The PLAAF Chengdu JF-17 "Thunder" first flew in 2003 and is a light-weight single-engine, multirole combat aircraft employed for aerial reconnaissance, ground attack and air interception. This item is manufactured by "D-4" as a "puzzle model" and is designed, we suppose, to be put together and taken apart over and over? But being the only model of this aircraft we have ever seen in 1/144 scale, we offer it as a serious scale model to be built by skilled hobbyists who have the tools and materials to give it justice. We recommend you acquire some Squadron Putty or equivalent. One tube will last for years for a busy 1/144 scalemodel kit builder. The kit is very nicely made and includes a stand. Another interesting feature is that the landing gear parts are molded in CLEAR plastic which we've never seen before, and serves to enhance the appearance of the model on its stand. Of course you can paint the landing gear if you wish. Sadly, at this time, it does not include decals, but we are ordering some Chinese decals from Y-Kraft in Japan, and we will have them soon. If they are not here when you buy this kit, we will mail them to you when they arrive, free of charge. NOTE: This kit does not come with its original box, it's bagged with the "box artwork."