Academy 2026 News: Complete Analysis of the New Model Catalog

For many years, Academy has been one of the leading manufacturers of plastic models.

Known for the quality of its moldings, the finesse of its engravings, and the diversity of its catalog, the Korean brand offers models for both beginners and experienced modelers.

The Academy 2026 catalog continues this philosophy by mainly enriching its aeronautical ranges.

This new collection highlights contemporary fighter jets as well as historical aircraft that have made their mark on the history of military aviation. Helicopter enthusiasts will also enjoy several highly anticipated new releases.

One of the notable trends of this edition is the continued development of the 1/144 scale range.

This scale is increasingly popular due to its excellent balance between compact size, rich details, and the ability to create complete collections of iconic aircraft.

Academy also confirms its expertise in designing new molds. The kits offered feature modern engraved panel lines, precise details, and particularly attractive markings.

Whether you are passionate about modern aviation, World War II, the Cold War, or contemporary military equipment, the Academy 2026 new releases offer a particularly diverse selection.

Summary Table of Academy 2026 New Releases

Academy 2026 New Aircraft

Kfir C2/C7 at 1/72

The Kfir is one of the most iconic fighter jets developed by Israel. Derived from the French Mirage 5 and equipped with American engines, it quickly stood out for its excellent performance and combat effectiveness.

With this new 1/72 scale model, Academy offers a modern reproduction of an aircraft rarely depicted with such a high level of detail.

The different C2 and C7 versions allow for representing multiple operational configurations with a complete selection of specific parts.

The fine engraving, cockpit details, and numerous external loads offer excellent customization potential.

This model will appeal to both fans of Israeli aviation and enthusiasts of Mirage family derivatives.

Rafale M at 1/144

The Rafale M is now one of the flagship aircraft of the French naval aviation. Designed to operate from an aircraft carrier, it is engaged in numerous missions ranging from air defense to precision strikes.

Academy enriches its range in 1/144 with a model that is particularly fine despite its small dimensions.

The distinctive lines of the Rafale are perfectly reproduced, while the engravings highlight the complex shapes of this modern aircraft.

This model is an excellent choice for collectors looking to gather the main contemporary combat aircraft in the same scale.

Mirage F1 in 1/144

Successor to the famous Mirage III, the Mirage F1 equipped many air forces around the world for several decades.

The Academy kit faithfully reproduces the elegant lines of this iconic aircraft. Despite the small scale, the surface details remain particularly well-crafted.

This new release will ideally complement a collection dedicated to French aircraft or Cold War-era planes.

F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-31 Tomcatters in 1/72

The F/A-18E Super Hornet is now the backbone of U.S. naval aviation.

Academy offers a decorated version in the colors of the famous VFA-31 Tomcatters squadron. The highly spectacular decorations perfectly showcase the powerful lines of the Super Hornet.

The kit includes numerous weapon options and exceptionally fine modern engravings.

B-24 Liberator in 1/144

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator remains one of the most produced heavy bombers of World War II.

Academy manages to reproduce the characteristics of this imposing four-engine aircraft in a scale that is particularly appreciated by collectors.

The numerous windows, detailed engines, and overall proportions allow for a very convincing reproduction without requiring a large display space.

F-86F-40 Sabre in 1/48

The F-86 Sabre symbolizes the first jet combat in history, notably during the Korean War.

This new Academy model in 1/48 features very fine engravings, a detailed cockpit, and an excellent reproduction of the distinctive shapes of the famous American fighter.

The 1/48 scale fully showcases the qualities of this new tooling, which should appeal to Cold War aviation enthusiasts.

The new helicopters from Academy 2026

CH-47D Chinook R.O.K. Army in 1/48

The CH-47 Chinook is one of the most famous heavy transport helicopters in the world.

This version replicates an aircraft in service with the South Korean army. The kit stands out with a detailed reproduction of the fuselage, rotors, and interior layout.

Due to its imposing dimensions, this model becomes a remarkable piece once completed.

MD500 IDF in 1/35

The MD500 is widely used by the Israeli forces for reconnaissance, liaison, and light support missions.

Academy offers a precise reproduction of this military version with a detailed cockpit, fine engravings, and several equipment specific to the Israeli army.

The 1/35 scale will also allow its integration into modern military dioramas.

The key directions of the Academy 2026 catalog

The Academy 2026 catalog confirms the strategy implemented by the manufacturer for several years: offering modern, precise, and accessible plastic models, while regularly enriching its range with new molds.

This approach allows Academy to meet the expectations of a wide audience, from novice modelers to the most experienced enthusiasts.

This edition clearly focuses on military aircraft models.

The eight new models unveiled cover different periods of aviation history, from iconic aircraft of World War II to the most recent combat planes. This diversity allows everyone to find a subject matching their interests.

Contemporary aviation plays a significant role with the new Rafale M, Mirage F1, F/A-18E Super Hornet, and Kfir C2/C7 models.

These devices illustrate several decades of technological evolution and reflect Academy's commitment to offering models representing the world's major air forces.

History enthusiasts will also appreciate the return of two legends of military aviation: the F-86 Sabre model and the B-24 Liberator model.

These two devices cover major periods of the 20th century and fit perfectly into a historical collection.

Helicopters are not forgotten. The new CH-47D Chinook model and MD500 model enrich a category often less represented than fighter planes, while meeting a constant demand from rotary wing enthusiasts.

