1/48 mh-53 seadragon

Not sure about questions 1 and 2 since all we have are CH's, but according to the NATOPS manual, the minimum crew compliment just to fly from point A to point B is three.  Two pilots and a Crew Chief.  Now that's just to get off the ground and not do any other type of mission.  If you're hauling any type of PAX (passengers), you are required to have a fourth crewmember- Aerial Observer- or simply AO- in the left window to assist the CC in his duties.  Global Security's website says the MH's fly with a crew of 7 including "port and starbord AMCM operators and port and starbord ramp operators."  I flew as an AO for six months before I got grounded for my eyes and could see what a AMCM operator would do, but I have no idea why they would need two crewmembers just to operate the ramp.  There's only one ramp handle on the starbord side and it's pretty idiot proof.  We have a civilian tech rep at the squadron, I might ask him if he knows anything about MH's.  BTW, I'm assuming that the kit doesn't come with a mine sled?  Maybe the aftermarket will swoop in and remedy that. 

Right, the kit does not include any of the sleds, though it does come with the cable "rig" (don't know the proper name for the framework used to run the tow cables out the back...)  I have been researching the web for some good images, but a NATOPS or similar manual with clear tech drawings would be helpful.  The Mk. 105 sled is a "weird", unsymetrical collection of shapes, so modeling it will be a challenge.  Nothing yet on dimensions, but the Navy's image library has a goodly selection of high res images that look helpful:

http://www.navy.mil/view_photos_top.asp

Excellent resource for all things (recent) US Navy.

Cheers!

i did some checking and the shorter ramp is called the 90 degree stub ramp and the the other aperatus is called the tow boom. both of are included in the academy kit. and i have seen photos with both dfferent rear doors  standard ramp dooris for load of troopsand equipment and the stub ramp is for amcm missions

I used to fly MH's and you are correct, it is called a tow boom.  This is permanently installed and is stowed in the cabin overhead when not i use.  As for the ramps....both can be used when doing pax, mail, cargo allthough the ong ramp is prefereed.  The aperture guard (the quad rail with the 90 degree stub ramp) is used only when doing AMCM (tow) operations.  As for the seats, the side benches would be used for pax, cargo bird.  Alot of the AMCM equpment is bulky and the seats will be removed except for a few to allow the crewman to sit while in transit. The cable reals would be removed for passenger flights as they are bulky and reduces cabin room.  I hope this helps and I cannot wait to tear into mine.  What scheme are you going to make, HM-14, HM-15, or HC-4.  Cant wait to see your finish MH.

 Cheers

Scotty

I finished my NH-53E SeaDragon. I finshed it in the dark enginf gray colors and did it up in HM-14 Markings . I also motorized mine and lit it up with all the flashing beacons, nav and landing lights. Here is the link for the video.

 Enjoy,

Rich

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3jzjt94tB4

Rich,

  Wow, that is simpressive!  Very nice helicopter and really cool effects.  now when you going to motorize a Huey?!

      Ray

Ditto what Ray said, a very beautiful and interesting build. My luck the first time I did that someone would stick their finger in the rotor blades.

Great model, thanks for showing it to us.

Charlie