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The UES is one of the latest modifications to the UH-60 series of aircraft that is being added after lessons learned in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The older Hover InfraRed Suppression System (HIRSS) exhaust was found to be less than effective against the latest versions of heat-seeking missiles. The UES is designed to reduce the aircraft’s infrared signature by dispersing the hot exhaust gases through a grid of metal plates to cool it, then directing it up and into the rotor disk to be further dispersed.

the resin set

This set differs from their basic UES set (35035) in that the exhaust openings have been molded hollow to allow the builder to add the exhaust baffles inside them. The openings are very nicely hollowed out and have a slightly wavy finish just like the actual thin metal of the real items. There are also very detailed pictures of the inner baffles to allow them to be built accurately. Additionally, the APU exhaust opening has been repositioned on the left side piece, into the correct location, further forward on the fuselage.

Cobra Company provides two large castings to convert the HIRSS on the kit into the UES. They are single castings for each side and look great. They are cast in smooth grey resin with no flash and require very little cleanup. They are easily removed from the pour blocks with a razor saw and then sanded to fit. The instructions provide clear pictures that show where on the Academy fuselage to cut and how to place the new pieces into position. All the cuts are made along existing panel lines that are easy to follow. The instructions also show what pieces from the kit that are to be retained and added to the resin pieces to complete the assembly.

conclusion

Overall, this is a great set that will update the Academy kit nicely and provide the builder with a bit more detail to add if desired. With this set, you can make an up to date UH-60L by simply adding it to the Academy kit. Also, with this set and the Cobra Company UH-60M set, you can make a representation of one of the most up to date Black Hawks in service at this time. Cobra Company has another great set that will be very useful and is easy to use. I highly recommend this set.

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