Introduction:

Live Resin released pilot and crew figures, as well as weapon systems and accessory sets, designed for Pave Hawk kit from Kitty Hawk (KH50006) and Pave Hawk/Black Hawk kits from Academy (2201 and 2217), back in 2018. Most of these offerings were reviewed for Armorama and can be accessed here: link.

Confirming the Pave Hawk upgrades and figures were a big success for the company, Live Resin tackled the same subject in their last batch of releases, offering two additional Pave Hawk pilot figures. This review covers HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crew set - Pilot 3 (LRM 35048). Although produced as a single figure, the miniature is also available together with HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crew set - Pilot 4 (LRM 35049) in a combined set ACS-008.

Review:

The figure kit comes in a hard cardboard box. The box art on the front displays the figure from several different angles, while the one on the back shows the figure inside the helicopter cockpit. Opening the box reveals a zip-lock bag additionally protected with bubble wrap. The kit consists of 8 grey resin pieces:

- torso,
- legs,
- right arm,
- left arm,
- head w helmet,
- left boot,
- right boot,
- left hand with cyclic stick.

As always, I am impressed with the outstanding casting quality from Live Resin. The resin looks absolutely amazing; there are no imperfections in the cast whatsoever, with the ton of details superbly delivered. The casting blocks are large, but easy to remove using sharp side cutters and Olfa art knife. After some careful sanding, the pieces are ready for assembly.

The figure parts fit really well. Designed with protrusions and indentations, the optimal positioning of these pieces is easy to achieve. The fit is tight and minimal putty work is needed to get things perfect.

The figure wears Army Aircrew Combat Uniform (A2CU), a two piece flight suit similar to the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) but with some aviator-specific modifications. Over the uniform, the figure wears Air Warrior Primary Survival Gear Carrier (PSGC) system, a modular combat aircrew ensemble, with holster, ammo pouches and several other equipment pieces, as well as seat belts, cast on the figure torso. On his head the figure sports HGU56/P helmet with ANVIS NVG mount. All the details of the uniform and equipment are well defined and accurately delivered.

Once assembled, the two pilots (LRM-35048 & LRM-35049) look amazing. Although based on Live Resin’s previous Pave Hawk pilot figures, these offerings feature quite a number of differences. First and foremost it is the poses, which I think are very realistically delivered. The HGU56/P helmet Maxillofacial Shield is absent and the faces of these figures show well. Finally, the addition of seat belts is a very nice touch.

Fitting the pilot to 1/35 scale Pave Hawk model reveals the figure was designed with Kitty Hawk's offering in mind. The seat accommodates the figure nicely, with both boots reaching the pedals. Part E42 needs to be cut to fit the cyclic stick in pilot's left hand. The right hand reaches overhead switchboard panel nicely. A perfect figure for a perfect model.

Conclusion:

HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crew set - Pilot 3 (LRM-35048) is an amazing figure kit all around. Well cast and easy to assemble, the figure provides a realistic and accurate representation of modern US Army helo pilot in 1/35 scale.

If you have a 1/35 scale Pave Hawk kit and want to add a human touch to the model, it really is a no-brainer: Live Resin’s helo crew figures are a way to go.


Live Resin kits are available from: https://models-hobby.com/.