Hasegawa 07565 - 1:48 J35Ö Draken Austrian Black Special

Plastic model kit of the J35Ö Draken fighter “Austrian Black Special” in 1:48 scale

Hasegawa 07565 is a kit for self-assembly representing the Swedish interceptor Saab 35 Draken in its Austrian J35Ö version. The design is distinguished by its characteristic double-delta wing, which gives the aircraft its recognisable silhouette.

This is a limited edition with a new decal sheet, representing aircraft “21” in a commemorative black farewell livery of the 1st Fighter Squadron of the Austrian Air Force from the period when the Drakens were withdrawn from service in 2005. The model allows the canopy to be fitted in the open or closed position and the underwing fuel tanks to be added.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with airframe parts
• Clear parts for the canopy (open or closed position)
• Underwing fuel tanks
• Waterslide decal sheet for the commemorative marking (aircraft “21”, 2005)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: 07565
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Assembled length: approx. 323 mm, wingspan: approx. 198 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

A model of moderate difficulty. The cockpit and the interior of the gear wells are best painted before the fuselage is closed. The canopy can be fitted open, showing off the interior, or closed.

The black farewell scheme is given in the instructions together with paint suggestions. When painting black, even spraying in thin coats works well; decals are best applied over a gloss coat, and the whole finished with a satin varnish to achieve a result close to the original livery.

Tools required:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – Saab 35 Draken:

The Saab 35 Draken is a Swedish single-seat interceptor first flown in the mid-1950s. Its most distinctive feature was the innovative double-delta wing, which provided good performance at both high and low speeds.

The Draken served with the air forces of several European countries. The J35Ö version was used by the Austrian Air Force for the country's air defence. These aircraft served for many years, until they were withdrawn in 2005.

The Draken's farewell from service with the 1st Fighter Squadron was marked with a special black livery on one of the aircraft. It is this aircraft that is represented in this edition.

Original aircraft specifications (Saab 35 Draken):

• Crew: 1 pilot
• Powerplant: a single afterburning turbojet engine
• Wingspan: approx. 9.42 m
• Length: approx. 15.35 m
• Maximum speed: approx. Mach 2
• Armament: a 30 mm cannon; Austrian aircraft also carried short-range guided missiles

About the manufacturer – Hasegawa:

Hasegawa is a Japanese manufacturer of model kits based in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese modelling industry. The company has been active since the 1940s and has developed its range of injection-moulded plastic kits since the 1960s. Hasegawa is best known for its aircraft models in 1:72 and 1:48 scale, valued for finely reproduced, subtly recessed panel lines and good parts fit. A hallmark of the brand is its frequent limited editions with dedicated decal sheets representing specific, often commemorative aircraft. The range also includes ship, vehicle and car models as well as modelling accessories. Hasegawa kits are recognised and available among modellers worldwide.