Since this GB will start soon I will open the projects with an obvious one, a whiffy OV-1 "Mohawk" (1:72 Hasegawa kit). ;D
OV-1Z Twin Mohawk? ;D or else (probably) :-\ ;)
Nah, a rather conservative thing, heavily rooted in reality. ;)
Things started moving yesterday evening, with the wings and the cockpit. The kits is an OV-1A - I had preferred a different Mohawk type with longer wings, but these things are rare/pricey and you have to take what you occasionally get. But this leaves room for creativity and interpretations, and this one will therefore become an indigenous German variant, the OV-1G, with a domestic SLAR system and other refinements. Background is that the Luftwaffe (as well as the French Armèe de l'air) throroughly tested the Mohawk in the Sixties, and my whiffy model assumes that the type was eventually taken into service. ;D
Here's a very nice, pimped 1:48 Roden model of one of those OV-1A trial aircraft in their all-over olive drab livery and with "Heer" (German Army) markings:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8435871882_4c9c275174_b.jpg)
The kit is of typical early Hasegawa quality: some flash, fine, raised surface details, fit seems O.K. but not stellar. While I worked on the engine pods and the props (which will receive my standard styrene tube/metal wire axis arrangement) I found that one of the propeller parts, the rear spinner half with the original pin, was missing, so that I had to improvise with plastic discs, and the pin would be replaced, anyway. Lots of lead was stuffed into the front end - the nose, the fuselage, even the dashboard! We'll see if it will be enough, though, this model looks VERY tail-heavy. :-\ The cockpit will remain closed, but I will slightly pimp the interior and use different pilot figures (this kit si so old that it still has a crew - even though both figures hold the steering column and look sideways, what looks quite weird and has to be changed! This is an aircraft, and not a basin for synchronized swimming... First steps for a different SLAR arrangement have also already been taken.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51283677792_43930df868_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m8LfHf)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AufKlG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/West Germany), 1992 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m8LfHf) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
I built the long winged OV-1B and stretched the wings some more.
https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=40704.msg686882#msg686882
Regarding nose weight I wrote "It required fishing weights inside the nose, behind the cockpit and in the front of the nacelles". So be warned.
;)
I am!! The nacelles are unfortunately occupied by the tube adapters, but the rest of the front end has more or less become massive (incl. the dashboard)... ;D
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51284095752_b6b549d7dc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m8NoXs)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AufKlG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/West Germany), 1996 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m8NoXs) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Crew and interior still need some fine-tuning, but this will totally suffice since everything will be left behind clear plastic.
Here's also a look of what will become the underwing SLAR fairings, inspired the RV-1D arrangement but somewhat bigger - created from styrene profiles and 2C putty so far.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51284095827_b89809d845_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m8NoYK)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AufKlG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/West Germany), 1996 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m8NoYK) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Some visual news, progress was good yesterday evening. Kit will certainly not like it, but this OV-1 will become longer instead of having bigger wings. One addition is the tail, which receives an integral fairing for an IR jammer (once a Matchbox SNEB missile pod):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51286621848_6e9624a7fa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m92kSQ)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m92kSQ) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The spine receives decoration, too: a shallow antenna fairing for a comlink system, and another fairing behind it for a heat exchanger, which also hides the poor molded air scoop of the Hasegawa kit:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51287171674_a278e382bc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m95ajA)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m95ajA) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
This morning, fins and wings were attached (fit well!), and the nose was extended with a leftover mount from an Italeri AH-1, which will hold a retrofitted FLIR camera:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51286450481_a8a19e286e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m91sWe)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m91sWe) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51286450411_6f07d4c099_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m91sV2)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m91sV2) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The boxy SLAR underwing pods also made good progress:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51287171774_ed4e3866ec_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m95amj)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m95amj) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
CoG tests will follow, there's still some accessible space in the engine nacelles for more lead, just in case... :rolleyes:
It's OK, I like longer fuselages as well. ;D :thumbsup:
Remember the 777-900? ;)
;D
Not much visible progress, the crew entered the cabin and the bulbous canopy, consisting of three parts without location aids, has been mounted. Landing gear has been mounted and painted (the OV-1 stands without external aids! :lol:), overall painting will probabyl start tomorrow, after adding final surface details.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51289727023_4115c99181_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9ifWk)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9ifWk) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51288805912_65a94aee79_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9dx87)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9dx87) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Really cool (as usual) but why involve the Luftwaffe? The Heeresflieger is a proud organisation in its own right.
