Whilst i was sorting out my attic, i came across my die-cast IXO/Altaya Ka-52. I was wondering where it was. It`s been that long since i saw it, i`d forgotten i`d already started to convert it into the later version of the helicopter. Soviet/Russian contra rotating rotor helicopters have always fascinated me since the 70`s. My favourite Soviet era helicopter being the Kamov Ka-25 `Hormone`.
I always wondered why other countries didn`t develop the same system, negating the need of a anti-torque(tail) rotor. The American Kaman HH-43 Huskie being the exception.
Let`s face it. The IXO Diecast model is very basic, but can be improved no end.
The original model (Yellow 061)is the early rendition, with the radome/nose cut in half with the TADS sensor on top behind the canopy, and with the `round cheese` sensor installed in the bottom part of the radome.
Below
The late, current version has a `full`radome with the TADS sensor placed under the nose, forward of the NLG.
Below.
The version i am going to do is the mid production version, (also Yellow 061) with the full radome, and the TADS sensor installed on top behind the canopy. There`s also a small rotary ball sensor on the left hand side of the front fuselage which i`ll have to make.
Below.
Attachment 381562
I`ll borrow the heat deflectors and weapons fit from a plastic Ka-50 Shark, and make the rectangular array on the port wing stub out of block plastic. I`d apparently(i really can`t remember, it`s been that long) already filled the radome with filler, so just needs finishing off.
The hardest thing, well not really, is to file the fuselage where the rotary sensor is attached. I`ll make the small ball sensor out of a small plastic jewellery bead. The anti dazzle black panel, forward of the canopy also needs to be re-done correctly, covering a wider area.
I`ll work on this whilst i`m waiting for the paint to dry on the IAF Foxbats.
If it doesn`t work out, i`ll take a hammer to it..
Attachment 381562