RESKIT RSU32-0146 D-704 "Buddy" Air Refueling Store (Early) (1 pcs) (3D Printed) 1/32

RESKIT RSU32-0146 D-704 "Buddy" air refueling store (early) is an extremely precisely made model of an aerial refueling pod, designed for 1/32 scale aircraft models. This product was designed for modelers seeking the most accurate reproduction of US Navy carrier-based aircraft from the Vietnam War and Cold War periods. Thanks to high-resolution 3D printing technology, even the finest surface details characteristic of the early D-704 pod version are faithfully reproduced.

The D-704 pod, codenamed "Buddy," was one of the key components that enabled aircraft such as the A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, F/A-18 Hornet, and S-3 Viking to conduct long-range air operations, serving as a flying refueling station. It allowed so-called "buddy tanking"—in-flight refueling by another combat aircraft without the use of dedicated aerial tankers. The first units entered US Navy carriers in the 1960s and were used from the Vietnam War, throughout the Cold War, and into the 1980s. Thanks to these pods, the operational range of carrier-based aviation was significantly extended, greatly enhancing the combat effectiveness of American carrier groups.

• Scale: 1/32
• Material: high-quality 3D printed resin
• Use: models of US Navy carrier-based aircraft, such as: A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, F/A-18 Hornet, S-3 Viking
• Historical period: Vietnam War, Cold War (1960s to 1980s)
• Country: United States of America
• Version: early – detail differences compared to later variants
• Kit contents: 1 D-704 pod for self-assembly
• Category: resin model produced by 3D printing
• Building difficulty: 2/5 – basic skills in working with resin model parts recommended

RESKIT RSU32-0146 is especially recommended for military aviation history enthusiasts and for those striving for accurate model conversions to represent specific conflicts or eras. It is also an excellent choice for modelers who collect US Navy aircraft or build carrier operation dioramas. The high quality of craftsmanship and historical accuracy will provide great satisfaction to both intermediate and advanced modelers.