Sikorsky R-4B "Hoverfly" I – the British RAF helicopter

Sikorsky R-4 - a single-engine light multi-purpose all-metal construction American helicopter of a classic layout with main and tail rotors, mounted at the end of the tail boom. The machine is equipped with one 200 h. p. “Warner” R-550 engine. The first prototype flight took place in 1942; serial production took place in 1942-1944. "Sikorsky" R-4 - the first mass-produced helicopter in the history of aviation and the first to be used by the USAAF in combat. The Sikorsky R-4 helicopter was built on the basis of the experimental VS-300 machine, also designed by Sikorsky. After passing field tests, serial production of the helicopter began. The main application of these machines was the rescue operations of Allied pilots, shot down in enemy territory. The machines were mainly used in the Far East, especially in Burma. Several prototype and serial versions of the R-4 helicopter were created. One of the most important was the YR-4B version, with a reinforced fuselage and a larger main rotor. The machines were also used by Great Britain and Canada. They remained in service until 1948.

Not very complicated, well-designed and richly detailed model of a helicopter of the Second World War and the first post-war years for modelers of any experience. Only for beginners or less experienced modelers we recommend working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, not to rush and do the interior equipment of the cabin, transparent windows as a test: if it works - GREAT!!! - we make a full model, if not, we will have to be content with a model with opaque cabin windows. The model perfectly recreates the cabin equipment, landing gear, excellent exterior detailing, only the appearance of the model is quite monotonous due to the painting in one color. The model can be made with an open engine compartment with all its equipment, and there are also parts for the crew's personal weapons - the “Thompson” M1A1 and “Sten” Mk.II submachine guns. There are quite a few color reserve. There is no textual instruction at all, the graphical instruction is large, detailed, informative and easy to read. From the publication You can assemble a model of the British RAF rescue helicopter Sikorsky R-4B with the side marking "E" from the second half of the 1940s.