Zvezda 1/72 ANT-5 Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The ANT-5 was the Soviet Union's first mass-produced all-metal fighter aircraft and was in production between 1928 and 1934. You might assume by the designator that this was an Antonov design and you'd be mistaken. In this era, the design bureau had adopted the initials of its chief designer - Andrei N. Tupolev. In fact, one of the designers of this aircraft would later get his own design bureau, Pavel Sukhoi.

The ANT-5 went through several design iterations as the I-4 and I-4Z, and in the end 370 of these aircraft were produced. In fact, some of these aircraft saw combat during the Spanish Civil War during 1936 and 1938.

Zvezda produced this corrugated wonder with some nicely molded detailing. Molded in light gray styrene, the kit is presented on two parts trees and has parts for all three variants of the aircraft. For instance, two lower wings are provided, the normal length for the ANT-5 and the stubby wing for the I-4Z. Ditto on the rudder, exhaust system, and armament.

Speaking of armament, the kit provides an option of a centerline bomb rack with bomb and some interesting overwing rocket launch tubes.

Markings are simple for this kit though it would be interesting to see how this aircraft appeared during the Spanish Civil War. The instructions indicate a choice of two color schemes - an all-aluminum aircraft (which would be cool with the corrugated surface) or a green over light blue camouflage.

Zvezda has released an interesting subject with this mini-flying Quonset hut. Give one a try!

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!