Beyond The Sprues
Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: b29r on July 29, 2016, 06:05:00 AM
-
Just when it seemed the Rotodyne concept was doomed to failure, the USAF expressed interest in having a medium lift helicopter to be available for supporting the DEW line. Noise issues were of no concern, particularly in light of the mission, and the tremendous capabilities that the Rotodyne offered.
So it was that Sikorsky entered into a joint venture arrangement with Westland to produce the Falcon under license. The aircraft had a number of modifications to the original design, which included more powerful engines, airframe strengthening, advanced avionics, and other mission requirements. The aircraft was designated CH-140, and named the Falcon, although crews nicknamed it " Ol' Thunder Britches". Sikorsky tried to market the aircraft to civil operators in the US, but without success.
This particular machine is a CH-140A, and was assigned to the 611th Air Support Group, supporting stations of the Olitok Long Range Radar Range in Alaska. In all, 201 aircraft were built, which included 13 service test machines. The Falcon enjoyed a long career, with the last aircraft retired in 1985. The type had an enviable service record, with no fatalities recorded, and only three forced landings, all weather related. A restored airframe is currently on display at the SAC museum in Bellevue, Nebraska.
(http://i1344.photobucket.com/albums/p652/ckchisholm/0726162257_zpsxihg6mzh.jpg) (http://s1344.photobucket.com/user/ckchisholm/media/0726162257_zpsxihg6mzh.jpg.html)
(http://i1344.photobucket.com/albums/p652/ckchisholm/0726162254_zpsozocchdg.jpg) (http://s1344.photobucket.com/user/ckchisholm/media/0726162254_zpsozocchdg.jpg.html)
(http://i1344.photobucket.com/albums/p652/ckchisholm/0726162244_zpsleh4muws.jpg) (http://s1344.photobucket.com/user/ckchisholm/media/0726162244_zpsleh4muws.jpg.html)
This is of course the old Airfix Rotodyne, and it seemed to me that it needed a more noble ending than the one it did receive. Not perfect by any means, but fun. Haven't posted in ages, so please forgive me.
Best regards,
Kem
-
Wow! That is one nice Rotodyne!
***edit for spelling - blaming it on my smart phone keyboard jjf
-
What a superb bit of Whiffery!!! 8) 8) Great modelling too, well done!!! :) :)
-
Glad to see you back! Nice work on the Rotodyne/Falcon.
-
Absolutely gorgeous!!
-
Well, would you look at that! Gorgeous work!
-
I have a Rotodyne in the stash and I know it won't look as good as yours.
Bravo Zulu.
-
Congratulations!
-
Soooooooo cool! Really great markings.I think this aircraft has such a great look, you can't go wrong
-
Yes indeed, great markings, great RW look. Fits description and mission well. :)
Interesting that you saw this kind of build for Rotodyne kit.
-
For me, the red panels just make it all sing!
Well done!
Brian da Basher
-
Very nice
-
Indeed ... and great backstory too :)
-
Truly cool, and well built. For the use, it's entirely plausible and does something nothing else at the time could do.
-
Thank you all for your kind remarks. I have been away from the site far too long, and plan to annoy everyone as much as possible now ;) Have a couple of candidates in final assembly that will prove my point soon!
Big G : I seriously doubt that, drag it out sometime, it's kinda fun if clunky
Finsrin: This build was inspired by other Rotodyne WIFs, so nothing new, but the DEW idea jumped in my head . . . somehow :D
Best regards, and good modeling,
Kem
-
x