09/12/2024
Hello, fellows.
While another big project is in the casting stage, I’d like to introduce our new decals of the Ukrainian Naval Forces for the Westland Sea King HAS.5 from Airfix in 48th scale. As you may know, the UK supplied some of these helicopters to Ukraine. For understandable reasons, I can’t provide exact affiliation details, but the decal set includes three different marking options.
Option 1:
This scheme represents the helicopter’s appearance when it was transferred to Ukraine, with the registration number UR-H034, as photographed at Antwerp Airport. It’s a minimalist design.
Option 2:
A standard Ukrainian Navy paint scheme featuring two sets of SQI (Stripes for Quick Identification). These include white stripes on the tail boom and Ukrainian flag colors on the nose and wheel fairing.
Option 3:
Another standard scheme, but with unique artwork on the right side. Personally, this is my favorite, and I’ll definitely build a kit using this option.
Let me speak on some additional decal elements:
These decals can be used independently from the kit’s original sheet. Don’t worry—we’ve included dashboard elements in two versions.
We’ve also added a complete set of seatbelts for troops, engineers, and pilots. You can use these on other Sea King variants as well.
One distinctive feature of the HAS.5 is the air intake filters above the pilots’ cabin. After studying reference photos, I added detailed metallic rivets and a full grid with a frame, rivets, and stencil markings. Just transfer these elements onto the model, no complicated assembly required!
Element 16L is designed separately for an open door configuration. If you don’t need it, simply fit the door part as usual.
I recently clarified the purpose of the element numbered 10 and included it as well.
Black contours around the first side windows simulate rubber seals.
Since the Airfix decal didn’t include the “attention text” for the radome elements, I’ve added two options (e.g., n18a+b ).
Most other elements, such as main and tail rotor blade markings and stencils, are identical to those found in the kit’s original decals.
Availability:
This decal set will be released in both 1/48 and 1/72 scales. Although Airfix hasn’t released a HAS.5 in 1/72 scale yet, you can use the Revell HAS.6 kit. The HAS.6 is also an anti-submarine version with some upgraded avionics and sonar equipment, but visually it’s very similar.
I hope these decals enhance your modeling experience and bring you enjoyment as you work on your Sea King project.