Academy 1/48 12136 Israeli MD 500 Defender Light Attack Helicopter Kit
Israeli MD 500 Defender Light Attack Helicopter.
The kit: New tooling. 5 grey sprues & 1 sprue with crystal clear window parts, photo-etch parts, paint masks. Markings for three Israel Air Force MD 500 Lahatut (Defender) 190 Squadron helicopters nos 212, 214, 221, Operation Peace for Galilee (First Lebanon War), 1982.
Lightweight multi-role military helicopter developed by McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems (now Boeing) as a militarised version of the MD 500/MD 530 “Little Bird” family, itself derived from the Vietnam-era OH-6 Cayuse. Introduced during the 1970s, the Defender typically carries a crew of two and is noted for its compact size, agility, high manoeuvrability, and ability to operate effectively in confined or urban environments. The distinctive bubble canopy provides excellent all-round visibility. Designed for reconnaissance, light attack, and counter-insurgency operations, the Defender can be equipped with a variety of weapon systems including machine guns, miniguns, rocket pods, grenade launchers, and anti-tank missiles such as the TOW. Fast for its class and relatively inexpensive to operate, the MD 500 has been widely adopted by military operators around the world for scouting, close air support, internal security, and light combat missions.