Military Model Scene

UPDATE: Jan 2018 - To add to the news of this kit from AFV Club I have now seen an example and not only is it easy enough to build, but the best news is that there are 2 complete kits in the box, so you can build two of the different marking options.  You also get the choice to build it with the rotors and tail folded for stowage on board ship.  Interior detail is basic but enough.  So far I have built one with folded tail and rotors and I plan to finish this as the US Navy helicopter 66.  The other I will do with rotors in flying position, plus the dorsal radar dome, and in the Canadian colours and marking scheme.... more to come....

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Some more news from AFV Club as they are releasing another new 1/144 kit, this time the venerable Sea King and again  with a good choice of colour and marking schemes.  Their notes tell us:-

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AR14405 - At the end of WWII the Soviet Union pursued aggressive technical upgrading of their submarines and increased the size of their submarine fleet. This effort paid off for during the Cold War Russian submarines surpassed all of their western opponents in terms of speed, diving capabilities, and production numbers. This posed a serious threat for both marine traffic and vessels of the western allies.
 
To address this threat, the United States Navy began rapid developed of anti-submarine warfare equipment. At the end of the 1950’s, Sikorsky received a request from the US Navy to design a helicopter for this purpose. It was required to be able to carry sonar systems, 840 lbs of ordinance, and have an endurance of 4 hours. To fulfill this requirement, a two-engined helicopter was developed since such a design could remain on station even with one engine inoperative.
 
The two-engine design also resulted in higher effective payload. Moreover, to adapt to ship borne operations the main rotor and tail were both designed to be folded or detached. The helicopter was to have a hull-like fuselage equipped with pontoons allowing the helicopter to float on water when necessary. In 1957, Sikorsky was given the order to construct a prototype named the HSS-2 “Sea King”. The Sea King made its maiden flight in 1959 and after the completion of carrier evaluation, was mass produced and entered active service with  the United States Navy in September of 1961. In 1962, the US Navy unified all its aircraft designation system and changed HSS-2 to SH-3A.
 
Besides military service, the Sea King was chosen as the United States president’s personal transport.  Not only could it takes off and land on the southern lawn of the White House, it could also be transported by C-5A Galaxy after retraction of its main rotor and tail.
Due to its excellent amphibious and all weather capabilities, Sea Kings were used for space capsule reclamation sorties for both the Mercury, and Apollo 7 missions.
Sea King had no shortage of civilian service and large export market including being produced under license in Italy, Great Britain, and Japan. The Sea Kings is still in service in many parts of the world today.

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Thanks to AFV Club for the news.

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Robin