TheBrickService | CH-46 SeaKnight (Phrog) kit [PRE-ORDER]

“Phrog”

CH-46 SeaKnight helicopter, 2 pilots, 1 crew chief, 1 gunner. Each figure is equipped with an SPH-4 custom hand painted helmet. Full color printed instructions book. Designed to 1/35 scale.

Figures and helmets in this kit will NOT be kit exclusive and will be available to purchase separately.

The life of the CH-46 started in 1956 with a request from the US Army for a turbine powered platform developed out of the “flying banana” family of aircraft. The prototype first flew on August 12th, 1958, with a water tight airframe and high mounted T53 engines the aircraft was seen as highly capable in water operations. The demonstration flight being a success the Army ordered 10 models designated YHC-1A. The model underwent a power upgrade with the engines increasing to 1065shp from 877hp and a larger overall rotor diameter. While the prototype was a success the Army needed something bigger and reduced their order of 10 airframes down to 3 with 1 being returned. The returned airframe became the prototype platform for the civilian Model 107-11 “two”. In 1960 the Navy opened up a competition for its own medium lift helicopter with the winner being the Model 107M, a modified Model 107.The US Navy placed an order for 50 with the first deliveries being tested in October 1962. The Marines would designate it the CH-46A Sea Knight and ordering a total of 498 with a number of upgrades being implemented over the life of the production run. The aircraft serviced in critical rolls throughout the Vietnam war most notably being the last helicopter to leave the US embassy rooftop in April 1975.

Recognition - On January 31, 1970 the CH-46 Sea Knight would be apart of a rescue mission that would see unforgettable heroism. Private First Class Raymond “Mike” Clausen Jr and the rest of the CH-46 crew were in route to extract a platoon that had inadvertently entered a mine field while being engaged by enemy forces. Clausen helped guide the pilots to a nearby area that opened due to several mine explosions. After the helicopter set down Clausen without hesitation ran out of the helicopter to the awaiting Marines who were holding their positions due to fear of setting off any other mines. Clausen leaping through the minefieldwould total 6 trips to and from the helicopter with wounded and deceased. Leaving the safety of the clearing and his helicopter along with depriving himself of cover multiple times Clausen was awarded the Medal Of Honor. Their CH-46 sits at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina with a memorial to Clausen along with the crew names listed on the side of the aircraft.