1/48 Testors PZL W-77 "Shadow"

Gallery Article by Artur KApusta on May 3 2010

Poland Constitution Day

 

1/48 PZL W-77 "Shadow" based on Testors LHX Stingbat 

When the Afghan war has ended in March of 2039 the battleship ORP "Judgement Day" was relieved from duty and came back to home port for repairs and updates.PZL W-66 "Werewolf" attack helicopters also were there  (http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=190484&hl=Werewolf). Sadly, only 16 from totally 36 of build "Werewolfs" left.  Despite the fact that they were silent and mainly operated in night, big exhausts were perfectly visible for IR missiles.  15 "Werewolfs" were lost in fighting, next 5 were destroyed during a desperate attack on "Judgement Day" a week before the end of warfare.  The battleship was seriously damaged during this battle and was coming back with only 1/3 of it's speed.  It was clear that a new attack chopper is needed, different than "Werewolf", also capable of reconnaissance.

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For this purpose in April  2039, in PZL Świdnik factory gathered a team of designers, scientists, weapon specialists and a few stylists.  They would have to design a stealth helicopter with NOTAR.  Project with codename "Mantis" was completed within two months.  Design considered main rotor with scimitar blades.  NOTAR system was used and tandem cockpit.  Missiles and gun were deployed from the fuselage.  For massive attack missions ,new chopper could use EFAM's.  Double skid undercarriage was foreseen but finally the helicopter got wheels.  Especially for new helicopter, a new radar guided missile PN-184 "Mefisto" was produced.  The project was approved and the first prototype was ready in January 2040. First tests revealed high speed of helicopter (about 750 km/h).  Of course it wasn't totally stealth but the opinion of test pilots was positive so it was directed to mass production as a PZL W-77 "Shadow".  Plan assumed building 40 helicopters of the first version.  W-77 was shown to international spectators for the first time during Tigermeet in August 2040 on Radom airfield.  Model depicts a chopper during this show.

Because none of the companies ever produced so important helicopter for Polish aviation it was necessary to build my own :)  LHX Stingbat by Testors was a base.  I added a few tweaks like undercarriage, EFAM's etc.  Tiger stripes are from decal set for Tornado.  Hope you like it!

Artur KApusta

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Photos and text © by Artur KApusta