HeavyArty

No, only Super 63, the Command and Control (C&C) aircraft, did so they would have a longer loiter time. For more Op Gothic Serpent-specific info, check out this thread: http://aeroscale.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=SquawkBox&file=index&req=viewtopic&topic_id=216895&page=1

Bump^^

1/48 Kitty Hawk. Box says D, but it can also be built as an H. Pic on boxtop is an H as well. Review: https://modelingmadness.com/scott/viet/previews/kittyhawk/kh80154.htm A few here have built is as well. It has a couple issues, but nothing that is a show stopper.

The Academy UH-60A/L kit is an A model out of the box (L has wider fairings under pilots' doors). It will get you close, but the new Kitty Hawk MH-60L kit is much more detailed and complete, minus a couple A/L model specific parts.

Yes, but it would take some parts not included in the kit. The biggest is the standard, pointy stabilator. The CBP helo is a UH-60L as opposed to an MH-60L which uses the square, folding stabilator. Werner's Wings has the platypus nose FLIR mount. You would have to source the nightsun from somewhere. I believe one comes in some of the Revell 1/32 German helo kits. You would also need to backdate the IP from an MH model with multi-function displays to an L model with all gauges. MH-60L panel UH-60L panel

You're right, it does. I hadn't seen that. They should be easy to turn 90 degrees by filling the holes and drilling new ones. Usually, there is an "H" bar there that the gunners' seats attach to, as in the Academy kit (part D5, step 3). Hmm, Kitty Hawk doesn't have this. With the seats attached below. You can see the "H" bar in this pic. Even with the seats turned rearward, there should be bars on the ceiling to attach them to. These look to be another detail to add.

The standard way the gunners' seats face (and in the KH kit) is outboard out the gunner's windows, as it is depicted in Tim's picture. You won't have to change anything.

No, Trumpeter makes two Chinook kits, both standard US Army cargo/troop carriers; a Vietnam era CH-47A and a modern CH-47D, which are both very different than a SOAR MH-47E/G. Floyd did offer a MH-47E/G conversion set a while ago, but it was a limited run and sold out quickly. Hopefully he will bring it back.

As to vehicle maintenence, I guess it was your unit as well. The units I was in always maintained around a 90+% OR (Operational Readiness) rate on all of our equipment. If not, the motor officer and maintenance personnel were in deep shite with the Bn and BDE commander. It was called Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS). It was an experimental USN system that was supposed to destroy surface mines. It used a 30mm Bushmaster II cannon which is basically the same gun as the Bradley, just a little bigger.

A new post moves the topic up on the main page so it stays current. The "Bump^^" just shows that is all I am doing, bumping it back up.

I have never seen one fly without them. The covers have to be installed. If not, the aircraft is deadlined and does not fly. Here is what it looks like without the covers on an MH-60S with a big, experimental gun. Without the cover leaves too much exposed wiring and hydraulic lines to safely fly. I feel the same as you though, it isn't a big issue and they are sending out the parts. If people just can't wait, the longer ESSS wing could easily be cut down and filled/sanded/reshaped to replicate the covers.

There are many options on how the ammo cans and gunners' seats are positioned. In the standard set-up (like the Academy kits) the ammo cans fit between the gunners' seats. As below, with the ammo feed chutes fed forward. They can also be turned sideways and individual ammo cans placed inside the gunners' windows. When the M230 is used, it's ammo can is placed either further back in place of the center rows of troop seats, or with seperate ammo cans for the M134s stacked on top of it. Below is how SUPER 68 is set up at the Army aviation museum.

Bump^^ Prices Reduced.

The KH kit will build into a 160th SOAR MH-60L DAP with the ESSS wings and extra weapons with what is currently in the box. It is missing the ESSS wing attachment point covers as is. Once these pieces are included, it will build into pretty much any 160th SOAR MH-60L and more specifically an Op Gothic Serpent (Somalia '93) MH-60L with the included decals. As you said, any MH-60L should be flat black. If you want to build a standard UH-60L, you will need to source a pointy stabilator tail plane and leave off all the MH lumps and bumps. The color you want is called Helo Drab Green and is bottled by Testors Model Master in both acrylic and enamel. The enamel looks more faded and worn while the acrylic color looks newer. Enamel left, acrylic right.