Heli-Max
UH-60 Black Hawk
Military operations in your backyard! PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS SUSICKE & JENNIFER SUSICKE T
he Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is quite possibly the most recognizable military helicopter today, thanks to its many appearances in media, video games and cinema. It has proven itself to be incredibly reliable and versatile in its 30 plus years of service, so much so that it was chosen to be one of our Commander-in- chief’s steeds (Marine One). The Black Hawk has served honorably in many military con- flicts so far, most notably in the Middle East. Civilian versions of the Black Hawk (the S-70) are used in varied roles from border patrol and drug enforcement all the way to rescue operations. Needless to say Sikorsky Aircraft created a flying machine worthy of praise and admiration.
Heli-Max, who has gained a reputation for excellence in rotary-wing aircraft of all sizes, shapes and capabilities, decided that the Black Hawk deserved a place in their lineup. And not just some “sort of scale” in- terpretation; we’re talking an ultra-de- tailed, display quality model that flies! And not just that; it is fully 3D capable! Let’s take a close-up look at this unique model. After un-boxing the Black Hawk, I was initially surprised at how small the model is. At 1⁄43 scale, it is a mere 12.8 inches long (16.73 inches including the rotor blades). Next, I took in all of the detail the Black Hawk has to offer. As an occasional builder of plastic display models I was very im- pressed. Details include sliding doors, real
rubber tires, scale markings, and several antennas that are near human hair in diam- eter. Heli-Max’s Black Hawk also features three bright LED anti-collision lights and a scale 4-rotor head. Incredible considering this is a model roughly the size of a shoe. The mechanics of the Black Hawk are amazingly compact to say the least. Four servos, motor, ESC, TAGs (Triple Axis Gyro Stabilization) system, and the shaft and gear driven tail rotor all squeeze within the Black Hawk’s scale body. The whole nose of the Black Hawk, which is attached via mag- nets, pops off to reveal battery and receiver access.
In terms of flight preparation the Black Hawk is basically ready for deployment.
By Chris Susicke
This is everything you get with the transmitter-ready Heli-Max Black Hawk (above left). Note the included AC battery charger and foam “training tires”. The
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Black Hawk is a stunningly scale model right out of the box (above right) with loads of detail to take in. The scale four rotor head is Chris’s favorite part.
AUGUST 2013
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