HobbyBoss EF-111A Raven 1:48 – build review

Feature Article by Toby Knight
In-Box Review

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A note from Geoff…
I’ve always liked the EF-111A Raven – something about those flowing, graceful lines almost that gives the aircraft a somewhat unique shape. I came across the HobbyBoss kit and had to snap it up for a future build and this is where Toby kindly slipped in and offered to build it. What a great job he’s done, just capturing for me, the finish that exhibits just the right amount of weathering.

The last few months haven’t been easy for Toby and we greatly appreciate his time and efforts on this one and soon, you’ll be able to see another of his impressive maritime builds – more of that later.

Here are a couple of pics of Toby’s completed model…

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During the late 1960’s the US Air Force decided to begin the process for replacing their ageing fleet of EB-66 and EB-57 electronic warfare aircraft. Initially they considered utilising the Navy’s EA-6B Prowler aircraft, however, there was a desire for a penetrating jamming aircraft that could travel at supersonic speeds. From this process it was decided to convert the Grumman F-111A into electronic warfare aircraft as a more cost effective option. The EF-111A Raven or Spark Vark, as it was more commonly known, was born.

The first fully equipped model flew in March 1977, with an additional 41 airframes being converted. The initial EF-111’s were deployed in November 1981 to 388th Tactical Electronic Squadron, with the last airframes being delivered in 1985.
Internally the Raven retained the F-111’s navigation systems, albeit received an upgraded radar, primarily for ground mapping. It also retained the ALR-62 Countermeasures Receiving System and gained the ALQ-99E electronics system which was housed in a 16ft long ventral canoe radome. Other than its electronics, the EF-111 was completely unarmed, relying on its speed and acceleration to get it out of any trouble.

The Raven first saw combat use during the strike against Libya in 1986, and later during the Panama invasion in 1989. Two years later in 1991 Raven’s took part in the Gulf War, and one aircraft had the distinction of having their only unofficial kill against an Iraqi Mirage F1, which was manoeuvred into the ground. Only one Raven was lost during the campaign when it was struck the ground whilst avoiding an air to air missile.

EF-111A Raven’s continued to be utilised throughout every major operation, including the post-Gulf War Northern and Southern Watch operations as well as Operation Deliberate Force. The last EF-111’s were finally retired in May 1998. These were the final US Air Force F-111’s in service.

Adam Brown has already conducted an SMN in-box review, so I would point you in that direction for more detail and will move straight on into the build.

Getting started…