EX Model

FRX-99 Rafe

Kit Review

Straight build

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Size comparison with a cigarette pack. For an aero kit, it's a nicely compact size at 1/100 scale.

Size comparison with a cigarette pack. For an aero kit, it's a nicely compact size at 1/100 scale.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (2/2)

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (2/2)

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (2/2)

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (2/2)

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe (2/2)

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Underside

Underside

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - The cockpit section has a uniquely curved beauty. Since the Rafe is an unmanned aircraft, there's no m EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - The cockpit section has a uniquely curved beauty. Since the Rafe is an unmanned aircraft, there's no m

The cockpit section has a uniquely curved beauty. Since the Rafe is an unmanned aircraft, there's no manned cockpit.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - The distinctive propulsion section. (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - The distinctive propulsion section. (2/2)

The distinctive propulsion section.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Wings

Wings

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - The curves on the underside are even more beautiful. (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - The curves on the underside are even more beautiful. (2/2)

The curves on the underside are even more beautiful.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Underside of the propulsion section. (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Underside of the propulsion section. (2/2)

Underside of the propulsion section.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Unusually for an aero kit, it's a fully snap-tight kit, so attaching and detaching the weapons is easy EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Unusually for an aero kit, it's a fully snap-tight kit, so attaching and detaching the weapons is easy

Unusually for an aero kit, it's a fully snap-tight kit, so attaching and detaching the weapons is easy.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - You can fold the wings according to the design specs. (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - You can fold the wings according to the design specs. (2/2)

You can fold the wings according to the design specs.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - The wing-folding joints use metal rods, so they're nice and durable.

The wing-folding joints use metal rods, so they're nice and durable.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - True to the EX line, the landing gear is reproduced as a swap-out part. (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - True to the EX line, the landing gear is reproduced as a swap-out part. (2/2)

True to the EX line, the landing gear is reproduced as a swap-out part.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - When you remove the landing gear, a cover plugs into the slot, keeping things nice and clean. (1/2) EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - When you remove the landing gear, a cover plugs into the slot, keeping things nice and clean. (2/2)

When you remove the landing gear, a cover plugs into the slot, keeping things nice and clean.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Sitting down without the landing gear.. Would've been nice if they'd thrown in a display stand too~

Sitting down without the landing gear.. Would've been nice if they'd thrown in a display stand too~

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - There are wet decals included specifically for the Rafe, but since they're pretty meaningless without

There are wet decals included specifically for the Rafe, but since they're pretty meaningless without a paint job, I skipped them~ ^^;

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Comparison of the Rafe and the Mave. Basically, aside from the cockpit, the body is 100% identical. (1 EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - Comparison of the Rafe and the Mave. Basically, aside from the cockpit, the body is 100% identical. (2

Comparison of the Rafe and the Mave.
Basically, aside from the cockpit, the body is 100% identical.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - They're the same aircraft, but the Mave is manned while the Rafe is unmanned, so the cockpits look com

They're the same aircraft, but the Mave is manned while the Rafe is unmanned, so the cockpits look completely different.

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe - The Yukikaze trio is complete — Setsufuu / Mave / Rafe collection done~

The Yukikaze trio is complete — Setsufuu / Mave / Rafe collection done~

The fourth Yukikaze EX kit is the Rafe.
The Rafe is a fighter similar to the Mave, which was released as EX No. 14,
essentially taking the 1-2 seat Mave and converting it into an unmanned drone form. So most of the
kit's parts reuse the runners from the existing Mave kit, with only the
replacement unmanned-style cockpit parts added in.

True to Bandai's aero kit style, despite being an aircraft kit,
it goes together completely snap-tight with no glue needed. Only Bandai would bother doing something like that ^^; Fortunately the fit is solid so there are no real issues, and as a bonus, the weapons are easy to swap on and off.

The overall molding is pretty good, though the depth is a bit shallow,
so it doesn't show up that well in straight build photos, which is a bit of a shame.. That said, the design has a futuristic feel to it, and the curves across the whole airframe look really nice.

If you're a fan of Yukikaze, this will be a welcome treat,
and for builders who've gotten a bit tired of Gunpla, it should offer a refreshingly different building experience.
Especially if you're putting together the Yukikaze trio — Setsufuu / Mave / Rafe — it'll be the cherry on top for any Yukikaze fan! ^^

EX Model FRX-99 Rafe | 2003.9 | ¥3,500 | 1/100

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.