The entire catalog reflects a balance between modern and historical subjects, widely distributed devices, and more original models. This diversity is one of Academy's main strengths.

The quality of the new Academy molds

For several years, Academy has regularly invested in the development of new tooling.

This policy results in model kits with high manufacturing standards and constantly improving reproduction quality.

The new molds are distinguished first by particularly fine engraving. Structural lines are accurately reproduced in recesses, facilitating painting, weathering, and aging operations. The panels remain discreet and retain a realistic appearance, even after several coats of paint.

The overall shapes of the devices also receive special attention. Academy relies on extensive technical documentation to faithfully reproduce the dimensions, volumes, and proportions of the original models.

The cockpits also gain richness. Depending on the scales, detailed side consoles, accurately reproduced seats, realistic dashboards, and numerous elements are included to achieve a convincing result without always resorting to additional accessories.

The fittings are another strong point of recent productions. Assemblies are generally precise, limiting the need for putty and sanding operations. This design quality facilitates assembly while allowing for a clean finish.

The sprues feature regular injection, with very few burrs and attachment points designed to minimize the risk of part damage during removal.

The canopies also benefit from a high level of transparency. Their finesse highlights interior details while facilitating masking operations before painting.

Finally, the decal sheets offered by Academy generally have excellent print quality. The colors are sharp, the markings precise, and the support film particularly discreet after application.

All of these characteristics explain why Academy models are now recognized for offering an excellent compromise between quality, ease of assembly, and price.

Why the 1/144 scale range is gaining importance

Long considered a scale reserved for collectors, the 1/144 model has experienced a true revival in recent years. Academy is accompanying this evolution by gradually expanding its offerings in this category.

The first advantage of the 1/144 scale lies in its compact size. A large aircraft can be displayed in a showcase without requiring significant space. This characteristic appeals to many modelers looking to build complete collections.

This scale also allows for easy comparison of different aircraft that marked the same historical period. It becomes possible to present military aircraft, heavy bombers, or carrier-based aircraft side by side while maintaining a cohesive presentation.

Advancements in injection techniques now allow for remarkable detail despite the models' reduced dimensions. Fine engravings, transparent canopies, and faithfully reproduced shapes offer a particularly convincing result.

Painting is also a strength of the 1/144 scale. With smaller surfaces, construction times decrease, allowing for multiple projects to be completed.

With newcomers like the Rafale M model, the Mirage F1 model, or the B-24 Liberator model, Academy demonstrates its commitment to making the 1/144 scale a comprehensive and attractive range.

The main scales offered by Academy

One of the strengths of the Academy catalog lies in the diversity of available scales. Each modeler can choose the plastic model that suits their level, exhibition space, and desired level of detail.

Academy models at 1/144 scale

1/144 is ideal for building a large collection without taking up too much display space. This scale allows for the reproduction of modern fighters as well as large bombers while keeping reasonable dimensions.

Academy models at 1/72 scale

The 1/72 scale model remains the reference scale for many modelers. It offers an excellent compromise between level of detail, cost, and size.

The Academy catalog includes a wide selection of aircraft models, helicopters, and military vehicles in this scale.

Academy models at 1/48 scale

The 1/48 scale model allows for a particularly high level of realism. Cockpits, landing gear, and armaments can be reproduced with great finesse.

This scale is often preferred by enthusiasts looking to achieve highly detailed finishes.

Academy models at 1/35 scale

Mainly used for armored vehicle models and some helicopters, the 1/35 scale has become a reference for military vehicle enthusiasts.

How to choose your first Academy model?

Choosing a first Academy model depends primarily on the modeler's experience and interests.

For beginners, it is best to select a model kit with a reasonable number of parts and a recent design. The new Academy molds generally offer precise fits that greatly facilitate assembly.

The 1/72 scale model often represents an excellent compromise between simplicity, level of detail, and budget.

More experienced modelers can opt for a 1/48 scale model, which allows for full utilization of advanced painting techniques, weathering, or adding accessories.

The choice of subject remains essential. Building a military aircraft model, a Rafale model, a Chinook model, or a Mirage F1 model that one enjoys always makes the project more motivating.

Why choose an Academy model?

Academy has established itself as one of the most popular manufacturers thanks to several qualities that are frequently mentioned in feedback from modelers.

The precision of shapes, the finesse of engravings, and the quality of fits allow for convincing results without excessive difficulties.

The assembly instructions are generally clear and illustrated progressively, making each step of the assembly easier.

The provided decorations often cover multiple versions of the same aircraft, offering more customization possibilities.

Lastly, Academy plastic models offer an excellent quality-price ratio. The new molds meet current manufacturing standards while remaining competitively priced.

Find Academy models on Scientific-MHD

Scientific-MHD offers a wide selection of Academy models, covering the main categories of the catalog: aircraft models, helicopters, armored vehicles, ships, and accessories.

New Academy releases regularly complement this selection to allow enthusiasts to discover the latest model kits offered by the manufacturer.

By browsing the different categories on the site, it is also possible to find the paints, glues, tools, and accessories necessary for completing each project.

With its rich catalog and constant renewal of references, Academy remains an essential brand for all plastic model enthusiasts.

The 2026 releases perfectly illustrate this dynamic by offering varied subjects, modern molds, and a level of quality that meets the expectations of today's modelers.