The Sikorsky S-55 was the first rotor craft to be operated by the Indian Air force. The first IAF helicopter Unit, 104 Hu received the first of six examples in April 54 followed by two C versions in mid April 57. The aircraft were used for typical tasks such as flood relief, casevac and operationally in the east. Two S-55s were loaned to the Indian Navy (IZ 480 and IZ 650, shown here) for plane guard duties aboard INS Vikrant, IZ 648 being lost in the Cochin channel in early 1964. the helicopter was finally phased out in 1966 and replaced by the more capable and powerful MI-4.
This is the impeccable Italeri kit with beautifully engraved lines. However, I had to modify the tail fins to droop downwards as in the IAF versions. The ac was painted overall silver and the cockpit eyebrow windows tinted with craft glass stains. The decals are bright spark and the serials from the spares box.
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