Revell 1/32 EC-135 'ADAC' Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Eurocopter is a consortium of continental European companies that combined their skills and technologies to create a versatile family of rotary-winged products. Some of these companies include Aerospatiale and MBB. Eurocopter produces several outstanding helicopter types. The mainstay of their military and commercial sales has been the versatile (and former MBB cornerstone) Bo-105, many examples of which are in service around the world. In conjunction with Kawasaki, they also produce the BK-117 aircraft which has become the workhorse of the air ambulance industries in numerous countries. One of Eurocopters' latest creations is the EC-135.

The EC-135 is a state-of-the-art helicopter incorporating twin-engined reliability with composite construction for low weight, high performance and ease of maintenance. It incorporates a simplified rotor head and the signature tail rotor fan from Aerospatiale. The aircraft can accommodate 1 pilot and 6-7 passengers.

Revell has released many Eurocopter machines in 1/32, including the Bo-105, PAH-2 Tiger attack helicopter, and the BK-117. This kit is the second release of the EC-135, the first depicting an aircraft with corporate seating. In this release, the corporate interior parts are still included, but Revell has added parts and markings to create an air ambulance of the German ADAC organization.

The kit comprises six trees and is molded in three colors: silver-grey, yellow, and clear. Decals are used to depict the 'glass cockpit' instrumentation. The kit does not include nor depict seat belts/harnesses on the seats. Construction appears to be straightforward and the exceptionally clear parts will reveal the detailed interior.

The ADAC paint scheme depicted in this kit is a simple overall yellow with black framing on the windows and an international orange stripe under the fuselage for aircraft identification.

I am looking forward to building this kit and can highly recommend it to every rotor head!