The Jaguar was a cooperative venture between the French and British aerospace industries to produce a tactical strike fighter. Both Dassault and Bae were involved in the design of the plane and they are remarkably similar, differing only in specific equipment desired by the separate air arms. In total, a few over 400 aircraft were built, with half going to the French AF and half to the RAF. There were also a small number supplied to Nigeria, Oman and Ecuador.

Prototypes flew in 1968 with first training units getting their aircraft in late 1973. Production for the RAF ceased in 1977 with 165 single seat and 35 twin seat aircraft being delivered. Over the years, they have undergone the usual modification and suffered the usual losses. At one time, there were a total of eight front line squadrons flying the Jaguar in the RAF. These aircraft supplanted Phantom squadrons, with those aircraft replacing Lightnings in the air defense role.

As the Tornado came into the force, a number of Jaguar units were themselves replaced with the larger swing-wing aircraft. Currently there are three Jag squadrons; 14, 54 and 16. 16 squadron is actually the OTU (Operational Training Unit) where pilots from flight school or other types learn to fly and fight the Jaguar. By this time, all of the Jaguar fleet is in a rather boring grey scheme that seems to have taken over for modern tactical aircraft. However, there are several specially painted aircraft that appear from time to time. The one in this kit is for the 16 Sq flight display aircraft, in a very nice semi-matte black scheme. Despite the increasing age of the fleet, the only replacement on the horizon would be the Eurofighter or a similar British development.

The date on this kit is 1985. Hard to believe that it has been over fifteen years since this kit first appeared on the shelves. When it appeared back then it was on the cutting edge of model technology with nicely engraved panel lines and the ability to do several variants. Probably the biggest area where kits have improved is the interior. This kit is typical of the time (and typical of most current Hasegawa 1/72 kits) in that instrument panels and side consoles are decals. The seat is OK, but a bit plain and the serious modeler will replace it. 

A very nice touch is that there is a full weapons suite consisting of Matra missiles and British rocket pods/bombs. As you can see from the sprues, you can build a French Jaguar with this kit as both noses and tails are given. The British nose does not have clear bits for the laser range finder so you will have to either cut that part away or paint it black. You have the optional overwing missile rails and a boarding ladder included.

Instructions are typical of Hasegawa kits and are very good. Paint references are for Gunze paints, though you can ingnore those for the outside colors. As many of you know, Hasegawa is known for getting maximum mileage out of a kit. It does so by basically doing a new decal sheet. When you open the box, you will see the same instruction sheet from 1985 with an addendum sheet for the new decals.  These are Hasegawa made decals and have all the pluses and minuses that accompany that. The plusses are that they are well made and in register. The minus is that they are a bit thick. You must use very warm to hot water to apply these decals so that they can properly snuggle down. Using a setting solution can cause major problems (like permanent wrinkles) so it is not recommended unless you are feeling brave!

Overall, this is a really nice kit. I know that there is an Italeri kit of this plane that is years newer in design. Not sure how much better it is as I have not built it. However, I did build this kit about 9 years ago and used a bunch of aftermarket stuff on it. I was quite pleased with the result and it is still a favorite. Here is a link to that review.

Review kit courtesy of Marco Polo Importers. Thanks for your support.

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