1:48 AN/AVQ-26A PAVE Tack pod with pilon for F-4 Phantom II

The PAVE Tack pod for the Phantom II, 1:48 scale

An add-on set for models of the F-4 Phantom II in 1:48 scale. According to the name it contains the AN/AVQ-26A PAVE Tack targeting pod and the pylon by which the pod is attached to the model.

The real subject

PAVE Tack is a targeting pod that combines an infrared system for observation in the dark with a laser target designator. With it the crew found a target, designated it with the laser themselves and dropped a guided bomb on it without needing a second aircraft or a ground controller for the job. The pod is therefore markedly bigger than ordinary stores and shows at once on a model; that bulk is exactly what makes it a rewarding accessory, because it changes the silhouette of the machine.

Building and painting tips

• The parts are not polystyrene and ordinary cement for plastic models will not join them; use cyanoacrylate glue.
• Cut away any excess material with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand what is left carefully, so as not to damage the shape.
• Before painting, wash the parts in lukewarm water with dish soap and degrease them, or the paint will hold badly.
• Mask the optical faces of the head before you start spraying and give them their gloss back only at the end.
• The particular way to prepare the parts is given by the manufacturer in the instructions.

Who it is for

For builders of Phantoms who want more than bombs and rockets on the hardpoints and who are interested in the equipment for precision strikes. Working with the accessory assumes a steady hand when cutting and gluing; otherwise it is a manageable job that needs no cutting into the kit.

The set is an accessory for a kit. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.