Dragon Warships - U.S.S. Arkansas Cgn-41 - D7124

USS Arkansas (CGN-41) was the fourth and final ship of the nuclear-powered Virginia-class guided-missile cruisers, commissioned in 1980 to escort US Navy carrier battle groups at high speed without refuelling. She combined a powerful surface-to-air punch from twin Mk26 missile launchers firing Standard missiles and ASROC rockets with twin 5-inch/54 calibre dual-purpose guns, Harpoon anti-ship missile canisters and, later, Phalanx close-in weapon systems.

Dragon's 1/700 rendition uses slide-mould technology to capture the Virginia class's distinctive flush-deck hull and layered superstructure, with the Mk26 launcher assemblies, SPS radar arrays and mast structures reproduced in fine, crisply defined plastic.

Photo-etched parts for railings and antenna platforms are included alongside decals for hull markings, deck numbers and draft marks, with the option to build the model waterline or as a full hull.

An essential addition for anyone collecting the US Navy's Cold War nuclear-cruiser fleet or building a modern-era 1/700 display alongside carriers and escorts.