Introduction:

The minigun… a prized high-firepower weapon used by the United States armed forces. The outpouring of bullets may seem like a waste of ammunition; however, the bracketing of the target with a minigun’s “Cone of fire” allows for more hits-per-shot than a single-barrel machine gun, thus effectively saturating a target with projectiles to ensure that some hit. According to the manufacturer, “The Dillon Aero™ M134D is one of the most reliable weapons in the world, given its capacity, simplicity in loading, and ease of maintenance. Designed for speed and accuracy, the M134D is a true force multiplier. The rapidity of shooting is of the utmost importance: only guns as rapid as the M134D can achieve the extreme shot density needed to suppress multiple targets in compressed periods of time. Additionally, the M134D is virtually free of recoil. When properly mounted, it moves slightly aft with the first shot, without any tendency to pitch or yaw. This stability is vital, in that it significantly assists in the aiming on and retention of a target. High rates of fire, extremely dense shot grouping, and high weapon stability demonstrate the perfect pairing of swiftness and precision.

“Features:
- Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO with available magazines in up to 4,000 round capacities
- Fixed firing rates of 3,000 rounds per minute (50 rounds per second)
- Averages an impressive 30,000 rounds between stoppages
- 1/50th of a second between each shot = four rounds fired from the M134D in the time it takes to fire a single round from an M240
- Four-fold reduction in the amount of time needed for gunner to see his hits and adjust aim, leading to an average of nine times more hits” 1

Parts:

Cast in light gray resin, the Legend Productions’ Dillion Aero™ minigun actually resembles a miniaturized version of the real weapon. The parts are well detailed, cast, and seem devoid of flaws, runs, sinkholes, and warping, a high quality characteristic found with most Legend Productions kits using 3D rendering.

There are many small and fragile parts with many of the smallest parts being optional/unnecessary. Mounting accessories include two red-dot holographic lens scopes and a thin telescopic scope. A Surefire spotlight is also included.

The minigun’s body comes in four main parts to represent the drive motors and linked belt feeding mechanisms. Two six barrel options are included: one longer than the other with a flash suppressor can at the end, the other without, having the six barrels protrude outwards. The delineation of the thin barrels truly looks amazing with each barrel straight and parallel to the other.

The kit includes the ammo chute broken down into four feed belts, two being flexible metal linkages, and one covered in fabric with nice surface details of the segmented bullets. Assembled together, the feed chute should provide a fixed distance from the box to the minigun. A serrated hose part allows for expendable shells to be cast downward from the firing mechanism. Legend appears to have provided all the necessary parts to represent an accurate depiction of a fully functional weapon.

The minigun essentially mounts on a rightside swingarm that attaches to a pole mount with attachment base. I doubt that the minigun can be elevated or rotated. “As is,” the short pole mount isn’t tall enough to mount the M134D on the bed of a pickup and should be mounted on the top of a turret ring or truck’s roof.

The enclosed ammunition box contains 4,000 rounds that would last roughly over a minute when fired at 3,000 rounds per minute. The lines, ridges, handles, and screws on the ammunition box appear well represented, thin and straight with no visible flaws or chipping. The ammo chute attaches to the top of the ammunition box.

Two brass wires of different diameters represent the two thicknesses of power cables running from the battery box to the minigun.

A highly-detailed battery box provides the power for rotating the barrels and the motor mechanics. The ridges and surface details on the box also appear straight and true with fine casting of the handle and the locking latch.

Printed on white glossy paper, front and back, the 3D computer graphical instructions give the modeler a colorful rendition of how the parts should be painted and assembled. One side has one optional scope and barrel assembly and the other side showcases the other option. One panel has an expanded parts layout view.

Conclusion:

Legend Productions of South Korea has fully embraced the art of 3D sculpting and engineering and the results show. This M134D minigun Basic Set#1 looks superb with superdetailing right down to the two different cable thicknesses, off by just 0.2mm. The casting appears superb and minute details really enhance the realism of this kit. Legend Productions has created a very potent 1/35 M134D minigun weapon with many uses such as arming light tactical trucks, Special Operation Forces’ pickups and boats, and Forward Operating Bases.

Special Thanks to Legend Productions for the review sample.

References:

1 Dillion Aero Standard M134 Description:
https://dillonaero.com/product/standard-m134d