Zvezda 1/48 Su-2 Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | June 2014 | Manufacturer | Zvezda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Su-2 | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 4805 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Nice detailing | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $39.99 |
First Look
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When Josef Stalin issued a requirement for a strike-reconnaissance aircraft in 1936 under the codename Ivanov, The Tupolev Experimental Design Bureau (OKB) responded with the ANT-51 aircraft which first flew in 1951. Designed by one of Tupolev's designers, Pavel Sukhoi, the type was considered solid but underpowered. The Shvetsov M-62 820 horsepower engine was replaced with the Tumanski M-87 rated at 1000 horsepower.
The new combination was put into production initially as Short-Range Bomber 1 (BB-1) in 1940 but the unreliable M-87 was replaced by the Tumanski M-88B and redesignated as the first of Sukhoi's designs as Su-2. By the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War (Hitler's attack on Russia), the Su-2 was considered underpowered and outgunned. Sukhoi rearmed and re-engined the Su-2 with the Shvetsov M-82 rated at 1400 horsepower and designated as Su-4, but the type was replaced by the Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik, Petlyakov Pe-2, and Tupolev Tu-2 in front-line service.
Late last year, Zvezda released an interesting new subject in 1/48 scale, Pavel Sukhoi's first officially recognized design. This kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on three parts trees and one tree of clear parts. This kit was definitely anticipated by Russian modelers as Begemot has released a comprehensive decal set representing 48 different examples.
Among the features and options in this kit:
- Detailed M-88 engine
- Detailed bomb bay
- Positionable bomb bay doors
- Choice of stowed or ready turret
- Detailed cockpit
- Optional seated pilot figure
- Optional standing gunner/observer figure
- Positionable canopies
- Positionable ailerons
- Positionable rudder
- Positionable landing gear
- Optional display stand
- Choice of four bombs in bomb bay or two larger bombs under wings
Markings are provided two examples:
- Su-2 M-88, Bort 15, 210 BBAP, Dec 1941
- Su-2 M-88, Bort 21, Winter scheme 1941-42
This is a nice looking kit that will render an interesting subject that will cause many modelers to stop and wonder what they're looking at. With the addition of the Begemot decal set, you'll have a wide variety of subjects and color options to choose from given the subjects limited operational lifetime.