Introduction:

HH-60G Pave Hawk is a medium lift combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter built by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the US Air Force. The primary mission of the HH-60G is recovery of personnel from hostile regions. The helicopter additionally executes search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, security cooperation, counter drug activities, Nasa space shuttle support and rescue command and control missions.

Pave Hawks have regularly operated during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and continue to be operated in Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting Army and Marine Corps ground combat operations and standby search and rescue support for U.S. and Coalition fixed-wing combat aircraft supporting those ground operations.

Adapted from: https://www.airforce-technology.com

Review:

After reviewing HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot and door gunner figures from Live Resin (link), I was looking forward to building the SOF figures as well. This review covers HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crew set - SOF personnel carried in cargo door - figure 3 (LRM-35030), a figure designed for 1/35 scale Pave Hawk/Black Hawk kits from Kitty Hawk and Academy, but can also be used in various other settings.

The figure kit is packed in a hard cardboard box. The box features two CAD images, one showing the figure from different angles and the other displaying the figure sitting in the helicopter cargo door, stating the figure fits Kitty Hawk (KH50006) and Academy (2201 and 2217) models.

Opening the box reveals a zip-lock bag with resin pieces, additionally protected using bubble wrap. The amount of pieces is surprising for a 1/35 scale figure kit... with the total of 32 parts this kit follows the modular concept Live Resin is known for. Supplying each equipment piece separately, the concept offers the possibility of customizing the figure according to modeler’s own preference.

The kit contains:

- torso,
- legs,
- head,
- left arm,
- right arm,
- left boot,
- right boot,
- helmet,
- individual equipment (19x),
- weapon and accessories (5x).

The resin pieces look very impressive: perfectly cast and with sharp details superbly delivered in scale. Live Resin makes it look so easy, but casting some of these tiny parts is a remarkable accomplishment. The thin microphone boom is something modelers usually have to build from scratch using brass wire, but this kit includes one of those cast in resin. Absolutely amazing.

Removing the pieces from their carrier blocks and cleaning them is a long process. I used side cutters, a sharp X-acto blade and some fine grit sanding paper. I suggest being patient and careful, as many delicate pieces can easily snap if manhandled. Once cleaned, the pieces fit like a dream. Intelligent design with rectangular protrusions and indentations help in optimal positioning of main figure parts. There are no visible gaps between these pieces, but I did some minimal putty work just to be sure everything is perfect before painting. The equipment pieces are supplied as individual parts, which makes the figure assembly a bit complex but also provides an opportunity to build a custom gear setup. I used box art image as a template, but did not follow the box art rig setup to the letter. I also omitted several thin and delicate pieces from the assembly, opting to fix them after the painting is finished. The weapon is also assembled from multiple add-ons and accessories supplied as separate pieces in the kit, again following the Live Resin modular concept. I fitted the weapon to the figure’s right hand, dry fitted the arm to the torso and, after finding the optimal placement, fixed the right arm to finish the assembly.

The figure depicts US Special Forces operator sitting on the fast rope in the helicopter cargo bay, but the miniature can be used in a variety of different settings as well. The operator wears Patagonia Level 9 combat uniform with a wide assortment of ammo magazine, utility and radio pouches attached to his MBAV plate carrier and tactical belt. The figure is armed with Mk18 and has the weapon ready for any sign of hostile activity. Comparing the assembled figure with my references, I can confirm all the details of the uniform and equipment are delivered realistically and accurately.

As for fitting the figure to Pave Hawk/Black Hawk models, I can’t comment on this since I don’t have any of the specified kits in my stash. However, I don’t think there would be any problems in getting the figure into the cargo area, especially if using the Helicopter Fast Rope and Fast Rope mount frame for all UH60 helicopter models (LRE-35350) set available from Live Resin.

Conclusion:

HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crew set - SOF personnel carried in cargo door - figure 3 (LRM-35030) from Live Resin is another 1/35 scale masterpiece offered by the company. The cast is perfect and resin pieces fit really well. With 32 parts in the kit, the assembly is a bit complex, but I feel the realistic appearance of the finished figure is well worth the extra effort.

Together with the rest of the helo crew released under Live Resin label, the figure offers a perfect addition to Pave Hawk/Black Hawk 1/35 scale model kits.

Thanks to Live Resin for this review sample.