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model of a white, cylindrical unmanned underwater vehicle with round black windows and detailed panel lines
MPM Hobbies 148-SUU-11A detailed scale model of an underwater torpedo or missile with a white body and black accents
Purple plastic sculpting clay stick on a checkered cutting mat with paint stains
Small gray 3D-printed submarine model with structural supports next to a US penny for size scale
Blue modeling putty stick on a worn paint-stained black and white checkered cutting mat
Purple modeling putty stick on a paint-splattered black and white grid cutting mat for hobbies and crafts
Purple modeling putty stick on a stained, well-used grid cutting mat
Gray miniature model cannon with support frame for hobby and scale modeling
Modeling putty stick on a paint-splattered cutting mat used for scale modeling and hobbies
Close-up of a light blue wax carving tool on a cutting mat with grid lines and paint stains
3D printed gray miniature model part with supporting structures on flat base
blue soft wax sculpting tool on a dirty checkered craft cutting mat
Gray plastic model missile on white background with supporting frame details

1/48 SUU-11/A (Set of 2)

$4.89 
$4.89/item
Free CONUS Economy Shipping on All In-Stock Orders $100.00 or More
SKU: 0101
*These items are print to order. Expect shipment within 14 business days or up to 30 business days due to volume of orders and print times. Items are 3D resin printed*
Try Lay-Buy at checkout. Minimum of 20% down and maximum 6 months "Lay Away" plan. Your product will be shipped once paid in full. Select "PUT IT ON LAY-BUY' at checkout and spread out those payments. Terms and restrictions apply.

3D Print Product Info
  1. Item(s) is/are LCD-based SLA printed using UV cured resin and will be shipped unpainted and with 3D print supports attached.
  2. Item can be primed with acrylic, lacquer or enamel type paint.
  3. Lightly sand and/or prime any horizontal striations due to the printing process.
  4. Remove supports starting from the tip down and start by freeing those supports connected to small and fragile details.
  5. Recommend using CA for attaching item to model or filling any imperfections.
  6. Item(s) will have features that are brittle or extremely delicate and prone to breaking if not properly handled.
  7. 3D print support configurations may be different than the ones in the photos if applicable.
  8. Photos may include the CAD rendered file used for printing to highlight details that do not stand out well in regular photos.
  9. Not intended for small children due to choking hazard and should only be purchased by experienced modelers due fine details and printer support removal.
  10. The number of items in your order is calculated by multiplying the quantity you selected by the number of items per set if applicable.
  11. All items are printed in the order they are purchased.

    MPM Hobbies 1/48 Scale SUU-11/A Minigun Pod (Set of 2)

    Add authentic Vietnam War-era firepower to your 1/48 scale aircraft models with this detailed 3D printed SUU-11/A minigun pod set from MPM Hobbies. As perhaps the most widely used gun pod developed by the US military, the SUU-11/A brought devastating 7.62mm Gatling gun capability to a wide array of aircraft—and now you can recreate that firepower with museum-quality detail on your A-1 Skyraider, A-37 Dragonfly, F-4 Phantom II, and other tactical aircraft.

    Historical Significance

    The SUU-11/A minigun pod holds a distinguished place in modern military aviation as one of the most effective and widely deployed gun pod systems ever developed. Fitted with a single GAU-2 7.62×51mm Minigun, the SUU-11 provided aircraft with devastating suppressive fire capability against ground targets, personnel, and light vehicles. The weapon saw extensive combat use during the Vietnam War, where it proved highly effective in close air support, armed reconnaissance, and interdiction missions. The SUU-11's reliability and effectiveness led to its adoption across all US military services and deployment on a remarkable variety of aircraft types, from fixed-wing fighters to helicopters.

    Technical Evolution

    The SUU-11 was produced in three distinct generations, with separate designations applied by both the US Army and US Air Force, reflecting continuous improvements based on combat experience. The first generation, designated XM18 by the Army and SUU-11/A by the Air Force, featured a standard GAU-2 Minigun encased in an aerodynamic pod. This initial version fired at a fixed rate of 6,000 rounds per minute, but the weapon's 1,500-round ammunition drum meant that sustained fire time was limited, creating a need for variable rate-of-fire capability.

    The second generation, designated XM18E1 (standardized as M18) and SUU-11A/A, introduced significant improvements including an aircraft-to-pod electrical connection that allowed the use of aircraft internal power for better starting torque. A de-energized solenoid improved round clearing at low rates of fire, and new circuitry provided selectable rates of fire at either 2,000 rpm or 4,000 rpm, both significantly lower than the base 6,000 rpm rate, extending engagement time and ammunition conservation.

    The final generation, designated M18A1 and SUU-11B/A, featured refined fire control with selectable rates of either 3,000 rpm or the full 6,000 rpm, providing pilots with optimal flexibility for different tactical situations—lower rates for precision suppression and maximum rate for devastating area saturation.

    Operational Service

    The SUU-11/A saw remarkably diverse service across the US military. Primary users during the Vietnam War included the A-1 Skyraider, A-37 Dragonfly, AC-47 Spooky gunship, AC-119G Shadow gunship, and T-28 Trojan. The US Army tested the pod on the ACH-47A "Guns A-Go-Go" armed transport helicopter, while the US Marine Corps employed it on the UH-1E Iroquois. Both services adopted the SUU-11 as part of standard armament fits for the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter, where it provided devastating firepower in the close air support role.

    Product Features

    • Scale-Accurate Detail - Precisely scaled 1/48 representation with authentic proportions including gun barrel, ammunition drum housing, and mounting hardware
    • Premium 3D Printed Resin - High-resolution LCD-based SLA printing captures fine details including panel lines, access panels, and suspension lugs
    • Historically Accurate - Based on reference photos and technical documentation of actual SUU-11/A gun pods
    • Set of 2 Pods - Complete loadout for realistic strike configurations
    • Made in the USA - Designed, printed, and quality-controlled by MPM Hobbies in America
    • Versatile Compatibility - Suitable for multiple aircraft types that carried the SUU-11 system

    Compatible Aircraft Models

    The SUU-11/A was carried by a remarkable variety of US military aircraft. This gun pod set is ideal for detailing the following 1/48 scale aircraft:

    • A-1 Skyraider - Close air support workhorse
    • A-37 Dragonfly - Light attack aircraft
    • F-4 Phantom II - Multi-role fighter
    • AC-47 Spooky - Gunship variant
    • AC-119G Shadow - Gunship variant
    • T-28 Trojan - Armed trainer
    • UH-1E Iroquois - Marine Corps utility helicopter
    • AH-1 Cobra - Attack helicopter

    3D Printing Information

    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.

    Modeling Tips

    For best results, clean any support material carefully with a sharp hobby knife and test-fit the pod 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 SUU-11/A gun pods were finished in overall olive drab 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.

    Complementary Products at MPM Hobbies

    About MPM Hobbies

    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 US aircraft gun pods, visit the List of U.S. aircraft gun pods Wikipedia page as a way to find information about their products.

    Bring Vietnam War aviation firepower to life with the authentic SUU-11/A minigun pod from MPM Hobbies - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.