...but they had a poor standing, and at some point (IIRC like the Army/Air Force debate in the USA) the Heer air arm was only allowed to operate transport aircraft/helicopters. Furthermore, an ELINT aircraft would have been a highly political issue here in Germany, and in my history it would (like the Hansa 320 ECM aircraft) end up in the Luftwaffe's hands. ;) The Luftwaffe also had more interesting paint schemes...
BTW, a fresh hardware update, close to basic overall painting:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51290886201_49bc59e9c4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9pcwa)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9pcwa) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51291065778_aa08bd7ae9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9q7Uj)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9q7Uj) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on July 04, 2021, 11:57:48 PM
...but they had a poor standing, and at some point (IIRC like the Army/Air Force debate in the USA) the Heer air arm was only allowed to operate transport aircraft/helicopters. Furthermore, an ELINT aircraft would have been a highly political issue here in Germany, and in my history it would (like the Hansa 320 ECM aircraft) end up in the Luftwaffe's hands. ;) The Luftwaffe also had more interesting paint schemes...
Aaah. I thought the Roden model at the top was some kind of target. My bad :o
Looking forward to your end result then. ;)
Quote from: Pellson on July 05, 2021, 12:17:41 AM
Aaah. I thought the Roden model at the top was some kind of target. My bad :o
Nah, that's
boring real world stuff! ;) I'll tell the story what came after these trials, which turned out to be successful...
Its wings look so short.
Yup.
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on July 04, 2021, 11:57:48 PM
<...> The Luftwaffe also had more interesting paint schemes...
That sounds promising. :thumbsup:
Especially with the ECM-HansaJet mentioned in the same paragraph. Those had a cool scheme.
Quote from: zenrat on July 05, 2021, 04:29:00 AM
Its wings look so short.
The weird tail set-up surely makes up for that, no? ;)
Norm 83, and it suits the OV-1 well:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51293829038_196b8e7077_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9EhjJ)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9EhjJ) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51293652626_0b6b31a7cf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9DnT9)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9DnT9) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51293652726_f6dd1221de_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9DnUS)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9DnUS) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51294367259_12fec24583_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9H3jp)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9H3jp) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Looking good, an aircraft that lends itself to having odd shaped noses and lengthened tail (and occasionally longer wings...)
Looks the part! :thumbsup:
The pic of the underside prior to application of Schwarzgrau looks like a neat winter version of Norm 83. :mellow:
Yes, agree. And it would certainly work well and be an interesting sight! :lol:
On the workbench, not much visible progress. The black de-icer wing leading egdes have been painted, as well as the canopy frame. Shading effects approaching.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51295910468_bb97489e78_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9QX4s)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9QX4s) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Post-shading and detail painting (antennae, landing gear) done, decals next.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51296897547_055607ec63_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m9W1u4)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2m9W1u4) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51297818023_c09b6abbab_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ma1J7k)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2ma1J7k) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Decals in place, finishing touches on the way, and I still have to complete the underwing pods.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51298952272_3c4b14bec6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ma7xhm)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2ma7xhm) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51300710485_7650d86e57_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2magxWn)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2magxWn) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Model has been finished (as well as another one for this GB in the meantime... :rolleyes:), but final photo session is pending due to a busy weekend and family affairs.
Took a while, but finally the pics have been finished:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310210657_5b9825bb8b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7f1r)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7f1r) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311953775_a33ab097e5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbgbbc)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbgbbc) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310953696_173bc3118a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbb3Ts)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbb3Ts) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Some background:
The Grumman Mohawk began as a joint Army-Marine program through the then-Navy Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer), for an observation/attack plane that would outperform the light and vulnerable Cessna L-19 Bird Dog. In June 1956, the Army issued Type Specification TS145, which called for the development and procurement of a two-seat, twin turboprop aircraft designed to operate from small, unimproved fields under all weather conditions. It would be faster, with greater firepower, and heavier armor than the Bird Dog, which had proved very vulnerable during the Korean War.
