1/48 Navy helicopter help

[Erik C]

I am modeling the complete CVW5 1/48 scale. I am looking to model HSM-77 Saberhawks they operated MH-60R and HCS-12 Golden Falcons they operated MH-60S. From the research I have done. If I am correct the biggest spotting feature is the tail wheel location. The MH-60R tail wheel is located closer to the cabin and vertical. The MH-60S is located further back and on a angle, like the Blackhawk. It also has a glass cockpit.

I know I am going to have to scratch build parts to make these kits. 

I am not looking for 100% accuracy. But I want it to be close.

What kit or kits would you recommend as

a starting point for each of( these helicopters?  I am not very familiar with helicopters. So any help and suggestions is appreciated. 

Erik

[Tank]

if you can find them Olimp had sets to modify the Italeri 60B kit, minus finding them if might give you some ideas on the parts you need to modify.

 

60R

60s

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/olimp-resin-accessories-ora-48-13-sikorsky-mh-60s-knight-hawk--142326

 

HTH

[HeavyArty]

The MH-60S is basically an Army BlackHawk that has been navalized.  As such, it has the larger cargo doors on both sides of the fuselage and the tail wheel at the end of the tail, below the stabilator.  It has the folding naval rotors and a folding tail as well.

 

The MH-60S can also have the ESSS (External Stores Support System) wings added to carry ordinance.

 

The MH-60R is the newest version of the naval SH-60 line.  It has the single, smaller cargo door on the starboard side and a window and sonabouy launcher on the port side, and the tail wheel tucked up under the rear of the cabin area of the fuselage.  It also has the folding naval rotors and a folding tail.  It can also carry weapons and aux fuel tanks on the sponsons already present on SH-60s, and an additional forward mount point on the forward starboard side.

 

As to modeling them in 1/48, starting with an Army MH-60L (includes folding stabilator, and ESSS wings) BlackHawk and the Olimp set would be best for an MH-60S.  For an MH-60R, you would need either a Navy HH-60H or SH-60B and the Olimp set.

Edited February 18, 2022 by HeavyArty

[Dave Roof]

4 hours ago, HeavyArty said:

The MH-60S is basically an Army BlackHawk that has been navalized.  As such, it has the larger cargo doors on both sides of the fuselage and the tail wheel at the end of the tail, below the stabilator.  It has the folding naval rotors and a folding tail as well.

 

 

The MH-60S can also have the ESSS (External Stores Support System) wings added to carry ordinance.

 

 

The MH-60R is the newest version of the naval SH-60 line.  It has the single, smaller cargo door on the starboard side and a window and sonabouy launcher on the port side, and the tail wheel tucked up under the rear of the cabin area of the fuselage.  It also has the folding naval rotors and a folding tail.  It can also carry weapons and aux fuel tanks on the sponsons already present on SH-60s, and an additional forward mount point on the forward starboard side.

 

 

As to modeling them in 1/48, starting with an Army MH-60L (includes folding stabilator, and ESSS wings) BlackHawk and the Olimp set would be best for an MH-60S.  For an MH-60R, you would need either a Navy HH-60H or SH-60B and the Olimp set.

 

Gino,

 

  Of the two currently available H-60's in 48th scale from Italeri, would the UH-60/MH-60 or MH-60K boxing be the best starting point for the MH-60S (or are both kits pretty much the same)?

 

Thanks,

 

Dave

[HeavyArty]

Yes, they are both the same plastic inside the boxes, just different parts used on each.

 

 

 

Edited February 18, 2022 by HeavyArty