It's been a while since I posted in the AC section hehehe....

Ok for some questions:

1. What's a good OOB Hind (D model preferred) in 1/48 scale? I found a Revell one in my LHS and it looks nice.
2. What's the difference between the D and E model of the Hind? The 1/35 Trump Hind E looks nice and I want to convert it to a D model if few mods were needed.
3. Lastly, which 1/35 Blackhawk (any variant) is better? The Italeri or the Academy?

Taken and modified from GlobalSecurity.org:

The Hind D fuselage features nose modification with tandem bubble canopies, and a chin-mounted turret. Mi24D (Hind-D) is significantly re-designed version of the Mi-24A. This was the Hind's first use of the tandem, bubble canopy - as opposed to the single canopy in the Hind-A. An undernose turret contains a four-barrel 12.7 mm 9A624 machine gun. Optional weaponry is mounted on four underwing pylons. It can consist of 4 UB-32 pods (with 32 57 mm S-5 rockets each), 4 x 100 or 250 kg bombs, or 2 x 500 kg bombs, or the same number of napalm dispensers. An air-to-surface launching system for four 122 mm rockets can also be used. On wingtips there are tube-launchers for two pairs of 9M17P anti-tank missiles (Falanga system).

Mi-24V (Hind-E) an improved version of the Hind-D. The major change consists in the upgraded and more efficient SHTURM - V missile system with 9M114 (AT-6 Spiral) radio-guided anti-tank missiles launched from two pairs of cylindrical pods mounted on wingtips. Also added were B-8V rocket pods for 20x 80 mm S-8 rockets, UPK-23-250 pods with two-barrel Gsh-23L cannons and 250 rounds, GUV9A universal pods which can carry a 30 mm 9-A-800 automatic grenade launcher, or one 12.7 mm 9-A-624 four-barrel machine gun and two four-barrel 7.62 mm 9-A-622 machine guns. It was equipped with TV3-117V engines with improved height characteristics and optional exhaust mixer boxes to cool exhaust gasses, and auxiliary fuel tanks with a capacity of 450 litres.


As for the Blackhawks, everything I have seen points me to the Academy version.

Jeff

Revell/Monogram (same kit, just reboxed) is the only 1/48 Hind D out there. It is a good kit and was considered the best Hind model until the new Trumpeter 1/35 version.

Basically the Hind D/E issue is covered above. The D and E models are the same in fusalage, controls, etc. The changes are in avionics and fire control and updated engine components.

The Italeri and Academy UH-60A/L are both the same kit. Italeri just a licensed rebox of the Academy kit. Only difference is decals. It has decal options for 3 different versions, Israeli Air Force '99, US Army Somalia '92, US Army (101st ABN) Bosnia 2001.

Yes the Monogram kit is the Hind D variant. If you want to upgrade it to the Hind E variant, Cobra Company makes a nice resin conversion set for it, new cockpit, new bits for the nose of the helo as well as the twin 23mm guns for the side.

He also has 4 different resin weapons sets to load out the Hind....so lots to choose from. Prices are pretty reasonable as well.

To my knowledge, gained from multiple sources, the starboard (right) 23mm fixed twin-barrel cannon was introduced on the Hind-F not the Hind-E. The Hind-F, besides the changed gun, is an upgraded Hind-E with even better avionics and weapon options. I think it has a new engine.

Jeff