Introduction:
Liut is an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) developed by Ukrainian engineers and designed to perform a wide range of tasks in difficult conditions, including surveillance and fire support. First showcased in 2023, Liut is one of the first ground combat drones to be used in serial deployment by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and has become a symbol of adaptive engineering and technical innovation in Ukraine during the full-scale Russian invasion. Armed with a 7.62-caliber machine gun, its use on the frontlines demonstrates a new approach to warfare: minimizing human casualties while maximizing combat effectiveness.
Review:
This review deals with a 1/35 scale kit of Liut UGV armed with PKT machine gun produced by Scale X.
The set comes packed in a small cardboard box. The front of the box shows the assembled model and lists the contents: 10 parts and a decal sheet.
The box includes two large carriers with 3D printed pieces, a small decal sheet, as well as a “thank you” card from Scale X and one of their stickers.
The two 3D-printed carriers with their side mesh supports fit snugly inside the box, providing extra backing to the cardboard pack. This minimizes the risk of damage to both the box and the delicate kit parts. Smart engineering from Scale X.
The set also includes a small decal sheet with Ukrainian symbols, various vehicle callsigns and other details which could add to the realism of the finished model. A very welcomed addition indeed.
Cleaning the pieces from their carrier supports is very much straightforward… there are a lot of printing supports on each piece, but the attachment points are thin and the supports easily removed. I used side cutters and a sharp modeling knife, along with the sanding paper to finish the job. Being patient during the process is of essence, as some of the pieces have delicate details and would not tolerate manhandling. Taking the extra time pays off in the end as the cleaned pieces look really good. I did not notice any printing defects whatsoever, with the details perfectly delivered.
Closer inspection reveals impressive detailing of the pieces: the tires with clearly identifiable sidewall details and tread pattern, the weapons module and PKT machine gun, the tiny O-rings and bolts… it all speaks of the superb printing quality from Scale X.
Assembly:
Assembling the kit is not difficult. It is easy to deduce which part goes where, but Scale X provides instructions on their website just to be on the safe side: link.
I annotated the pieces and will display the finished piece.
I had no major issues when building the vehicle. The parts fit well and I assembled the model for this review without using any glue in the process. There were some problems inserting the PKT into the turret structure as it is a very tight fit, but I managed.
The only aspect I found less than optimal is the short segment of ammo belt (parts 7 and 8). These pieces are provided in two slightly different variants, one for displaying the model with machine gun positioned level to the ground and another with machine gun elevated. However, both variants are too short to reach from the ammo feed chute to the gun itself. Since the kit includes two of each piece, a possible solution would be to combine them to create a longer belt segment.
The finished model looks really good.
One more thing to note… The suspension designed so the front part can be swiveled like the real thing, which enables showing the model crossing uneven terrain. Cool!
Conclusion:
UGV Liut, PKT (VG35002) from Scale X is an impressive and thoughtfully engineered 1/35 scale kit that captures the look and character of this groundbreaking Ukrainian drone. Designed with input from the company responsible for the real Liut, the model offers an exceptional level of accuracy and detail, from its finely printed components to its functional, terrain-adaptive suspension. While the original vehicle may not be the most aesthetically elegant machine on the battlefield, its importance in modern warfare makes its presence in 1/35 scale both relevant and necessary.
For modelers interested in contemporary military technology—or simply in documenting a significant chapter of Ukrainian innovation—this kit is a welcome and well-executed addition to the hobby.