Eduard EX551 - 1:48 Su-17 M3/M4 masks

Eduard EX551 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Su-17 M3/M4 model (Kitty Hawk) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX551 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Su-17 M3/M4 model from Kitty Hawk. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving sharp edges without hand masking with tape. The base kit is not included.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper, die-cut for the canopy and other glazing and for the wheel hubs
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX551
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Su-17 M3/M4 from Kitty Hawk
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Self-adhesive painting masks – crisp canopy frame edges

Eduard masks are self-adhesive stencils die-cut from low-tack yellow Kabuki masking paper suited to delicate model surfaces. They cover the clear areas of the glazing and leave only the canopy framing exposed, so that after airbrushing you get sharp, even frame edges – hard to achieve when masking by hand with tape.

The recommended method is to apply the masks to clean, degreased glazing, press the edges down firmly and then airbrush the paint. Once the paint has dried, the masks are removed. The masks are intended for single use and should not be left on the model for a long time.

About the aircraft – Sukhoi Su-17/Su-22 (Fitter):

The Sukhoi Su-17 is a Soviet single-seat attack and fighter-bomber aircraft with variable-geometry wings, developed from the Su-7 fighter. The variable sweep of the outer wing sections shortened the take-off run and improved low-speed handling while retaining a high maximum speed. The aircraft entered service in the late 1960s and was extensively modernised.

Export versions were designated Su-20 and Su-22, differing in engine and equipment; the Su-22 with a Tumansky R-29 engine was used by Poland, Czechoslovakia, Peru and Middle Eastern countries, among others. The aircraft carried a wide range of external ordnance. In Poland the Su-22 remained in front-line and training service for many years after the Cold War.

Original specifications (Sukhoi Su-17/Su-22 (Fitter)):

• Length: 19.02 m (Su-22M4)
• Wingspan: 13.68 m / 10.02 m (wings spread / swept)
• Height: 5.12 m
• Empty weight: approx. 10,770 kg
• Maximum weight: approx. 19,500 kg
• Crew: 1 (Su-22UM3: 2)
• Powerplant: 1 x Tumansky R-29BS-300 turbojet (Su-22), approx. 110 kN with afterburner
• Maximum speed: approx. 1860 km/h (Mach 1.7)
• Ceiling: approx. 14,200 m
• Range: approx. 2300 km with external tanks
• Armament: 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannon, up to approx. 4000 kg of bombs, rockets and missiles
• Production: 1969-1990, approx. 2860 built

About the manufacturer – Eduard:

Eduard is a Czech manufacturer of scale model kits and modelling accessories, established in 1989 and based in Obrnice. The company is widely recognised among aircraft modellers for its own 1:48 and 1:72 kits and for an extensive range of upgrade accessories: photo-etched parts, Brassin resin components, decals and painting masks. Eduard masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper and designed for specific plastic kits, ensuring an accurate fit to the shape of the canopy and other details. The EX mask series covers hundreds of items dedicated both to Eduard kits and to kits from other manufacturers.