The Mohawk's mission would include observation, artillery spotting, air control, emergency resupply, naval target spotting, liaison, and radiological monitoring. The Navy specified that the aircraft had to be capable of operating from small "jeep" escort class carriers (CVEs). The DoD selected Grumman Aircraft Corporation's G-134 design as the winner of the competition in 1957. Marine requirements contributed an unusual feature to the design: since the Marines were authorized to operate fixed-wing aircraft in the close air support (CAS) role, the mockup featured underwing pylons for rockets, bombs, and other stores, and this caused a lot of discord. The Air Force did not like the armament capability of the Mohawk and tried to get it removed. On the other side, the Marines did not want the sophisticated sensors the Army wanted, so when their Navy sponsors opted to buy a fleet oil tanker, they eventually dropped from the program altogether. The Army continued with armed Mohawks (and the resulting competence controversy with the Air Force) and also developed cargo pods that could be dropped from underwing hard points to resupply troops in emergencies.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310211532_735ea31710_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7fgw)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7fgw) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310210837_27d468f135_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7f4x)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7f4x) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311154183_a1098d9bc1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbc5u8)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbc5u8) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310211427_88ff897f2d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7feH)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7feH) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
In mid-1961, the first Mohawks to serve with U.S. forces overseas were delivered to the 7th Army at Sandhofen Airfield near Mannheim, Germany. Before its formal acceptance, the camera-carrying AO-1AF was flown on a tour of 29 European airfields to display it to the U.S. Army field commanders and potential European customers. In addition to their Vietnam and European service, SLAR-equipped Mohawks began operational missions in 1963 patrolling the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
Germany and France showed early interest in the Mohawk, and two OV-1s were field-tested by both nations over the course of several months. No direct orders resulted, though, but the German Bundesheer (Army) was impressed by the type's performance and its capability as an observation and reconnaissance platform. Grumman even signed a license production agreement with the French manufacturer Breguet Aviation in exchange for American rights to the Atlantic maritime patrol aircraft, but no production orders followed.
This could have been the end of the OV-1 in Europe, but in 1977 the German government, primarily the interior ministry and its intelligence agency, the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), showed interest in a light and agile SIGINT/ELINT platform that could fly surveillance missions along the inner-German border to the GDR and also to Czechoslovakia. Beyond visual reconnaissance with cameras and IR sensors, the aircraft was to be specifically able to identify and locate secret radio stations that were frequently operated by Eastern Block agents (esp. by the GDR) all across Western Germany, but primarily close to the inner-German border due to the clandestine stations' low power. The Bundeswehr already operated a small ELINT/ECM fleet, consisting of converted HFB 320 'Hansa' business jets, but these were not suited for stealthy and inconspicuous low flight level missions that were envisioned, and they also lacked the ability to fly slowly enough to locate potential "radio nests".
The pan and the objective were clear, but the ELINT project caused a long and severe political debate concerning the operator of such an aerial platform. Initially, the Bundesheer, who had already tested the OV-1, claimed responsibility, but the interior ministry in the form of the German customs department as well as the German police's Federal Border Guard, the Bundesgrenzschutz and the Luftwaffe (the proper operator for fixed-wing aircraft within the German armed forces), wrestled for this competence. Internally, the debate and the project ran under the handle "Schimmelreiter" (literally "The Rider on the White Horse"), after a northern German legendary figure, which eventually became the ELINT system's semi-official name after it had been revealed to the public. After much tossing, in 1979 the decision was made to procure five refurbished U.S. Army OV-1As, tailored to the German needs and – after long internal debates – operate them by the Luftwaffe.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310953606_1ff0188481_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbb3RU)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbb3RU) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311676889_e2599193e0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeKSi)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeKSi) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311677039_746c68902c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeKUT)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeKUT) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The former American aircraft were hybrids: they still had the OV-1A's original short wings, but already the OV-1D's stronger engines and its internal pallet system for interchangeable electronics. The machines received the designation OV-1G (for Germany) and were delivered in early 1980 via ship without any sensors or cameras. These were of Western German origin, developed and fitted locally, tailored to the special border surveillance needs.
The installation and testing of the "Schimmelreiter" ELINT suite lasted until 1982. It was based on a Raytheon TI Systems emitter locator system, but it was locally adapted by AEG-Telefunken to the airframe and the Bundeswehr's special tasks and needs. The system's hardware was stowed in the fuselage, its sensor arrays were mounted into a pair of underwing nacelles, which occupied the OV-1's standard hardpoints, allowing a full 360° coverage. In order to cool the electronics suite and regulate the climate in the internal equipment bays, the OV-1G received a powerful heat exchanger, mounted under a wedge-shaped fairing on the spine in front of the tail – the most obvious difference of this type from its American brethren. The exact specifications of the "Schimmelreiter" ELINT suite remained classified, but special emphasis was placed upon COMINT (Communications Intelligence), a sub-category of signals intelligence that engages in dealing with messages or voice information derived from the interception of foreign communications. Even though the "Schimmelreiter" suite was the OV-1Gs' primary reconnaissance tool, the whole system could be quickly de-installed for other sensor packs and reconnaissance tasks (even though this never happened), or augmented by single modules, what made upgrades and mission specialization easy. Beyond the ELINT suite, the OV-1G could be outfitted with cameras and other sensors on exchangeable pallets in the fuselage, too. This typically included a panoramic camera in a wedge-shaped ventral fairing, which would visually document the emitter sensors' recordings.
