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OH-58D Kiowa
LM1015C
The Kiowa is a conversion kit only. It is designed to fit Vario's Bell 206 Jet Ranger, kit #1004 and includes
the fiberglass components that are different for the Kiowa. The Kiowa pictured here was Len's that was converted for turbine mechanics, hence the
larger circular cutouts.
The missiles, missile mounts and mast mounted radar dome are not included and were scratch built by Len Mount. |
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| LM1015C OH-58D Kiowa Scale Fuselage Conversion $605.00 |
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Bell helicopter won the contract to build the Kiowa for the US Army in 1981 under its AHIP (Army Helicopter
Improvement Program) that was based on the Bell 406. This new improved version, designated OH-58D included much more powerful engines, an MMS (Mast Mounted Sight) with
TV and FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red), upgraded navigation, cockpit displays and armament capability for two Stinger missiles on each side mount.
The MMS (mast mounted sight) that Len scratch built for the Kiowa and the Apache is an extreme example of how much scale detailing can be added. It is
not recommend for builders in the novice or intermediate levels. Like many scale models, static scale details are fairly easy to add to the surface of the
fiberglass, however once you choose to add details that now cover rotating components you have to be extra vigilant in the design and construction of the
components. If you are comfortable in designing, manufacturing and heat treating your own new hollow mainshaft then this might be an interesing challenge
for you. Keep in mind that we do not endorse or recommend engineering changes that can result in component failures.
An early experiement I tried many years
ago was to have longer solid main shaft manufactured for my UH-1N Huey. Here is the result: the
challenges of heat treating and why I now buy my main shafts. I was very lucky it failed close to the ground and the damage was repairable, it would have
been a very different situation at anything above 10 feet off the ground. |
Features:
• High quality fiberglass components manufactured using Epoxy resin.
• Pilot doors and main cabin doors can openable with additional hinge hardware.
• Detailed panel lines that describe scale features on each component.
• Dry transfer decal sheet.
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Vario #1004
Fuselage Specifications:
Length: 67" [170cm]
Width: 9 1/2" [24cm]
Flying Weight Gasoline: 19lbs
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