KIT:

Italeri 1/72 Ka-50 'Hokum'

KIT #

 031

PRICE:

 $15.00 MSRP

DECALS:

 two options

REVIEWER:

Scott Van Aken

NOTES:

  

HISTORY

Designed to replace the Mi-24/25 Hind, the Ka-50 was bitten by the times. Developed in the late 1980s, it was entering testing when the 'Iron Curtain' fell in 1990. Typical of Kamov designs, it has co-axial rotor blades, making a tail rotor unnecessary. It is also somewhat unique in that it has a crew of but one person, most unusual in modern attack helicopters. For that reason, there is no rotating cannon as found on similar aircraft. The Kamov has fixed armament consisting of  a 30mm cannon attached to the right side of the airframe. Stub wings allow it to carry the usual assortment of air to ground munitions as well as all the needed defensive systems. Though allegedly in production to replace the Hind, the Hokum has seen very little in the way of service use. A rather intensive effort has been made to sell the helicopter overseas, but with the lack of a large production order from cash-strapped Russia, it seems as if those efforts have so far come to naught.
 

THE KIT

The kit comes from the early 1990s and despite the trend towards engraved panel lines, this one has them raised. It also has very nicely done rivet detail, something that is normal in helos as there is no need for flush rivets in something that travels at relatively slow speeds. Molded in a very dark, almost black brown, the kit is free from flash and sink areas. It is also well engineered with those few ejector marks being in areas that will, for the most part, be hidden. Only those inside the exhaust may need the builder's attention.

The cockpit is fairly well detailed with raised detailing on the consoles and instrument panel. The seat contains a molded in harness as well. Rotor head detail is a biggie with helo fans and this one looks to be quite complete and convincingly 'busy'. Weapons consist of the 30mm cannon as well as rocket pods and missiles of some sort that I can't identify. Holes have already been drilled in the wing stubs for the pylons. The clear bits are well done and though the canopy has been molded closed, is clear enough to see any detailing done in the cockpit.

Instructions are quite well done with a paint reference chart in generic, FS 595 and Model Master call-outs. Decals are provided for two helicopters, neither of them service models. One is the box art plane in black, field green and sand over light ghost grey in a hard edged camouflage. This is the 1991 test vehicle. The other is a 1992 Farnborough demo aircraft in overall black, which makes for an easy paint! The small decal sheet is well printed and quite matte, including a selection of stencils.

CONCLUSIONS

Italeri has built quite a reputation for doing helicopters and this one is very nicely molded. It should pose no problem to those with a few helos under their belts and it is a very cool looking aircraft.

Kit courtesy of me and my constant digging through the vendor's tables at swap meets!

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