Avro Canada took many of the operational lessons learned from the CF-288 Angel and started work on their next-generation fighter. This included going with two of the 2nd generation Scarlett fusion engines (code-named Gabriel).
After several years of research, the 1st prototype flight took place with Avro’s chief test pilot describing it as the fastest and most maneuverable aircraft she had flown. “A pilot’s aircraft” The name Gyrfalcon was selected due to the prototype’s size and straight-line speed being similar to the Gyrfalcon in nature.
Designed to operate in the far north in both the interceptor and air superiority role, the CF-319 has long range and highspeed capabilities which enables it to loiter over the assigned area for long periods of time. While the CF-319’s maximum speed and ceiling are still classified it has beaten the existing records set by the CF-288 Angel.
The Hasegawa YF-19 is generally a great kit in their Macross series. Now that I’ve built two of them in the series, one thing stands out. You need to build this in sub-assemblies.
After having issues with sections breaking off during the last bits of weathering it is now a lesson I have clearly learned.
The AK Gen3 paints worked very well and I’m happy with the results. In the end thanks to my ham-fistedness near the end of the build I’ll give this a 6 out of 10. At some point, I’ll want to build another one.
