SH-2G “Super Seasprite”

Kitty Hawk, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner Jr.

Kitty Hawk's 1/48 scale Super Seasprite is available online from Squadron.com
 

Before I begin the review I must say that I ‘work’ with Kitty Hawk.  I’m responsible for their helicopter range of products.  The Seasprite was not one I worked on, but you will see the Werner’s Wings product label on the boxtop.  So with that in mind let’s get to the review

The Super Seasprite is the final variant of the Seasprite helicopter which dated back to Vietnam.  The original plan was to phase out the Seasprite and replace them with the MH-60.  But there was a problem, the MH-60 couldn’t physically fit on the smaller frigates.  The Seasprite would have to sailor on.  The F model was upgraded to the G model.  Bigger engines and transmission were the upgraded as was the mission equipment in the back.  The SH-2G was also sold overseas primarily to New Zealand and more recently to Egypt and Poland.

The previous release from Kitty Hawk on the SH-2F was found to have the wrong forward cowling.  Cobra Company fixed that issue with a correction set.  It was also criticized for lacking mission equipment in the back.  Having the bench seat used for personnel transport.  Again Cobra Company had a set for that.  Would that be the issue this time?  Let’s see what’s in the box.

Before you begin remember that the tolerances are quite tight.  Remove all the sprue stubs.  Test fit before committing to glue.  I recommend that you follow the instructions for the assembly sequence.  It may prevent some issues during assembly.

The box top has a beautiful rendering of a SH-2G from the HSL-94 Willow.  Inside the top opening cardboard box contains six sprues and two fuselage halves of light grey plastic that is free from flash and no short shot parts. 

Kitty Hawk recently changed the metal cutter for their plastic so this should prevent the problems that have plagued previous releases.  The plastic is different than previous releases and not as soft plastic that Kitty Hawk has used in the past.  Sprue A is different from the previous release.  This new sprue includes new rear seats, sonar station, engine sponsons and new sliding cargo door.  A sprue of clear plastic is included. 

All the sprues are wrapped individually. 

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Thumbnail panels:

A fret of photo etch is included for the screens and other various options.  This fret is different from the previous release to include the seatbelts for the new rear seats. 

There are two sheets of decals in full color. 

There are decals for the US Navy, Poland, Egypt and New Zealand.  The Polish dragon is impressive and quite colorful.  The instructions are printed in book format.  They are quite extensive.  You will have to be careful of what version you are making to include the right parts.

The parts breakdown is quite extensive.  The interior is the typical starting point.  The first thing you will notice is that there is a sonar operators station included so there is no need for any aftermarket sets here now.  Kitty Hawk listened to the criticism. 

After that it is just a matter of putting the fuselage together.  The fit of the fuselage is very nice as can be seen in their packaging together.  The nose can get a bit confusing so check the drawings to be sure which nose you are going to use. 

The new engine and upper cowling assembly are made up of a few parts so be careful during assembly. 

Armament options include Maverick missiles, Torpedoes, sonar dipping bouy,and external fuel tanks so there are plenty of options when it comes to adding armament.  You’ll have to pick what you want to put on your helicopter to build up the proper stub wings. 

The color callouts are for the Gunze but they also give out the FS number so you can use whatever paint you’d like. 

If you like your helicopters this kit is right up your alley.  Kitty Hawk has listened and answered the critics, by addressing the soft plastic and the short shot parts.  This version of the Super Seasprite features a complete interior and the new engine pods.  Sure the parts breakdown is still intensive but that means they can do multiple variants from one mold.  Is that for everybody?  No, but if you take your time and remove all the sprue stub this kit will fit like a champ.  There are lots of little parts hanging off of this helicopter, which is typical of helicopters.  Kitty Hawk has been going from strength to strength. I can’t wait for their future releases in helicopters and airplanes.  

Highly recommended

Thanks to Kitty Hawk for the review copy. 
You can obtain your copy at your local hobby shop or online retailer.  

Review Text Copyright © 2015 by Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Page Created 19 December, 2016
Last updated 19 December, 2016

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