Sikorsky MH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter "91-26324 Thunderstruck" United States Army 1/72 Die Cast Model by Panzerkampf

Brand new 1/72 scale diecast model of Sikorsky MH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter "91-26324 Thunderstruck" United States Army die cast model by Panzerkampf. Brand new box. Detailed exterior. True-to-scale detail. Officially licensed product. Comes with a display stand. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately Length- 8.25, Rotor Diameter- 9 inches. Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel. It is a highly detailed and accurate model, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of military history. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels, and surface details for an authentic representation of the real-life helicopter. HISTORY ASPECTS: The Sikorsky MH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter Super 61, bearing the tail number 91-26324 and nicknamed "Thundertruck," is a distinguished aircraft within the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), also known as the "Night Stalkers." The MH-60L is a specialized version of the Black Hawk, designed specifically for special operations missions. This helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics, extended-range fuel tanks, and cutting-edge navigation and communication systems, making it ideal for covert and low-level missions in hostile environments. Super 61, Thundertruck, is most famously known for its involvement in the Battle of Mogadishu on October 3, 1993, during Operation Gothic Serpent. This operation aimed to capture high-ranking officials of the Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. Super 61 was part of the initial assault force, tasked with inserting U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force operators into the city of Mogadishu. Unfortunately, during the operation, Super 61 was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and subsequently crashed, leading to a critical turning point in the battle. The crew of Super 61, including pilots Chief Warrant Officer Cliff "Elvis" Wolcott and Chief Warrant Officer Donovan "Bull" Briley, fought bravely but lost their lives in the crash. The downing of Super 61 marked the beginning of an intense and prolonged urban battle, which has since been memorialized in the book and film "Black Hawk Down." Beyond the Battle of Mogadishu, the MH-60L Black Hawk has been an essential asset in various U.S. military operations worldwide. The versatility and reliability of the Black Hawk family, including the MH-60L, have proven invaluable in conflicts such as the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, and numerous other operations where rapid insertion and extraction, medical evacuation, and direct action capabilities are crucial. The legacy of Super 61, Thundertruck, endures as a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. military personnel who served aboard and alongside it. This meticulously detailed 1:72 scale model pays tribute to the significant role played by Super 61 in the Battle of Mogadishu, making it an essential addition for collectors and military enthusiasts. The replica captures the distinctive features and formidable presence of the MH-60L, commemorating the heroism of its crew and the critical missions they undertook.