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Add authentic Vietnam War-era SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) capability to your 1/48 scale jet aircraft models with this detailed 3D printed AGM-78 Standard ARM from MPM Hobbies. Developed to overcome the limitations of the AGM-45 Shrike, the AGM-78 represents a significant advancement in anti-radiation missile technology—and now you can recreate that capability with museum-quality detail on your F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom II, A-6 Intruder, and other Wild Weasel aircraft.
The AGM-78 Standard ARM (Anti-Radiation Missile) holds a distinguished place in Vietnam War aviation history as an advanced weapon designed specifically to suppress enemy air defenses. Originally developed for the US Navy during the late 1960s, the AGM-78 was created in large part because of the limitations of the AGM-45 Shrike, which suffered from a small warhead, limited range, and a poor guidance system that often lost track of targets when enemy radar operators shut down their systems. General Dynamics was tasked with creating an air-launched ARM by modifying the proven RIM-66 SM-1 surface-to-air missile. This use of an "off the shelf" design greatly reduced development costs, and trials of the new weapon began in 1967 after only a year of development. The first operational missiles were issued in early 1968, just in time for the intense air campaigns over North Vietnam.
The AGM-78 was nicknamed the "STARM," an abbreviation of Standard ARM. The first version of the missile, the A1 Mod 0, was essentially an air-launched RIM-66 with the Shrike's anti-radar seeker head attached to the front. An Aerojet Mark 27 MOD 4 dual-thrust solid-rocket motor powered the missile, which was fitted with a blast-fragmentation warhead significantly larger than the Shrike's. This combination provided the AGM-78 with greater range, improved guidance, and a warhead capable of inflicting serious damage on radar sites and their associated equipment. The missile's guidance system featured important improvements over the Shrike, including the ability to continue tracking a target even after the radar was shut down, using inertial guidance to fly to the radar's last known position.
Although more capable than the AGM-45 Shrike, the AGM-78 was much more expensive, which meant the Shrike continued in service alongside it for some time. The new missile was carried primarily by specialized Wild Weasel aircraft including the F-105F/G Thunderchief and the A-6B/E Intruder. These aircraft were specifically configured for the dangerous SEAD mission, hunting and destroying enemy surface-to-air missile sites and radar installations. The AGM-78's greater range allowed Wild Weasel crews to engage enemy air defenses from safer standoff distances, while its improved guidance and larger warhead made it far more effective at destroying targets. The weapon saw extensive combat use during the Vietnam War and remained in service until being replaced by more advanced systems in the 1980s.
The AGM-78 Standard ARM was carried by specialized SEAD aircraft. This missile is ideal for detailing the following 1/48 scale aircraft:
Item(s) is/are LCD-based SLA printed using UV cured resin and will be shipped unpainted and with 3D print supports attached. Item can be primed with acrylic, lacquer or enamel type paint. Lightly sand and/or prime any horizontal striations due to the printing process. Remove supports starting from the tip down and start by freeing those supports connected to small and fragile details. Recommend using CA for attaching item to model or filling any imperfections. Item(s) will have features that are brittle or extremely delicate and prone to breaking if not properly handled. 3D print support configurations may be different than the ones in the photos if applicable. Photos may include the CAD rendered file used for printing to highlight details that do not stand out well in regular photos. Not intended for small children due to choking hazard and should only be purchased by experienced modelers due fine details and printer support removal. The number of items in your order is calculated by multiplying the quantity you selected by the number of items per set if applicable. All items are printed in the order they are purchased.
For best results, clean any support material carefully with a sharp hobby knife and test-fit the missile to your aircraft's pylon before final assembly. Prime the resin with a quality primer designed for resin parts, then paint according to your chosen scheme. Most AGM-78 missiles were finished in overall white or light gray with black or dark gray stenciling and markings. Reference photos will help ensure accurate finish and markings for your specific aircraft and time period.
MPM Hobbies specializes in precision 3D printed resin upgrades and accessories for scale aircraft, armor, and ship models. Every product is designed using historical references and technical documentation to ensure maximum accuracy and detail. Our commitment to quality and authenticity has made us a trusted source for serious modelers seeking to elevate their builds beyond kit standards. For additional information about the AGM-78 Standard ARM, visit the AGM-78 Standard ARM Wikipedia page as a way to find information about their products.
Bring Vietnam War Wild Weasel capability to life with the authentic AGM-78 Standard ARM from MPM Hobbies - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.
