putty/

It will make you experience easier and you get great results.

 

Dave, thanks for the heads up on this product. This is exactly what I need for the next one. It's going to be this...

Again, thank you. The F5-F is waiting for final assembly. I should have pics by the weekend.

West Coast

Great job on your next build try a product from AK interactive  camouflage elastic putty.

https://ak-interactive.com/product/camouflage-elastic-putty/

It will make you experience easier and you get great results.

 

Or you could use good old Silly Putty...

Yes, I've tried Silly Putty, but I've had problems getting it to "stick" to the model. I'm willing to try something new if its going to give good results.

I've just placed an order for the AK product, and I'll see how it goes.