Academy/MRC 1/48
KV-107-II-5

Background

The KV-107 started life as Boeing Vertol Model 107. This was a twin-rotor, twin-engine design that first flew in April 1958. The US Army initially evaluated the aircraft and rejected the aircraft. The USMC adopted the 107 with larger engines and variants of what would become the Sea Knight are still in service today.

Japan was interested in the Model 107 for service in its Self Defense Forces. Kawasaki Heavy Industries acquired a license to manufacture the aircraft in Japan. The JMSDF acquired the KV-107-II-3 as a mine sweeper. The JGSDF selected the KV-107-II-4 as its assault and transportation helicopter. The JASDF adopted the KV-107-II-5 as its primary rescue helicopter.

The Kit

Like the CH-46E kit that preceded this release, the KV-107 kit is molded in light gray styrene and features finely scribed details on the exterior. Supplied on four trees, plus a single tree carrying the windscreen and canopy, the kit is beautifully detailed. The cargo compartment interior walls do have some visible ejector pin marks, though the majority of them are not viewable after assembly.

Construction begins with the rotor heads and as with the CH-46E kit, assembly is quick and straightforward. Next you'll need to drill out certain holes in the fuselage to facilitate installation of the towel-bar antennas and spotlights.

The interior cargo compartment is nicely done. You have choices to install troop seats, stretchers, or just leave it empty to haul cargo. A full set of stenciling is provided for the interior as well as the exterior to provide the requisite look of the aircraft. The designers did a nice job on this kit as there is a separate ceiling and floor for the cargo compartment, so you won't be seeing into the caverns of the rotor masts. Good show Academy!

Oh yes, after all of that detailing in the cargo compartment, there is also the cockpit which is also nicely represented, though the instrument panel as wel as upper and lower center consoles are represented as decals. While you won't be able to make too much of any superdetailing in the cockpit through the windscreen and side windows, this solution will suit most builders.

Of course, after spending so much time in the cargo compartment, you're probably wondering if it will be seen after completion. The side crew entry door is positionable open or closed. The rear ramp and door are also independently positionable so you can portray the aircraft loading or unloading on the ground, open in flight, or all buttoned up.

Markings are provided for two aircraft:

• KV-107-II-5, 04-4852, Hamamatsu Air Rescue Sqn, 2004 'White Heron' special paint scheme
• KV-107-II-5, 24-4832, Hamamatsu Air Rescue Sqn, normal paint scheme

Conclusion

This is the first time the KV-107 has been rendered in 1/48 scale and is just as nice as the CH-46 that preceded it. There are no challenging steps presented in the instructions, so I can recommend this kit to builders of all skill levels as long as this isn't one of the very first kits you've attempted.

Check out the build review of the CH-46E elsewhere on Cybermodeler!

My sincere thanks to MRC for this review sample!