Classic Kit vrtulník A04056A - Westland Sea King HC.4 (1:72)

Airfix Westland Sea King HC.4 A04056A in 1:72 is a plastic kit of the Royal Navy's Commando transport version of the Sea King. The completed model measures 307 mm and the box includes 140 plastic parts, decals, assembly instructions and painting instructions.

From Egyptian requirement to HC.4

The Commando variant was originally developed as a tactical transport helicopter for the Egyptian Air Force. Because it did not require the amphibious capability of earlier Sea Kings, the side flotation gear was removed. For Royal Navy service it also received folding rotors and tail surfaces for shipboard operation, entering British service as the Sea King HC.4.

Service history

With its greater range and capacity for up to 28 troops, the HC.4 became an important aircraft for amphibious operations and tactical troop movement. It could also carry an underslung load of up to 2.5 tons. Later in service, the type was fitted with radar warning equipment, an infrared jammer and M130/M147 flare countermeasures. Operational use included the Falklands, the Balkans, the Persian Gulf, Lebanon and Afghanistan, as well as casualty and refugee evacuation and support of ground advances.

In the box

The kit includes the plastic model, decals, assembly instructions and painting instructions. Airfix rates it at difficulty level 2.