1/48 UMA AV-8B Harrier II Plus

[ghodges]

This is the brand new 1/48 UMA AV-8B Harrier II Plus, and I believe the first subject from this new company. While I cannot make a definitive statement to its accuracy, I can say that it seems UMA went the extra mile to try to present as accurate a kit of the most modernized Harrier that they could and they include a lot of options for the builder. The fit is excellent for the most part and the engineering breakdown of the parts works very well. Kit options include 2 different 1-piece engine intakes (one with open bleed air doors and the other with them all closed), clear canopies with and without the det cord embedded, optional up or down flaps, gun/ammo pod or strakes for the bottom, and full or depleted chaff/flare dispensers. The cockpit can be built 3 different ways as the kit provides traditional side consoles and a main panel with molded in details that can either be painted or have the appropriate water-slide decal applied over them; but also includes smooth surfaced side consoles and main panels designed to have the included 3D printed color cockpit decals applied to them. The kit also has a very small set of PE parts (without frets!), masks for the clear parts/wheels/engine intake, and polycaps for securing the tail planes and engine exhaust nozzles. Decals are provided for 3 Harriers, all belonging to the Blacksheep of VMF-214. The decals are some of the best I've used with minimal clear edges and in some cases no clear interior connectors, making it a challenge to apply some of the smaller stencils. On to the rest of the pics!

These are the main subassemblies.... there are plenty of inserts for them but they fit very well. All of the parts seen here practically "click" together and all along natural fuselage seams. I needed no filler on any part of the kit.

If you're looking to do a modern AV-8B.... this may be the kit for you! 

Critiques, comments and questions welcome as always!

 

Gil 

Edited September 19, 2025 by ghodges

[Navairfan]

Brilliant work, Gil! I have the old 1/48 Monogram AV-8B in the stash, but having seen your build, I'm seriously considering getting this kit.

[BWScholten]

Wish this had come out sooner, I am struggling through a Hasegawa AV-8B build.

[Boots]

 Sharp looking build! So I take it that there was no true build issues along the way?

Happy Modeling, 

Mike

[ghodges]

Thanks for the kind words Mike! The only thing I forgot to mention above is that the two intake scoops immediately behind the canopy are a bit to close together if placed where instructed and interfere with the sliding canopy IF you display it open as I did. Use the canopy frame to make sure they're spaced far enough apart while gluing them on and the problem is solved. Other than that just pay close attention to the instructions and it's a piece of cake!

 

Gil 

[Boots]

You are most welcome Gil! Imagine, two small scoops could cause such an issue. 

Did you find out after the fact or did you find the issue when dry fitting?

Mmm I may be tempted to get one even though I have a few of the Hasegawa/Kinetic(gold boxing) offerings.. 🤔

Happy Modeling, 

Mike

[BWScholten]

8 hours ago, ghodges said:

Thanks for the kind words Mike! The only thing I forgot to mention above is that the two intake scoops immediately behind the canopy are a bit to close together if placed where instructed and interfere with the sliding canopy IF you display it open as I did. Use the canopy frame to make sure they're spaced far enough apart while gluing them on and the problem is solved. Other than that just pay close attention to the instructions and it's a piece of cake!

 

Gil 

Hasegawa kit has the same scoop issue, I ended up cutting the scoops down to allow my canopy to be open.

I saw you have the gun packs on, do they provide the strakes too? or just the gun pack?

[ghodges]

Yes.... the kit includes the option for the strakes and also a centerline pod if you use the strakes.

 

Gil