Arma Hobby 70004 - 1:72 TS-11 Iskra bis DF - Model Kit

Plastic model kit of the Polish TS-11 Iskra bis DF jet trainer in 1:72 scale

The TS-11 Iskra is the design that started the history of Polish jet aviation – and the aircraft on which successive generations of military pilots were trained. Arma Hobby 70004 presents it in 1:72 scale as a Model Kit, previously known as the Junior Set. The kit was reissued in January 2025.

This is a simplified version of the release, limited to plastic sprues, a clear sprue, decals and instructions. The model nevertheless retains the fine surface reproduction typical of Arma Hobby – rivets and panel lines – along with thin trailing edges. It represents the bis DF version fitted with three reconnaissance cameras.

The decals cover a single aircraft: TS-11 Iskra bis DF no. 3H-1407 of the 110th Aviation Squadron at Łask, in its 2006 markings. With its straightforward contents, the kit works well as a first jet model or as a quick addition to a Polish military aviation collection.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues
• Clear sprue
• Decals for one marking option
• Assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 70004
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Assembled length: approx. 155 mm
• Wingspan: approx. 140 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model requires assembly.

Building the model:

The simplified contents make for a straightforward build that calls for no work with photo-etched or resin parts. We suggest painting and finishing the cockpit before closing the fuselage halves, as access is limited afterwards and a fair amount remains visible through the glazing. It is worth masking the canopy before painting; modelling tape or ready-made self-adhesive masks, available separately in our shop, will come in handy.

Aircraft 3H-1407 of the 110th Aviation Squadron wears the finish typical of the Iskra: a silver aluminium scheme set off by orange conspicuity panels. Large smooth surfaces look their best after careful seam clean-up and an even coat of primer before the metallic paint goes on. We recommend applying the decals over gloss varnish to limit silvering, and finishing the model with satin varnish, typical for aircraft of this class.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers for small parts
• Brushes in various sizes, optionally an airbrush
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish for decalling and satin varnish for the final finish
• Panel line wash to emphasise detail

About the aircraft – TS-11 Iskra bis DF:

The TS-11 Iskra was the first Polish jet aircraft – a design developed at the turn of the 1950s and 1960s to train military pilots on turbojet-powered machines. The prototype took to the air in 1960 and series production was entrusted to the works at Mielec. The aircraft has a two-seat tandem cockpit, a high-set tail and characteristic air intakes on the sides of the fuselage.

For several decades the Iskra remained the standard training aircraft of Polish military aviation, with successive generations of pilots earning their wings on it. Power came from the Polish-built WSK SO-3 turbojet. Beyond basic training the aircraft was also used for weapons training: a 23 mm cannon was installed in the nose and four underwing hardpoints allowed bombs or rocket pods to be carried. The Iskra also became a showcase of Polish aviation as the mount of the "Biało-Czerwone Iskry" aerobatic team. Part of the production run was exported to India.

The bis DF version is the trainer-reconnaissance variant fitted with three reconnaissance cameras. Aircraft of this variant served both with training and tactical units of the Polish Air Force and with Naval Aviation.

Original aircraft specifications (TS-11 Iskra bis DF):

• Length: 11.15 m
• Wingspan: 10.06 m
• Crew: 2 (student and instructor in tandem)
• Powerplant: WSK SO-3 turbojet of approx. 9.81 kN thrust
• Gun armament: one 23 mm cannon in the nose
• External stores: four underwing hardpoints for up to 400 kg of bombs or rocket pods
• Special equipment of the bis DF version: three reconnaissance cameras
• First flight of the prototype: 1960
• Original manufacturer: WSK PZL-Mielec

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

Arma Hobby is a Polish manufacturer of plastic model kits based in Warsaw, active on the market since 2016. The brand grew out of the earlier Attack Squadron, which specialised in resin accessories for aircraft models. Design work and tool making are carried out in Poland, using computer-aided design and scanning of surviving airframes. The hallmark of the brand's kits is very fine surface reproduction – rivets and panel lines – together with thin trailing edges. These are complemented by carefully made glazing and high-quality decals. The catalogue covers 1:72 and 1:48 scales, with particular emphasis on Polish aviation – the PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c and TS-11 Iskra – as well as Allied aircraft of the Second World War. Arma Hobby kits have repeatedly been recognised in industry awards, including the Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg toy fair. The company also continues to develop the idea of supplementing its kits with 3D-printed parts and making print-at-home files available.