1/35 Academy MH-60G Pavehawk

Gallery Article by Philip Limbert on Aug 17 2003

Indonesia Independence Day 

 

Hi all. This kit is made by Academy in 1/35 scale. I built is as an entry to the Helicopter Challenge held by the ISMS (Indonesian Scale Model Society) a few months ago. Somehow I don't like the USAF European 1 camo pattern for this aircraft. Another option is the black/black green color, but I like to use it on the LDAP version later. Then I stumble on the only 2 photographs of 'desert camo' pattern Pavehawk on the internet. Spend many hours scouring the net to find more pictures but no more comes up, The some with the walkaround and 'in action' books. Too bad I fell in love with the desert patterned aircraft.

There came the idea of building a 'what-if' Pavehawk. I built this kit right at the beginning of the Gulf War 2 (Iraqi Freedom). Since Saddam Hussein warned that the war could be an all out urban guerilla war, what could be a better personel transport carrier than a Pavehawk armed to the teeth. Since Iraq, then it must be Baghdad. I named it The Baghdad Penetrator.

The decal is custom printed. I designed it using CorelDraw and printed it on Superscale Inkjet Decal papers.

Since the kit is already massive and highly detailed, I prefer not to use any aftermarket parts. Instead I opted to scratchbuild some of the part I want. Improvements mostly in the interior such as the addition of seatbelts, pedal strap, fire extinguishers, also 'spent cartridge chute' for the minigun. The door is also surgically cut open to show the cockpit.

 

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Externally, I decided to use the external fuel thanks that comes with the Blackhawk. Although the Pavehawk comes with auxilliary tanks and refueling probe, the looks of the external tank on is imposing and irresistable to me.

Other area of improvements are the main rotor and the rear prop. I have added hydroulic line to the main rotor, and retainer pin and wire on the rear prop. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'll make the same ones on the LDAP.

Overall, the kit is an excellent one. The detail is excellent, the fit is good. I had some difficulties with the HIRRS though. Superglue and accelerator fix it in no time.

BTW, this kit is huge and kind of heavy. Not long ago I built an IDF MD-500 also in 1/35, putting it side-by-side than the difference is apparance.

I also include the pictures of the Pavehawk next to the MD 500 and a Humvee as a comparison. Also the Desert Pavehawk photos I found on the net. For those who have a high-res photos of the real Desert Pavehawk from many angles, please contact me.

Hope you all enjoy it.

Philip Limbert

Click on images below to see larger images

 

      

Photos and text © by Philip Limbert