Mustang drone hunter

[HarryPhishnuts]

Just came across this. The idea of a Mustang like substance in that role isn't that far fetched. If I recall the Piper Enforcer was at one time in the early 80s in the anti-helicopter role. Basically a Hind/Hip hunter that could get low and slow enough. Same basic idea, anti-air in something less than a fast jet.

A Mustang drone hunter with the 50 cals and maybe if you could throw on a laser designator and an APKWS rocket pod or two, might just work.

[kerick]

Just came across this. The idea of a Mustang like substance in that role isn't that far fetched. If I recall the Piper Enforcer was at one time in the early 80s in the anti-helicopter role. Basically a Hind/Hip hunter that could get low and slow enough. Same basic idea, anti-air in something less than a fast jet.

A Mustang drone hunter with the 50 cals and maybe if you could throw on a laser designator and an APKWS rocket pod or two, might just work.

That's my plan so far.

[Joe CalPo]

How about a carrier-capable for the same role?
It needs to be fast enough to chase them down, slow down to engage, with range to loiter. Maneuverable in case they're human-piloted and try to dodge.
Rockets with nets!
Pilot and observer to spot and direct the pilot to the next drone?
How many guns? More to cover a wider area to catch them as they dodge, or fewer guns with the same ammo count so it lasts longer? .50s or 20mm explosive?

Hellcat or Bearcat. Tigercat too big. Skyraider is too much plane.

Ooo, thank you for inspiration!   

[kerick]

How about a carrier-capable for the same role?
It needs to be fast enough to chase them down, slow down to engage, with range to loiter. Maneuverable in case they're human-piloted and try to dodge.
Rockets with nets!
Pilot and observer to spot and direct the pilot to the next drone?
How many guns? More to cover a wider area to catch them as they dodge, or fewer guns with the same ammo count so it lasts longer? .50s or 20mm explosive?

Hellcat or Bearcat. Tigercat too big. Skyraider is too much plane.

Ooo, thank you for inspiration!   

I want to see that landing on a Ford class carrier!
Actually, one of the amphibious assault ships might work.
I hope the jet blast from an F-35 doesn't blow one off the deck.

[kerick]

Gloss coat is on and ready for decals. The colors are holding up well so far. Some of the paint is not sticking well to the old silver paint from 35 years ago. Just from handling it and masking tape have pulled paint off leaving nice chipped areas. I've even chipped off more areas to give it a well used look. I'm thinking some exhaust stains would look good. If I do a Tucano type conversion the second seat would be a great help. I'll attempt decals soon then maybe attempt a reasonable backstory.

[kitbasher]

According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zlin_Z-37_%C4%8Cmel%C3%A1k, '[in] August 2025, at least one Z-137AT with Ukrainian Army Aviation markings and armed with a pair of R-73 air-to-air missiles was spotted, reportedly to intercept Russian drones'.  Source: Yan, Oleksandr (8 August 2025). "Ukraine Starts Using Light-Engine Ersatz Fighters" (https://militarnyi.com/en/news/ukraine-starts-using-light-engine-ersatz-fighters/). Militarnyi. Retrieved 9 August 2025.

See also https://www.twz.com/air/crop-duster-armed-with-air-to-air-missiles-appears-in-ukraine and my earlier post!

[kerick]

I think I invented a new national insignia. I had printed out Ukraine roundels in yellow and blue on my inkjet printer. As planned, I put them over the US insignia. Well the yellow didn't cover at all so I have a blue dot in the middle and a yellow star. Even when I put a second decal over it, it still didn't cover the star. So I'll have to paint it on or get some 1/48 decals.

[kerick]

So, here's a couple of pics to show I have actual progress. Sort of. At least the wheels are on.





Since these pics were taken I have managed to remove the bad decals. It wasn't so much the decal as removing the glosscoat they were sitting on. I'll respray the damaged glosscoat then try the new decals that have arrived.
Very colorful so far. It won't be contest winner but it's been fun so far.

[kitbasher]

Looks like you've created a Brazilian national marking.