Airfix 1/72 Westland Sea King HC.4 Plastic Model Kit

Well-suited for amphibious warfare and the tactical insertion of ground troops, the 'Commando' was an important variant of the Sea King. It was initially proposed as a tactical transport for the Egyptian Air Force, for which the amphibious capability of earlier Sea Kings was not required, and so the side floats were deleted. With folding rotors and tail, the Commando entered service with the Royal Navy as the Sea King HC.4. It was eventually provided with radar-warning and infrared jamming devices, and could also deploy M130/M147 flares as counter-measures. Besides troops, it could also carry underslung loads of up to 2.5 tonnes. 

Increased range and a 28-troop capacity made it ideal as an amphibious transport aircraft, and the HC.4 saw operational service in the Falklands, Balkans, Gulf, Lebanon and Afghanistan conflicts. It was often deployed to evacuate wounded personnel and refugees, as well as preparing for and supporting ground advances. It was due to be retired from UK Forces service in March 2016.

This detailed 1:72 scale replica of the Westland Sea King HC.4 'Commando' includes 133 plastic components, providing an engaging project for intermediate modellers. Tailored for amphibious missions and tactical troop deployment, this variant omits the side floats of earlier Sea King models, making it perfect for land operations while maintaining folding rotors and tail for naval use.

Key Features

• 1:72 scale model with 133 plastic parts
• Skill level 2 -
• Two authentic paint schemes included
• Folding rotors and tail mechanism can be modelled
• Detailed cockpit and troop compartment interior
• Option to display radar-warning and infrared jamming devices
• Decals for Falklands, Gulf and Afghanistan operational service

History

The 'Commando' variant of the Sea King was specifically designed for amphibious warfare and tactical troop deployment. Initially suggested as a tactical transport for the Egyptian Air Force, it did not require the amphibious features of previous Sea Kings, leading to the removal of side floats. Featuring folding rotors and tail, the Commando was introduced into the Royal Navy as the Sea King HC.4. It was later equipped with radar-warning and infrared jamming systems and could release M130/M147 flares as countermeasures. In addition to transporting troops, it could carry underslung loads up to 2.5 tonnes.

With an extended range and capacity to carry 28 troops, it was perfect for amphibious transport duties. The HC.4 was actively used in conflicts in the Falklands, Balkans, Gulf, Lebanon, and Afghanistan. It frequently undertook missions to evacuate injured personnel and refugees, as well as supporting and preparing for ground operations. It was scheduled for retirement from UK Forces service in March 2016.

The Westland Sea King is a product of Leonardo UK Ltd and all rights in it, including its name, are hereby reserved. The models have been produced with the permission and assistance of Leonardo MW Ltd.

Key Specifications

• Finish: Plastic
• Skill Level: 2

Full Specifications