¹⁄72

Italeri are to release 1/72 versions of the Lockheed AC-130 Spectre gunship and the rather interestingly shaped H-21 'Flying Banana' helicopter. There are three marking options with the Spectre and four very colourful, verging on garish for the H-21. I cant wait to see the H-21.

The Lockheed AC-130 Spectre is an armed tactical support version of the C-130 Hercules. The AC-130 initially replaced AC-47 and AC-119 in the supporting role during the war in Vietnam. USAF used the AC-130 for close support, area interdiction and force protection. Close air support roles include supporting ground troops, escorting convoys, and flying urban operations. Air interdiction missions are conducted against planned targets and targets of opportunity, whereas force protection missions include defending air bases and other facilities. The AC-130 Gunship arrived in South Vietnam on 21 September 1967 and began combat operations that same year. After the conflict in Vietnam, the U.S. Air Force designed a new range of these aircrafts basing on the C-130 H version, equipped with far more powerful engines, with four-blade propellers and upgraded versions of the navigation and night vision. The AC-130H called “Spectre” were used in all the conflicts involving the U.S. Force of the last decade and, after further upgrades, they
are still used in the conflict in Afghanistan.
Decals for 3 versions.
Ref no: 1310

The H-21 cargo helicopter with tandem rotors was designed for the U.S. Army during the Fifties. It can be considered to be the first real reliable helicopter of its category notwithstanding the limits of its piston engines. The H-21 was also purchased by the French Navy which used it during the Algerian war for transport and attack missions. At the same time the West German and Canadian Armies acquired the choppers for supply and support roles. The U.S. Army used the H-21 in substantial numbers during the initial phase of the Vietnam war.
Decals for 4 versions
Ref no: 1315

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