Bell AH-1 (AH-1S) Cobra Israeli Air Force 1/72 Scale Diecast Helicopter Model by Amercom

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1:72 Scale  Diecast metal and plastic parts – Bell AH-1S Cobra Israeli Air Force -  Length: 8.5" (from tip tail to tip of rotor at the front)  Rotor span: 7.5” 

This Cobra model is a twin seat model and does not include a pilot/crew figures. The cockpit can not open. Attached to the wings are a variety of rockets and missiles. A stand where the model can be attached for display is included. The display stand has the model's info such as country, flag and scale.

This particular model is back heavy, so when placed on its skies the helicopter will tip backwards (the nose will point upwards). Moreover, the gun can pivot side to side.

The blades for the main rotor need to be attached. Although they are supposed to be snap/friction fit, it seems that it will be better is a tiny (very tiny) drop of super glue is applied just to keep things secure. The assembly for the rotor and the blades are very fragile, so one needs to be very careful when attaching the blades since it is very easy to bend or break things out of shape.

These helicopter models are really not toys, they are not made to be played with. They will not last long if played with. Moreover, these models are made to look realistic and faithful to the real thing, so little parts like landing gears, skies, weapons, pods and antennas are made from small parts and are very fragile.

The maker of the model, Amercom, really did a good job with the model, the diecast metal construction feels quite heavy. The metal seems too be more rigid and thicker than comparable 1/72 scale models. The panel lines and details are very clear and crisp.What really caught my attention, however, is the way the markings and coloring are done. 

These models come in what could be described as a disposable blister pack (sandwiched between two transparent plastic shells and then glued/attached to a piece of cardboard with the branding info. There is really nothing spectacular about the packaging, but at the end, the packaging is supposed to be disposable and with the sole function protecting the model, which it does very well.

 The Bell AH-1 Cobra (company designation: Model 209) is a two-blade, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission and rotorsystem of the Bell's UH-1 Iroquois. The AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

The AH-1 was the backbone of the United States Army's attack helicopter fleet, but has been replaced by the AH-64 Apache in Army service. Upgraded versions continue to fly with the militaries of several other nations. The AH-1 twin engine versions remain in service with United States Marine Corps (USMC) as the service's primary attack helicopter. Surplus AH-1 helicopters have been converted for fighting forest fires. The United States Forest Service refers to their program as theFirewatch Cobra. Garlick Helicopters also converts surplus AH-1s for forest firefighting under the name FireSnake.