A special feature of the German OV-1s was the integration of a brand new, NATO-compatible "Link-16" data link system via a MIDS-LVT (Multifunctional Information Distribution System). Even though this later became a standard for military systems, the OV-1G broke the ground for this innovative technology. The MIDS was an advanced command, control, communications, computing and intelligence (C4I) system incorporating high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital communication links for exchange of near real-time tactical information, including both data and voice, among air, ground, and sea elements. Outwardly, the MIDS was only recognizable through a shallow antenna blister behind the cockpit.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310211047_e634a7a461_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7f8a)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7f8a) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311678694_15c3481fe6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeLpq)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeLpq) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311955725_8191cd5cb2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbgbKP)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbgbKP) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311679299_dc446736d1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeLzR)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeLzR) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Even though the OV-1Gs initially retained their former American uniform olive drab livery upon delivery and outfitting in German service, they soon received a new wraparound camouflage for their dedicated low-level role in green and black (Luftwaffe Norm 83 standard), which was better suited for the European theatre of operations. In Luftwaffe service, the OV-1Gs received the tactical codes 18+01-05 and the small fleet was allocated to the Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51 "Immelmann", where the machines formed, beyond two squadrons with RF-4E Phantom IIs, an independent 3rd squadron. This small unit was from the start based as a detachment at Lechfeld, located in Bavaria/Southern Germany, instead of AG 51's home airbase Bremgarten in South-Western Germany, because Lechfeld was closer to the type's typical theatre of operations along Western Germany's Eastern borders. Another factor in favor of this different airbase was the fact that Lechfeld was, beyond Tornado IDS fighter bombers, also the home of the Luftwaffe's seven HFB 320M ECM aircraft, operated by the JaBoG32's 3rd squadron, so that the local maintenance crews were familiar with complex electronics and aircraft systems, and the base's security level was appropriate, too.
With the end of the Cold War in 1990, the OV-1Gs role and field of operation gradually shifted further eastwards. With the inner-German Iron Curtain gone, the machines were now frequently operated along the Polish and Czech Republic border, as well as in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, monitoring the radar activities along the coastlines and esp. the activities of Russian Navy ships that operated from Kaliningrad and Saint Petersburg. For these missions, the machines were frequently deployed to the "new" air bases Laage and Holzdorf in Eastern Germany.
In American service, the OV-1s were retired from Europe in 1992 and from operational U.S. Army service in 1996. In Germany, the OV-1 was kept in service for a considerably longer time – with little problems, since the OV-1 airframes had relatively few flying hours on their clocks. The Luftwaffe's service level for the aircraft was high and spare parts remained easy to obtain from the USA, and there were still OV-1 parts in USAF storage in Western German bases.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311677429_b9659c1143_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeL2B)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeL2B) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310212057_2a4e95e3d9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7fqz)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7fqz) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310953696_755352255f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbb3Ts)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbb3Ts) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310953281_fea909595e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbb3Li)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbb3Li) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The German HFB 320M fleet was retired between 1993 and 1994 and, in part, replaced by the Tornado ECR. At the same time AG 51 was dissolved and the OV-1Gs were nominally re-allocated to JaboG 32/3. With this unit the OV-1Gs remained operational until 2010, undergoing constant updates and equipment changes. For instance, the machines received in 1995 a powerful FLIR sensor in a small turret in the aircraft's nose, which improved the aircraft's all-weather reconnaissance capabilities and was intended to spot hidden radio posts even under all-weather/night conditions, once their signal was recognized and located. The aircrafts' radio emitter locator system was updated several times, too, and, as a passive defensive measure against heat-guided air-to-air missiles/MANPADS, an IR jammer was added, extending the fuselage beyond the tail. These machines received the suffix "Phase II", even though all five aircraft were updated the same way.
Reports that the OV-1Gs were furthermore retrofitted with the avionics to mount and launch AIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs under the wing tips for self-defense remained unconfirmed, even more so because no aircraft was ever seen carrying arms – neither the AIM-9 nor anything else. Plans to make the OV-1Gs capable of carrying the Luftwaffe's AGM-65 Maverick never went beyond the drawing board, either. However, BOZ chaff/flare dispenser pods and Cerberus ECM pods were occasionally seen on the ventral pylons from 1998 onwards.
