Shawn Hull (Shull24.com)

1/48 GBU-31 (v) 3/B JDAM (BLU-109 Warhead)

Product # 48-17 for $8.00

Product Article by Steve Filak on Oct 6, 2005

 

 

 

Here's a quick review of the 1/48 resin GBU-31 (v) 3/B JDAM set available from Shawn Hull.  This particular version of the JDAM is based on the BLU-109 warhead, and is for use against hardened structures such as aircraft shelters and bunkers.  It can penetrate up to six feet of reinforced concrete.  Currently, the GBU-31 (v) 3/B is carried on the B-1, B-2, B-52, F-15E, and F-16.

WHAT YOU GET:

Shawn's JDAM set provides you with the parts to make two complete JDAMs.  The forward bomb body is separate from the tailfin assembly, and also separate is the GPS antenna.  The instructions will have you drill a hole into the tail cone to insert the antenna.  My set arrived in perfect condition, and I was impressed by the level of detail of the parts.  I decided to quickly assemble one of my review samples, and found it to be very quick and simple.  Like the F110 exhausts, the resin is robust and not brittle at all, and even the tailfins were formed perfectly....thin and sharp, with no real cleanup needed.  I was able to assemble one of these weapons in less than ten minutes, start to finish, and it was a piece of cake.  The one page instruction sheet is clear and concise, and provides not only assembly instructions, but painting instructions as well.  Further, the sheet even shows a sample F-16 weapons load which includes the GBU-31 (V) 3/B.  Of course, for additional loadouts on other aircraft, you'll want to check your references.

I'd like to thank  Shawn Hull for providing me with this review sample.
Steve
Additional detail shots can be seen below.

Click on images below to see larger images

 

Photos and text © by Steve Filak, Sr.