Bronco Models 1/350 Harbin Z-9WA Military Utility Helicopter Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | March 2015 | Manufacturer | Bronco Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Harbin Z-9WA Military Utility Helicopter | Scale | 1/350 |
| Kit Number | 5046 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | New tooling, three complete aircraft | Cons | None |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $11.95 |
First Look
The People's Liberation Army has adopted the license-built AS365 Dauphin for use as its utility and attack helicopter platform for land and shipboard duties. Built by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, the Z-9 as evolved into a number of variants to meet varying mission requirements.
Bronco Models has released the Z-9 in 1/350 scale and follows the pattern of similar offerings for shipboard model display. Molded in clear styrene, the kit is presented on two parts trees plus a fret of photo-etched parts. There are actually three complete kits in this box, so you'll see six parts trees and three photo-etched frets.
Some key features of this kit are:
- Clear fuselage
- Choice of styrene or photo-etched rotor blades
- Choice of flight ready or folded main rotor blades
The instructions are very well illustrated and will be easy to follow. Nice color guides for the helicopter are provided to make finishing straightforward.
If you're looking for the latest in global naval combatants, this series from Bronco Models helps fill the void of current PLAN subjects and this aircraft can enhance existing PLAN vessels with the current utility helicopter on its heli-deck.
Thanks to DML for the review sample.