A standard S-64 helicopter crew consists of two or three members. The pilot-in-command (seated on the left) flies the helicopter and operates the water discharge system in fire-fighting operations. The copilot, seated on the right, assists the command pilot and can relieve the pilot if necessary. When required for lifting operations, a third crew member equipped with a complete set of flight controls occupies the rear station. The operator maintains direct visual contact of lifting operations through a rear-facing canopy.

This ICM kit includes three figures, pilot, copilot, and engineer or crane operator. Molded in light gray plastic, the parts have good detail, but it is a little soft. Each of the figures have different expressions on their faces. The figures are molded with separate legs, torso, arms, and head. There are mold seams and sprue nubs that will need to be cleaned up.

The helmets are molded in 2 halves with separate pieces for the headsets and earpieces. I found that the helmet would not fit on the head with the additional earpieces, so I left them off. The helmets, number B5 and B6, shown for the pilot do not have connections for the mouthpiece. An extra set of B2 and B3 helmets is included so I used those so all crew members would have microphones.

Lap belts are molded on the figures with shoulder harnesses on the operator. Using liquid cement on the joints, I was able to press the parts together, so joint filler was minimal. Joint filler was necessary on the helmets. The figures are posed naturally and fit into their respective seats. Both the pilots can grasp the control levers provided with the ICM S-64 kit. The crane operator is looking over his shoulder at the copilot. The crew figures are a nice addition to ICM’s S-64 Sky Crane and give a sense of scale to the helicopter’s cockpit.

Thanks to ICM for their courageous efforts to produce these wonderful kits and providing review samples to IPMS!