OH-58D Kiowa

Italeri

Reviewed by Glen Porter

Italeri's 1/72 scale OH-58D Kiowa will be available online from Squadron.com

The Bell OH-58D Kiowa is an uprated version of the original Kiowa from the Vietnam era, which itself was the military version of the civilian Bell Jet Ranger. This kit, like the 1/1 scale model, is also an uprated version of the original Italeri Kiowa but considering that Italeri is the best maker of 1/72 scale helicopter kits, that's not such a bad thing. The level of interior detail in this kit is equal to what we are just starting to see in 1/72 scale fixed wing aircraft but Italeri have been putting this in their helicopter kits for years. Sure, the model dose have raised panel markings but it's very cleanly done, not the wishy-washy stuff we've come to expect from some other manufacturer's older models.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

So what’s new? Well, the original was just an observation helicopter. This one can not only find the enemy but attack it also and is designed to work in conjunction with other attack helos and fixed wing aircraft.

The first thing you will notice is the four bladed rotor replacing the two bladed affair we've become used to on Bell helos. Then there's the above rotor sensors which allow it to identify an enemy without revealing itself plus a full compliment of armaments on either side of the fuselage. A very detailed rotor head and tail rotor and host of antennae complete this lovely little model.

The decal sheet, as is usual from Italeri these days, is nicely printed with good register but only covers one aircraft, so you can paint it any colour you want as long as it's US Army Olive Drab.

To sum up, this kit will build into excellent little model without the need for any extras or add-ons and should be suitable for those with limited experience and skills.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Italeri for the review sample