No OV-1G was lost during the type's career in Luftwaffe service, and after the end of the airframes' service life, all five German OV-1Gs were scrapped in 2011. There was, due to worsening budget restraints, no direct successor, even though the maritime surveillance duties were taken over by Dornier Do 228/NGs operated by the German Marineflieger (naval air arm).
General characteristics:
Crew: Two: pilot, observer/systems operator
Length: 44 ft 4 in (13.53 m) overall with FLIR sensor and IR jammer
Wingspan: 42 ft 0 in (12.8 m)
Height: 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Wing area: 330 sq. ft (30.65 m²)
Empty weight: 12,054 lb (5,467 kg)
Loaded weight: 15,544 lb (7,051 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 18,109 lb (8,214 kg)
Powerplant:
2× Lycoming T53-L-701 turboprops, 1,400 shp (1,044 kW) each
Performance:
Never exceed speed: 450 mph (390 knots, 724 km/h)
Maximum speed: 305 mph (265 knots, 491 km/h) at 10,000 ft (3,050 m)
Cruise speed: 207 mph (180 knots, 334 km/h) (econ cruise)
Stall speed: 84 mph (73 knots, 135 km/h)
Range: 944 mi (820 nmi, 1,520 km) (SLAR mission)
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Rate of climb: 3,450 ft/min (17.5 m/s)
Armament:
A total of eight external hardpoints (two ventral, three under each outer wing)
for external loads; the wing hardpoints were typically occupied with ELINT sensor pods, while the
ventral hardpoints frequently carried 300 l drop tanks to extend loiter time and range;
Typically, no offensive armament was carried, even though bombs or gun/missile pods were possible.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311677609_2a8353fbc9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeL5H)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbeL5H) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311152783_25dea82261_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbc54Z)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbc54Z) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51310210517_404b696446_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7eY2)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mb7eY2) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51311954970_61e48303da_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbgbwN)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk"; aircraft "18+03" of the German Bundesluftwaffe, Aufklärungsgeschwader (AG) 51/3rd Squadron "Immelmann"; Lechfeld (Bavaria/Germany), 1996 (Whif/Hasegawa kit conversion) (https://flic.kr/p/2mbgbwN) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
VEEERY impressive Thomas, bot the model and the backstory. :thumbsup:
I love those wing pods, I can see those being used on all sorts stuff.
Thank you, glad you like it. The package works surprisingly well, and also the Norm 83 paint scheme. :lol:
BTW, here's a look at the inspiring "real" underwing pods of the ROV-1, which are similar in size and shape, just of square diameter:
(https://263i3m2dw9nnf6zqv39ktpr1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/28fd0294e6da337eb4cb2ef0fb4e0825-1200x0-c-default.jpg)
Well done Dizz.. in your expected timeframe. :o
Looks very natural
That looks so good Dizzy :bow: :bow:
One or two of those photos could fool a few people into thinking they were shots of a real world aircraft :thumbsup:
That's a beaut, and as Chris says, the photos are excellent and well capable of fooling people. Well done! :thumbsup:
Quote from: Weaver on July 15, 2021, 03:16:19 AM
That's a beaut, and as Chris says, the photos are excellent and well capable of fooling people. Well done! :thumbsup:
And almost certainly will. ;D
I see the bloke with the pair of red footy socks is back.
Good job Dizz.
:thumbsup:
Quote from: zenrat on July 15, 2021, 04:29:09 AM
I see the bloke with the pair of red footy socks is back.
Yes, and this time his Bundeswehr socks are even authentic! :wacko:
...and a late addendum: some fake box art. ;D
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51322415324_d41301b9a4_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mcbN2J)
1:72 Grumman OV-1G Phase II "Mohawk" - Fake box art (https://flic.kr/p/2mcbN2J) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Hehehehe, Fred Zenrat will want one of them for his collection! ;D
Nicely done! :thumbsup:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on July 19, 2021, 08:40:55 AM
Hehehehe, Fred Zenrat will want one of them for his collection! ;D
I now have visions of some collectors being in an absolute tizzy ;D
Ah, lovely! well done Dizzy!
Did like the real-live german Bronco's buzzing around in the days and was always amazed about the size. The're big! Never seen a Mohawk in real live but your version looks the part. Also like the Immelmann badges..
Good stuff!
Cheers!
David aka 63cpe
As always, great work, Thomas! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thank you, gentlemen (and others), glad you like it. <_<
Bit late catching up on this one, but another excellent job!