EC 635 Eurocopter by Revell-Germany
1/72 scale
Kit No. 4647
Cost: $12.99
Decals: One version – Swiss Air Force
Comments: Engraved panel lines; detailed cockpit and cabin; option for transport or search & rescue versions
History
The EC 635 – Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is the military version of the EC 135. It is built by the EUROCOPTER Group, a joint venture between AEROSPATIALE of France and Daimler Aerospace (DASA) of Germany. The EC 635 is a light-weight twin-engined, eight seats multi – role helicopter with wide use of composite material and crashworthy designed seats and fuel system. New generation high set main rotor and shrouded tail rotor systems (Fenestron type) provide low noise and safe operation. High operational efficiency, adverse weather day / night operations, high performance with power reserve and an advanced maintenance concept are among the key features of the EC 635.
The military EC 635 is offered with two powerplant options. The FADEC controlled Turbomeca Arrius 2B1 or the Pratt & Whitney 206B engines provide fast cruising speed and long range. As a multi-role aircraft, the EC 635 is suited for military and paramilitary operations as utility, training, troop transport, reconnaissance and search & rescue. The helicopter’s cabin is accessible through side sliding doors and two large rear clam-shell doors, is particularly suited for disaster relief missions and humanitarian aid.
The EC 635 is a powerful lightweight twin-engine army helicopter designed for air-to-air combat and ground support. It is also used as a utility helicopter and for training, search and rescue and combat search and rescue. The helicopter is an armour-protected and armed version of the proven federal and civil EC 135 helicopter, of which more than 300 have been ordered. The first EC 635 order of nine was delivered to the Royal Jordanian Air Force in July 2003. In April 2006, Switzerland ordered 20 EC 635 helicopters for utility and advanced training missions. RUAG Aerospace is license-building 16 of the helicopters. Eurocopter delivered the first in March 2008, RUAG the third in August 2008. The deliveries were completed in December 2009.
Design
The helicopter incorporates Eurocopter’s low-noise patented Fenestron tail rotor. The array of ten blades in the Fenestron is arranged asymmetrically and is spaced at different intervals, which substantially reduces the helicopter noise. The four-bladed, bearing less, main rotor system is made of fibre-reinforced composite and the bearing less main rotor and Fenestron tail rotor give a high level of manoeuvrability coupled with a very low noise signature.
Features and Weapons Systems
The helicopter is equipped with a Thales Avionics and SFIM Meghas glass cockpit, an air data computer, an SFIM automatic flight control system and a global positioning system. A colour weather radar can be fitted. Secure voice and data communications systems are installed according to the customer country’s requirements. The helicopter can carry a full range of electronic warfare and weapon systems, including air-to-air missiles, rocket launchers, internally mounted guns and an external gun pod. Options include chaff and flare launchers, missile launch detection systems and night vision compatible cockpit lighting.
Performance
The EC 635 has a maximum speed of 259km/h (160 mph) and a range with standard fuel tanks of 620km (385.25 miles). Range can be increased to 880km (546.8 miles) with long-range fuel tanks. The helicopter can climb at 457m/min (1499 feet/minute) to a height of up to 3,050m (10,006 feet). Maximum take-off weight is 2,835kg (6,250 lbs.)
Eurocopter provides EC operators 635 with a choice of two engines, both equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). The FADEC system provides enhanced performance, engine protection and power plant monitoring. The engine for the EC 635 T1 is the Turbomeca Arrius 2B2, rated at 417kW (558 hp) of continuous power, while the EC 635 P1 is fitted with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2, rated at 419kW(561 hp) continuous power.
The Kit
Revell-Germany’s EC 635 is injection molded in grey plastic and consists of 115 parts, including 5 clear plastic parts for the bubble canopy. The cockpit includes nicely detailed seats as well as a dual set of controls and rudder pedals. A nose weight is strongly recommended for the area beneath the broad instrument panel hood, which is assembled at Step 5.
Depending on how you configure the kit, as a transport or as a rescue helicopter, it will be necessary to drill holes in the cabin floor, all of which are clearly marked in Step 1. Should you opt for the rescue helicopter, you will have three extra seats for your spares box. There is a detailed main rotor assembly, and a separate part for the boom and tail section, which will require putty and sanding to conceal the join seam. Next come the separate parts for the skids, antennae, handholds and other small bits, as well as the seven-part final rotor assembly. A paint guide is provided at each stage of construction in the form of the familiar Revell flag system.
Markings
The markings are high quality, printed in Italy for Revell GmbH, and are provided for a single machine of the Swiss Air Force, bearing a camouflage paint scheme. For the EC 135, Revell’s paint scheme calls for paint-mixing, and if you are not a fan of this practice you will need to eyeball the somewhat washed out colors displayed on the box art pretty closely to find the best approximation you can. That said, the camouflage scheme consists of three colors: The first is a mix of NATO Matt Olive ((70%), Matt Yellow (20%), and Matt Olive Brown/Khakibraun (10%). The second color is simply Matt Anthracite Grey; the third is a mix of Medium Grey/Mittelgrau (80%) and Matt Light Olive (20%).
Conclusion
Overall, a nicely detailed kit of a military version of the Eurocopter. Highly recommended.
References
- www.airforce-technology.com
- fas.org