Dragon 1/144 SH-60F/HH-60H "Indians"

The SH-60F Seahawk is the utility version of Sikorsky's SH-60B ASW helicopter, itself, a variant of the UH-60A Army helo, but with additional modifications made to allow for a folding rear fuselage and the ability to land on small platforms. Basically, the SH-60F has all the ASW mission equipment removed and replaced with a large cargo area. The HH-60H is the combat SAR version of the SH-60F, also with unique mission equipment added, the most visible of which are the exhaust heat suppressors that cut down on the helos IR signature.

Current HS squadrons, (which used to fly either SH-3 or HH-46 helos) now have a mix of the SH-60F and HH-60H aircraft. Generally, there are two HH-60Hs in each squadron with the rest being the SH-60F, thought that has been known to change depending on needs.

If you have seen any of the other Dragon kits of this type of helo, you get more than what is actually needed for just the two kits. It is actually less expensive to provide sprues with redundant parts than to develop a new sprue with only what is needed.

The Seahawk sprues provide all the needed bits and pieces and includes a nicely done cockpit section. Also provided is a nicely done cabin, complete with additional seats. This is not the norm with 1/144 scale kits and it is very nice to see that Dragon has added in this detailing. Thanks to a separate cabin side door on both sides, you can display all the work you put into this art of the kit. The seats even have harnesses molded on them. One thing you may wish to replace is the oversized cyclic and you also may want to install the collective as none are provided. Frankly, I doubt if you could see them even if they were included.

In line with other 1/144 kits from Dragon, the detailing is very well done. It may appear to be somewhat exaggerated for the scale, but once painted it does look quite nice. The entire nose section is clear plastic. This allows for hassle free clear bit installation, somewhat easier masking and the ability to fair in this part without too much worry about goofing up the clear bits. As the HH-60H is the one with doors on both sides, Dragon has included a pair of photo etch door rails for that side of the helo.

Instructions are quite nicely done with Gunze and Model Master paint references. Both aircraft are from HS-6 'Indians' with the SH-60F being the CAG bird with the dark tail and the HH-60H painted in a nice disruptive camouflage scheme. One will have to match what is provided in the instructions rather closely in order to have the markings match properly. The small decal sheet is packed with markings and is well printed.

All in all, a pretty good deal as kits go. You get two full helos, neither of them looks to be overly difficult to build, and they still are a pretty good size when done. Good stuff for the newer builders in the house too.

www.sikorsky.com

May 2010

My thanks towww.dragonmodelsusa.com for the review kit. These are at your stores now and if not, have them order it for you.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note toContributors.

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