IN PREPARATION

When we finished the series of sets for MiG-15 in 1/48 scale, we started working hard on the announced sets for Mi-24 Hind. As we already announced, they will contain new stub wings, weapon pylons, all weapons options, infrared jammer, the chaff/flare dispensers, anti-dust filters PZU and „flat" tyres. The version Mi-24V Hind E will contain all differences from Hind D. These sets will be dedicated for the Italeri model.
We hope that Hind fans will be happy that we decided not to finish with these two sets only, but that we will also release undercarriage wells, including the details of the undercarriage. This set is ready for production.
As you found in the list, we would like to produce a set of Mi-24R - the NBC version of Hind. The decals are already prepared. The set will contain two Soviet helos - one from GDR and the second from Czech base Milovice. We hope to have enough energy to continue with another set for Hind helicopters. We are considering the production of interior sets, but there might already be too many of these on the market.

Mi-8T from Zvezda and Ciro Models?

The new Zvezda model of Mi-8T was released during the summer. It is really new model, definitely better than that of KP with nice negative engraved panel lines and positive rivets. Unfortunately, the appearance of the cockpit glazing is still incorrect. and may be even worse than the KP model - so the result recalls cartoon of Hip. Also the area between the engines intakes is not exactly correct. It is a pity the chance has been lost to have a proper Mi-8 Hip model, which is not necessary to rebuild. Do not try to find parts for Mi-17 (Mi-8MT) in the box because they are not there. However, chaff and flares dispensers are moulded on the tailo boom and it will be necessary to remove them in most cases.
We are considering if our sets for KP model are usable also for Zvezda, or if it will be necessary to remake them and release again. We will let you know.

Mi-8TB is an assault version of Hip with six weapon pylons, four anti-tank missiles and a machine gun in the front of the pilot canopy. Actually it is the heaviest armed helicopter of Mi-8/17 family, which was used in East Germany and USSR only. The set will be based on C004 augmented by weapons and decals.

Mi-8S is a saloon version for VIP transport. The main difference is the square windows of the passenger cabin. The set will contain all the parts necessary for re-making KP model. It will be released after 2002.

We are about half way through the preparation of GAZ 51 UPG250M. This small Russian truck was used in Czechoslovak airbases since the 1950s until the beginning of the 1990s. The UPG250 is an external hydraulic fluid source for checking the aircraft hydraulic systems without starting the aircraft engines up.

We have been working hard on a conversion set for the Su-22UM3K, wo-seater over the last few weeks. The set will contain a detailed cockpit, some of the fuselage panels, a new spin plus vacuformed canopies. As we promised, more sets will follow.
The interior set will be similar to that from Aires company, but with three different instrument panels: the standard one with TV screen, the one of recce version with film counter and the lesser known version with the anti-radar missile control panel.
A separate set will be dedicated for undercarriage wheels .which will also contain accurate wheels.
The Su-22 detail set will contain new cockpit and undercarriage wells and several surface details, including new weapon pylons.
The Su-22 profi-set will be extended by some more details, such as the Doppler navigation system DISS, a main computer block, cannons, engine and lowered flaps and slots.
Some weapon sets will follow.

Yakovlev Yak-23 Flora in 1/48 scale from Ciro?

Yes, it’s true. We have got very detailed technical specification of this type and we are working hard on it. So far we have finished the wings and tail surfaces. We were able to make a very precise glossy surface. The fuselage is nearly finalized too. It will be not a big model. Detailed cockpit, undercarriage wells, photo-etched parts and decals will be, of course, included.