1/72 Attack Squadron Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout 

Gallery Article by Piotr Dmitruk on Dec 27 2012

 

 

Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout is unmanned autonomous helicopter, developed for the U.S. Navy and Army, and which is a development of 2 passenger Schweizer 333 helicopter. The first prototype, powered by Rolls-Royce 250-C20 turbine engine, first took in the air in January 2000.

In 2006, began manufacturing and testing an improved version- the MQ-8B. In 2010 Army abandoned the project funding, so far only the Navy tested this helicopter. It made its combat debut in 2010, intercepting smugglers boat, then went to Afghanistan and Libya.

It is equipped with BRITE Star II electro-optical/infrared ball turret, as an armament it is intended to carry Hellfire missiles, laser- guided gliding Viper Strike bombs, and upgraded APKWS Hydra 70 infrared- guided missiles.

There will be a variety of interchangeable reconnaissance equipment such as TSAR radar, capable of detecting moving targets, or improvised explosive devices, and minefields, and multispectral sensors, electronic intelligence sensors, and tactical data link.

 

Click on images below to see larger images

This is new resin model kit from Attack Squadron ( www.attacksquadron.pl ) in 1:72 scale, designed in 3D- technique, and 3D printed, and it is simply outstanding. Construction work pointed out a few minor shortcomings, but from what I know, they have already been corrected in the final version of the model. Highly recommendable!

Model was painted with Gunze Mr. Surfacer- it’s color almost perfectly matches to the original. Details were painted with Tamiya, and Alclad paints and Microscale varnish. Decals made by Techmod are perfect.

Best regards,

Piotr Dmitruk

Click on images below to see larger images

      

Photos and text © by Piotr Dmitruk