The UH-60 Blackhawk is America’s current work horse helicopter. One of its most important roles is as a Medevac helicopter. When I was an Independent Duty Medic in Korea in 1987 I was supported by the Army Blackhawks. The kit is molded in molded in resin. Molding is very good, detail is crisp and clean. I found only 2 small bubbles to be filled. Pour blocks are small and the parts can be removed with no damage in a short time.The kit includes the carousel, 4 litter pans and a panel for the ceiling of the cabin with the rotating arm molded on. The carousel can be made to rotate so it can be shown in loading or in flight position. The rotating arm is molded in the inflight position. However, when installed in the helicopter kit, that is hard to see.

The instructions are a single sheet, front and back. There are five pictures of the kit parts and four of the real thing, all in black and white. There is minimal text, but an experienced modeler should be able to cope.

This newly released radio for the AFV CLUB Nashorn kit is a really nice item. Included in Eduard’s kit are two radios which sit in a bay, one on top of the other, which is positioned between the ammo case and the rear door. Also included in the kit is a small set of headphones which attach to a small box above the radios that allows the operator to listen silently. It’s a pretty neat setup and will look nice in the rear compartment along with other items and stowage for a real look.

The Aircraft

The Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden (Violet Lightning) was codenamed “George” by the Allies. Development was interesting in that the Shiden was developed from the N1K Kyofu (Strong Wind / Rex), a floatplane.

The Shiden was heavily armed, with 4 x 20 mm cannon in the wings. It was considered the equal of the Hellcat, and could hold its own with the Corsairs and P-51s. As a bomber interceptor, it was hampered by poor rate of climb and inadequate engine performance at high altitudes.

The prototype flew in 1943, and the type entered production in January of 1944. Production never exceeded 83 per month (April and May 1945), and only 423 were produced before VJ day.

There are 4 surviving Shidens, one at the Naval Air Museum at Pensacola, one at the USAF Museum near Dayton, one at the Champlin Air Museum (on loan from the National Air and Space Museum), and one at Shikoku, Japan.