De Agostini Combat Helicopters CH41
Sikorsky UH-34D Seahorse Diecast Model
USMC HMM-163 Ridge Runners, YP20, Phu Bai AB, South Vietnam, 1966 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Sikorsky UH-34D Seahorse | | 11" | | 9.25" |
In late October 1965, HMM-163 relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Captain Al Barbes, the Squadron Intelligence Officer and husband to a Filipina bride, offered a suggestion. Because of Asian culture and beliefs, he proposed that eyes painted on the unit aircraft might have an unsettling effect upon the enemy, thus the concept of "The Eyes" on the front of HMM-163 aircraft was born.
On 1 January 1966, HMM-163 flew to Phu Bai Combat Base, South Vietnam, relieved HMM-161, and took over all their H-34 helicopters. Painting of what were then called "Genie Eyes" (after the I Dream of Jeannie TV show) began immediately. By March 1966, HMM-163's "Genie Eyes" were being called "Evil Eyes" by the ground units supported.
Designed by Sikorsky as a US Navy anti-submarine military helicopter, the CH-34 Choctaw first flew on March 8, 1954. This prolific aircraft saw action in Vietnam and is one of history's most successful helicopters, flown on every continent with the armed forces of 25 nations. It has served in an anti-submarine role, as VIP transport, for troop and utility transport and as a search and rescue vehicle. Under various designations, Choctaws have been operated by the US Marine Corps, the US Navy, the US Army and the coast guard. The type also served with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as the turbine-engined Wessex. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The De Agostini "Combat Helicopters" range presents affordable, ready made diecast models of helicopters. To help keep the price down, these items arrive in low-cost, discardable blister type packaging.
De Agostini "Combat Helicopters" diecast helicopters feature:
- Diecast metal and plastic construction.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Rotating rotor blades.
- Permanently extended landing gear.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
