1:48 ICM UH-60A Black Hawk - Defense Intelligence of Ukraine

[rverissimo]

ICM

1:48 UH-60A black hawk

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

Model Kit nº 48362

Introduction

In this review, I present the second derivation of the UH-60 family in 1:48 scale by ICM. This is the UH-60A with special Ukrainian decoration, used operationally for information gathering missions. 

From my online research, there are two Blackhawks allocated to this function.

Regarding 1:48 scale models of the UH-60A, the only option has been the Academy model, dating back to 1986, which has been re-released by various brands over the years. Now, ICM has launched a new, complete, and up-to-date mould of this iconic multipurpose helicopter.

In direct comparison with the older Academy mould, the difference is striking, starting with the detail on the model's fuselage (with raised rivets and very smooth and discreet panels), the simple and objective detail of the cockpit, instrument panel, and central consoles, and the more striking external components, such as the main and tail rotors.

When analysing the parts on the various sprues, some (unused) parts of the MH-60L version can be identified, already presented in this forum (review), the most obvious being the right half of the fuselage on sprue A, which will not be used for this version.

This model is a huge leap in quality and detail compared to the only alternative in this scale.

So what’s In the box?

A big box is supplied. As a modeler this is a ego booster, a big colorful and sturdy box !

A big box in a big photo box

Decoration options.

16 sprues are supplied and let's then check them out!

Sprue A

This sprue, although it has few parts, they are large and detailed. The lower part of the fuselage (without the tail) is provided. The photos do not lie. The detail is fine and detailed, with well-defined raised rivets (sprue_a_1).

On this sprue, the right fuselage is not to be used (as it is the right side of the MH-60L version).

 

Sprue B

The door has internal details (simplified but present).

 

The engine intake turbine is nicelly detailed but not much is visible on the concluded model.

Note: Part 23 is not showed on this photo but it's similar to the part 24.

Interior detail is very clear and well detailed.

some injecton moulds are visible but easily removed.

 

Sprue C

This sprue provides various parts (some of which will not be used for the UH-60A version).

Instrument panel and central console (initial version are supplied but not used). Also parts for more advanced versions of the blackhawk are supplied but not used.

very nice detail on the main rotors, supplied in two halfs. It will look fantastic under a coat of metallic paint!

Exausts are supplied and boost a very premium detail . this is typical of late and upgraded models of the "A" model.

Sprue D (x2)

This sprue presents miscellaneous parts (the backs of the seats). They have mould marks that are also easy to remove.

 

Sprue E (2x)

The windscreen wipers are provided as separate parts and not as part of the transparent windscreen mould, as in many models. 

Parts (not used) for the MH-60L version are also provided.

 

Sprue F (x4)

These are the main rotor blades. These parts have a very specific angle and curvature of this material when the aircraft is on the ground. A very interesting and well-executed detail (just compare with photos of the original model on the ground).

Sprue H

This sprue supplies the correct rear stabilzators for the "A" version . Also supplied a mid life update central console and console panel ( used for the second decoration of this set)

Sprue J

This sprue provides specific components for one of the available versions. In this case, the central console and the digital control panel (four multifunction screens) as well as the fuselage panels where the main landing gear fits.

 

Sprue K

This small sprue draws attention to the upper nose cover of the fuselage, with appropriate detail, namely the nose cowl fasteners and the rivets that finish the lower fuselage windows. There is also a location for the sensor arrays mounted in this area.

Clear parts (Sprue G)

The clear parts are totally clear and without any distortions. The frames are clear and it will make masking a simple task.

Instructions

The instructions are spread over 16 pages (with glossy paper for the outer pages) and matte paper for the inner pages. The construction is divided into 83 stages, with the last page serving to identify the clear parts and their respective templates provided in the instructions.

I find this page particularly interesting because, with due care and time, we can obtain masks for each of the clear parts without having to use the parts as templates and risk scratching the surface. For the lazier ones, there are already offers on the market for this model 😊.

Decals

The decal sheet, ICM design , are quite good with very thin film and great color pigmentation. I like the instruments panels decals. The look quite good.

Decoration options

Two options are provided:

1. Model with special decoration, featuring a "patriotic" paint scheme and "identification stripes" on the tail. The lines and special paint must be entirely painted, as no masks or decals are provided for them. The roundels and the flag painted on the cargo door are provided as decals.

2. Operational model – Painted in standard military green with the roundels and national flag provided as decals. The colour references used refer to the ICM colour range but can easily be mapped to other brands' references

Conclusion

This offering from ICM, as I mentioned earlier, is a significant improvement over the only current offering in this scale. From the arrangement of the unused parts, we can predict what is coming in the future: New UH-60 versions (perhaps a Seahawk or an early version of the UH-60A with wings and additional tanks to hang). For now, this model will undoubtedly be an easy-to-build model with acceptable detail given the current moulding technology. The only point of improvement is the lack of seat belts, but nothing that some strips of copper or tin foil can't solve, or even an upgrade set from brands dedicated to these improvements.

VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Thanks ICM to make this model available.