"WZ-8 was observed in Chinese Airforce experimental test bases by military analysts on satellite images. The vehicle was revealed to the public on 1 October 2019 and was subsequently displayed at Zhuhai Airshow in 2021.
WZ-8 is a supersonic-hypersonic, remotely operated, reconnaissance vehicle. The aircraft bears some resemblance to the DF-17 hypersonic glide ballistic missile and the American Lockheed D-21 reconnaissance drone, albeit different in overall dimensions, propulsions, and speed. The drone is launched by a 'mothership', such as Xi'an H-6K bomber, at its appropriate launch attitude. The WZ-8 then ignites its rocket motors, pushing the aircraft's speed to Mach 6 – Mach 7 (7,400–8,600 km/h). The intended roles include general reconnaissance, pre-attack target assessment, and intelligence gathering. According to the manufacturer claims, the drone can reach hypersonic speed at the cruise altitude of 50,000 metres (160,000 ft), at near-space level. The drone's high altitude and speed allow it to fill up intelligence needs in a combat environment where satellite support is unsustainable, such as repeated fly-over above specific areas of interest." Wiki
This item is manufactured by "4-D" as a "puzzle model" and is designed, we suppose, to be put together and taken apart over and over? But being the only model of this aircraft we have ever seen in 1/144 scale, we offer it as a serious scale model to be built by skilled hobbyists who have the tools and materials to give it justice.
We recommend you acquire some Squadron Putty or equivalent. One tube will last for years for a busy 1/144 model kit builder.
The kit is very nicely made and includes a stand. Another interesting feature is that the landing gear parts are molded in CLEAR plastic which we've never seen before, and serves to enhance the appearance of the model on its stand. Of course you can paint the landing gear if you wish.
We include some Chinese insignia decals from Y-Kraft in Japan.
Some kit reviews indicate these models do not include landing gear doors, so we include some sheet styrene plastic for you to create the LG doors.
Note: This kit is not in its original box. It's bagged with the "box artwork"
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