The newest version of Airfix's 1:48 scale Westland Sea King 2023 tooling brings notable improvements absent from the initial release.

These enhancements include folding rotor blades and tail, an undercarriage without sponsons specific to the HC.4 variant, and updated interior components featuring a lengthened cabin and additional seating.

The model provides options for open or closed doors, a GPMG machine gun mount, refined cockpit details, and additional antenna and countermeasures parts tailored for the HC.4's operational role, with 289 pieces to assemble a model with a 397mm wingspan.

History

The HC.4 version of the Westland Sea King was a specialised variant used by the Royal Navy as a Commando troop transport and resupply helicopter, replacing the Wessex HU.5 helicopters. It was developed alongside similar models for the Egyptian and Qatari Air Forces. A total of 42 helicopters were constructed in this configuration, designed to be close to action areas.

Throughout its 36-year service, the Junglie, as it was affectionately called, was deployed to various global conflict zones, demonstrating its capabilities from the Falklands War to the UK's operations in Afghanistan.

ZA298, known as 'King of the Junglies', was the longest-serving Sea King HC.4, participating in conflicts in the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq, and most recently, Afghanistan over a span of more than 30 years.

Key Features

• Folding rotor blades and tail for realistic storage configuration
• Undercarriage without sponsons specific to HC.4 variant
• Updated interior components with lengthened cabin and extra seats
• Open or closed door options to personalise your model
• Includes GPMG machine gun mount
• Enhanced cockpit detail parts for greater authenticity
• Additional antenna and countermeasures parts for the HC.4's operational role
• 289 pieces to construct this striking 1:48 scale model