ICM 160th SOAR Helicopters Set – 1/48 Scale
The ICM 160th SOAR Helicopters Set brings together three US Army special operations helicopters in 1/48 scale: the MH-60L Black Hawk, MH-6J Little Bird and AH-6J Little Bird. Representing aircraft operated by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, better known as the Night Stalkers, this plastic model kit features accurate helicopter geometry, alternative equipment configurations and decals covering the regiment’s operations, including Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia.
The three helicopters represent different roles within the regiment, from transporting special operations personnel to providing armed support. Each aircraft has its own distinctive design and equipment, giving the set considerable variety in a single modelling project.
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Established on 16 October 1981, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is a specialist US Army aviation unit based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Its primary role is supporting special operations forces during day and night missions, including operations in difficult weather conditions.
The regiment’s responsibilities include inserting and extracting special operations teams, providing close air support and conducting aerial reconnaissance. Its helicopters are configured to meet these demanding operational requirements.
One of the regiment’s best-known deployments was Operation Gothic Serpent, conducted in Somalia during October 1993. The operation involved the helicopter types represented in this set.
Three Helicopters Included
- MH-60L Black Hawk: Special operations helicopter equipped with weather radar and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, with an optional aerial refuelling system. The kit provides early and late configurations.
- MH-6J Little Bird: Light transport helicopter featuring a single main rotor, tail rotor, turboshaft engine and skid landing gear, used for transporting special operations personnel.
- AH-6J Little Bird: Light attack helicopter capable of carrying machine guns, unguided rockets and guided missiles for armed support missions.
Kit Features and Options
ICM includes several configuration choices that distinguish the individual aircraft and their operational equipment.
- Three complete helicopter subjects in 1/48 scale.
- MH-60L Black Hawk, MH-6J Little Bird and AH-6J Little Bird.
- Accurately reproduced helicopter geometry and proportions.
- Multiple antenna configurations.
- Early and late MH-60L Black Hawk configurations.
- Several armament options for the AH-6J Little Bird.
- Decal sheets featuring 160th SOAR markings.
- Marking options associated with Operation Gothic Serpent.
Armament and Marking Choices
The AH-6J Little Bird’s operational armament includes M134 Minigun or GAU-19 machine guns, Hydra 70 or FFAR unguided rockets, and AGM-114 Hellfire or TOW guided missiles. The kit provides several armament options for representing this light attack helicopter.
The supplied decals allow the helicopters to be finished with 160th SOAR markings, including those associated with the regiment’s 1993 Somalia deployment. Together, the three aircraft provide a coordinated 1/48 scale aircraft modelling subject centred on US Army special operations aviation.
