Pete Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 Hello, I'm currently working on the 1/72 Fujimi A-7E, which will be done in VA-146 markings on the USS Constellation in 1971/72. I did some searching earlier on the Waveguide and ECM duct on the side of the fuselage, which shouldn't be added on my build, when I read something about the electronics blister between the main gear bays under the fuselage. Apparently the one that's in the kit wasn't there on early A-7E's? But instead there was a different fairing, which was placed off centre? Does anyone have a bit more info about this, preferably with some images? It's part 52 I'm talking about: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Finn Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 Found this pic showing a small antenna at the location: and this pic, ignore the camera test installation, shows there was a dual blade antenna between the main gear: Jari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Finn Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 Never noticed them before until you mentioned it Pete but here is a formation of Corsairs showing the blade antennas: http://collections.naval.aviation.museum/emuwebdoncoms/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=72512 Jari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Superheat Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 Hi Pete, I just went through my VA-146 photos and the Part 52 fairing does not show up on 146 aircraft until 1974-75, so leave it off. HTH, Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tony.t Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 (edited) The earlier fit was part of the ALQ-100 DECM. Vietnam era. The post-1974 "part 52", external electrical ducting and receiver waveguide was associated with the ALQ-126 DECM. Note also that earlier A-7Es lacked (what looks like) the UHF antenna under the forward ventral blister. These early A-7Es also featured only one nose pitot (on the left forward nose). A different pitot was introduced to both sides of the nose during the 1970s. Tony Edited November 13, 2016 by tony.t for English Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pete Posted November 13, 2016 Author Share Posted November 13, 2016 Cool, thanks guys. That helps a lot. I will add two blade antennas instead then, and will use only one pitot tube on the nose. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Whiskey Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 Wow amazing what you learn even if your not currently in a build. I'm still trying to figure out what makes a "early" versus a "late" A-7E and how to tell, especially the cockpits (considering the AM sets out there). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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