Plastic model of helicopter AH-6J / MH-6J LITTLE BIRD NIGHTSTALKERS 1:35 Model kit

Product description : Plastic model of helicopter AH-6J / MH-6J LITTLE BIRD NIGHTSTALKERS 1:35

KH50003 - Plastic helicopter model AH-6J / MH-6J LITTLE BIRD NIGHTSTALKERS 1:35

The MH-6 Little Bird and its armed version, the AH-6, are light helicopters used by US special operations forces. These aircraft, produced by MD Helicopters, are derived from the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse and the Hughes MD 500. In 1960, the US Army issued a call for tenders for a new light multi-purpose observation helicopter. Twelve companies participated in this competition, among which Hughes proposed the Model 369, competing with projects from Fairchild and Bell Helicopter. The first prototype of the Model 369 made its maiden flight on February 27, 1963. Initially designated YHO-6A, then YOH-6A, five prototypes equipped with Allison engines were delivered to Fort Rucker in Alabama, where they won the competition against the Fairchild models.

Based on the Hughes MD 500, itself an evolution of the OH-6 Cayuse, this helicopter was developed in two versions: a version with external benches allowing it to transport up to three commandos on each side, and a variant designed for attack operations. The AH-6, painted black for night operations, is capable of performing rapid infiltration and exfiltration missions that the MH-60 Black Hawk could not achieve.

October 3 1993, during a peacekeeping mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, with support from the United Nations, approximately 100 U.S. Marines from Task Force Ranger were deployed to capture the top lieutenants of Mohamed Farrah Aidid, a local warlord. This mission, initially routine, quickly turned into a nightmare when American forces were attacked by armed rebel factions and a population hostile to any foreign presence. Two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down, and the "Little Birds" were called in to help evacuate American pilots and Rangers trapped in the city streets. This dramatic episode was immortalized in the film "The Fall of the Black Hawk."

These events highlighted the exceptional capabilities of the MH-6 Little Bird and the AH-6 in special operations. With their compact size, maneuverability and ability to operate in hostile environments, these helicopters have proven their value in critical missions where other larger aircraft like the Black Hawk could not operate effectively.