Zotz Decals 1/32
Mi-25 Hind Latinoamericanos

Zotz has done it again. They've produced some colorful Latin American Mi-25 Hind markings in 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 scales. The last being noteworthy for the Trumpter Mi-24 kit.

The Mi-25 is an export version of the Mi-24 Hind D which incorporates some of the improvements added to the Hind E, including the engine particle separator filters, infrared countermeasures, and chaff/flare launchers. Some of these features were retro-fitted to the Hind D as well. Unlike the Hind E, the Mi-25 retains the AT-2 anti-tank guided missiles and launchers of the Hind D (and earlier variants).

This decal set provides markings for five aircraft:

• Mi-25, 659, Peruvian Air Force (FAP)
• Mi-25, 695, Peruvian Air Force (FAP)
• Mi-25, 12, 361 Sqn/36 Regt, Cuban Air Force (FAC)
• Mi-25, 359, Nicaraguan Air Force (FAS)
• Mi-25, 391, Nicaraguan Air Force (FAS)

The first sheet of decals contain the bulk of the national and distinctive markings. The second sheet provides the bort numbers for 695, the Hind that was shot down in action (see the background information in the instructions for more information), and three sets of tail rotor warnings for the tail boom, in Russian, Spanish and English.

There are some interesting color choices with these decals. The shark-mouthed Peruvian Hind is two-toned tan/brown. The Sandinistas of Nicaragua are tan/brown or tan/green. The Cubans win the most unusual color camouflage combo with their green/blue. I'll stick with the sharkmouthed machine myself...

This set is highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Zotz for this review sample!