Kangnam 1/100 HH-60 Night Hawk By Michael Benolkin

Background

The Sikorsky HH-60 Night Hawk was a specially modified variant of the Blackhawk helicopter that incorporated special FLIR sensors, terrain avoidance radar, advanced self-defense systems and the capability to air refuel from a KC-130 tanker. The USAF uses the HH-60 to rescue downed aircrew under hostile conditions where conventional aircraft and helicopters would not be effective.

The Kit

This is a nice little rendition of the HH-60 in 1/100 scale. Kangnam has captured the shape and detail of the Blackhawk nicely, though this isn't a Night Hawk version as the title implies. While the kit does provide the signature aerial refueling probe, missing are the radar and FLIR 'bumps' that are also unique to this type.

Molded in light gray and clear styrene, this kit does provide some nice details in this scale including a detailed cockpit, and an enclosed main cabin. The cockpit doors are molded in-place, though the gunners' doors and main cabin doors can be positioned open or closed. One interesting thing that caught my eye are the four Hellfire missiles that are not used in this version, hinting that there are more variants of the Blackhawk coming from Kangnam.

The kit instructions are actually printed on the inside box bottom, and they do not reveal any potential assembly problems. The kit parts themselves are crisply molded and likewise appear to hold no assembly surprises.

Markings are provided for a USAF HH-60 though these amount to a handful of stencils (just as on the full-scale aircraft).

Conclusion

For you small-scale modelers, this 1/100 Night Hawk (Blackhawk) kit will be a nice addition to your scale flightline. If you are interested in building the HH-60 version, study a few good photographs and you'll be able to add the missing bits from plastic stock in this scale. Modelers of all skill levels will be able to render a nice Blackhawk from this kit.

My sincere thanks to MRC for this review sample!