ICM Sikorsky CH-54A Tarhe with M-121 Bomb 1/72 Kit

Recreate a remarkable U.S. Army heavy-lift helicopter and its specialised payload with this detailed ICM CH-54A Tarhe and M-121 bomb 1/72 aircraft kit. Comprising 346 parts, the model combines an accurately structured airframe with a carefully rendered high-capacity bomb, creating a distinctive Vietnam War subject for an aircraft collection.

During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Army used the CH-54A Tarhe to deliver the massive M-121 bomb above dense jungle. The munition was detonated just above the canopy to open immediate landing zones for Army aviation. Carrying it required a dedicated mounting system fitted beneath the helicopter’s fuselage.

Distinctive M-121 Bomb Detail

The M-121 is represented with its extended nose-fuse probe and stowed parachute assembly. On the real weapon, the specialised parachute stabilised the bomb and slowed its descent. A long probe housed the fuse required for an airburst roughly one metre above the ground, while a small propeller at its tip spun during descent to arm the fuse before impact.

Operational delivery involved four precision passes over the target. Crews released smoke markers during the first three passes to assess wind conditions. The aft pilot acted as bombardier, tracking the smoke and providing steering corrections before the M-121 was released on the fourth pass. The helicopter then climbed steeply to escape the blast wave. The final operational M-121 drop took place on 8 August 1970.

Detailed 1/72 Scale Airframe

The CH-54A airframe features crisp recessed panel lines and accurate structural detail across its distinctive heavy-lift configuration. At 376 mm long and 271 mm wide when assembled, it offers substantial presence while retaining the convenient proportions of a 1/72 scale project.

• Detailed CH-54A Tarhe heavy-lift helicopter
• Specialised M-121 high-capacity bomb
• Extended nose-fuse probe and stowed parachute assembly
• 346 parts in total
• Completed model length: 376 mm
• Completed model width: 271 mm

Accurate Markings Included

A high-quality decal sheet provides accurate markings for both the CH-54A helicopter and the M-121 bomb, supporting a cohesive finished display. This unusual combination of aircraft and ordnance makes the kit an engaging choice for modellers exploring military aircraft, Vietnam War aviation or detailed kits from ICM.