The H-60 Blackhawk was the helicopter chosen to replace the UH-1 as a general utility/transport helo for the US Army. Thousands were and are still being built. The type was highly modified for the USN to fill the LAMPS III requirement aboard ships, one provision being that it had to fit into a standard ship-board hangar. As a result, much of the helo is quite different from the Army choppers and there is little commonality other than a general shape and the power section. The type has since been used for a variety of other purposes such as combat SAR, Electronic eavesdropping platforms and a number of other special uses. A few are even used by the US Customs force for drug interdiction, some of these being painted gloss black with gold trim.

It was natural that a helicopter of this type would be exported to other countries and Latin America has received its share of them. Its size makes it quite usable in hunting out drug sites in various countries that are having trouble with such things as well as for a troop transport helo. Some naval arms use the Seahawk variant with its ASW capabilities and for SAR work.

This particular sheet from Aztec is one of the largest and most complete yet produced. There are three sheets , one of which has large walkways and other common markings on it (that is the bottom one that has been cut off as it wouldn't fit on my scanner!). It also includes some nice RBF tags for your dioramas.  As with other Aztec decals, the production is first rate. Vibrant colors, crisp printing and no registration problems at all that I could see. It is also available in 1/72.

The sheets include US Army and Air Force choppers, including some used in Desert Storm with aircraft names. There are H-60s from the Mexican Air Force, the Brazilian Army, Chilean Air Force, Colombian Air Force and Army, Venezuelan Army and just to add some spice, a Spanish Navy Seahawk.

Instructions are in color and give not only decal placement, but also FS colors. They are also quite easy to read for decal placement, each decal having a number and that guide used on the sheet. Not shown is a page that offers full data placement, including some photos to help with the more difficult ones.

It is a beautiful set of decals and one that will very much come in handy. Suggested kits in 1/48 are the Academy offering. Unfortunately, no one yet does a 1/48 Seahawk, but it can't be too far off in the future.

If you can't find these decals locally, check Aztec's web site. You can order them from there.

Review sheet courtesy of Aztec. Visit their website for more information on other sheets.

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