C-2 Ejection Seat

Single and Two Seater
for Kinetic F-104 kits

Hypersonic Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Hypersonic Models continues its love affair with the F-104 in these latest offerings.

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter's compact cockpit leaves little room for superfluous detail, making the ejection seat a particularly prominent feature of any completed model. Although the Kinetic 1/48 scale F-104 provides a reasonable starting point, aftermarket replacements offer an opportunity to improve both the detail and the accuracy of this important component.

Hypersonic Models has addressed this with a comprehensive range of 3D-printed C-2 ejection seats designed specifically for Kinetic's Starfighter kits. Based on 3D scans of a full-size seat, the range accommodates several configurations reflecting differences in operator, equipment and period of service. The seats were developed in cooperation with ShrunkCraft, with research assistance from Bryan Wilburn and Sawai Nobuyuki.

HMR 48070-1 provides a single C-2 ejection seat in the original configuration used by the USAF, RCAF and certain early export operators. HMR 48071-3, meanwhile, supplies a pair of seats in the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force configuration for Kinetic's two-seat F-104 variants.

The distinction between these sets extends beyond the number of seats supplied. Hypersonic Models has taken care to represent the different harness arrangements, belt locks, emergency packs, drogue housings and associated equipment found across the various configurations. The arrangement of harnesses and hoses also differs between individual seats, helping avoid the uniform appearance that can result when identical components are simply duplicated.

Both sets include the associated ejection rails and canopy-related components. The single-seat set provides part of the canopy demister tubing, including the canopy latch, together with a replacement rear canopy V-brace. The two-seat set similarly includes the relevant demister tubing and rear canopy brace, as well as distinct forward and aft seats.

These additional components are particularly welcome. An ejection seat does not exist in isolation, and the surrounding rails, tubing and canopy fittings contribute significantly to the appearance of the completed cockpit.

Detail and Accuracy

The principal attraction of these sets is the opportunity to reproduce the distinctive geometry and intricate equipment of the C-2 seat in 1/48 scale. Three-dimensional printing is particularly well suited to this application, where complex shapes, closely spaced fittings and draped harnesses can be difficult to reproduce convincingly using conventional moulding.

The use of a full-size seat scan as the starting point is also significant. Rather than offering a generic representation of the C-2, Hypersonic Models has developed several configurations to reflect the changes introduced during the seat's service life. This is particularly useful when modelling an F-104 operated by a specific air force during a particular period.

The Japanese configuration represented by HMR 48071-3 is a useful addition for anyone building a two-seat JASDF Starfighter.

The availability of distinct forward and rear seats avoids treating the two cockpit positions as interchangeable, while the associated rails and canopy fittings help bring the installation together.

Installation

Both products are designed around Kinetic's 1/48 scale F-104 kits, making them natural choices for a cockpit upgrade. Hypersonic Models notes that the single-seat replacement can also be fitted to Hasegawa F-104 cockpits, although the lower side consoles of the Hasegawa kit can leave the seat bucket sitting relatively high.

As with any finely detailed 3D-printed accessory, careful preparation and handling are advisable. The delicate components should be removed and cleaned up with appropriate care, and the seats should be test-fitted before painting and final installation.

The manufacturer's instructions and the configuration of the particular aircraft being modelled should guide the final assembly.

Hypersonic Models' C-2 ejection seats offer a thoughtfully researched approach to upgrading the cockpits of Kinetic's 1/48 scale F-104 Starfighter family. The combination of scanned reference geometry, configuration-specific equipment and complementary cockpit fittings goes beyond a simple replacement seat.

HMR 48070-1 caters to single-seat Starfighters in the original C-2 configuration, while HMR 48071-3 provides the appropriate pair of seats for a two-seat JASDF aircraft. Both are useful options for modellers seeking greater cockpit detail and a configuration tailored to their chosen subject. The range's attention to operator-specific differences is its strongest feature, making these sets worth considering when accuracy matters as much as detail.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hypersonic Models for the review samples.

Review Text Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
Page Created 13 October, 2026
Last updated 14 October, 2026

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