{"product_id":"hobby-craft-plastic-model-kit-piasecki-vertol-h-21c-workhorse-1-72","title":"Hobby Craft Plastic Model Kit Piasecki\/Vertol H-21C Workhorse — 1:72","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer and kit history\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHobbycraft was a Canadian model-kit company whose range included numerous American military aircraft and helicopters. HC2302 is an older tooling and is now principally encountered through the vintage and second-hand model-kit market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is recorded as having appeared around 1991, and contemporary collector databases identify it as Hobbycraft HC2302, H21-C Vertol Workhorse, 1:72.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe subject is particularly attractive to helicopter modellers because the H-21's tandem-rotor arrangement and unusually curved fuselage make it immediately recognisable even in the small 1:72 scale.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe HC2302 provides the components necessary to build a single H-21C Workhorse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit includes the principal assemblies for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Tandem-rotor fuselage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Cockpit and crew compartment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Interior\/cargo cabin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Two three-bladed rotor systems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Rotor heads and shafts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Wright radial engine installation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine and transmission components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Landing gear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage access doors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Cabin windows\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Tail and rear fuselage details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    External stores\/equipment appropriate to the version\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Clear parts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Decals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe vintage tooling uses conventional injection moulding and is considerably simpler than many modern 1:72 helicopter kits. Surviving examples are frequently sold as complete, unstarted kits, although condition varies substantially. Current secondary-market listings show both sealed and opened HC2302 examples.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe full-size Piasecki\/Vertol H-21\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21 Workhorse was an American tandem-rotor transport and utility helicopter developed by Piasecki Helicopter Corporation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe design evolved from Piasecki's earlier HRP Rescuer family. The prototype XH-21 first flew on 11 April 1952, establishing the basic configuration that would become the H-21 series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe tandem-rotor arrangement eliminated the need for a conventional tail rotor. One engine drove both rotors, which rotated in opposite directions to cancel torque.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's strongly curved fuselage resulted in the famous “Flying Banana” nickname.\n\u003cbr\u003eWhy the H-21 was developed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original requirement was particularly demanding: the U.S. Air Force wanted a helicopter capable of operating in the Arctic for search-and-rescue and logistical duties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21 incorporated equipment and design features intended for severe cold-weather operation. Early aircraft were used to support remote installations, including the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft consequently became both a transport helicopter and a search-and-rescue machine.\n\u003cbr\u003eH-21A and H-21B\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe first production versions were the H-21A Workhorse and H-21B Workhorse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21A used a Wright R-1820-103 radial engine producing around 1,250 hp in its standard installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21B introduced a more powerful version of the Wright engine, rated at approximately 1,425 hp, along with improvements including additional fuel capacity, limited armour protection and an increased troop-carrying capability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21B could carry approximately 20 fully equipped troops, making it considerably more useful as an assault and transport helicopter.\n\u003cbr\u003eH-21C Shawnee\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21C was the U.S. Army version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt retained the basic H-21B configuration but incorporated Army-specific changes, most notably a substantial ventral sling hook capable of carrying an external load of approximately 4,000 lb \/ 1,814 kg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProduction of the H-21C began in the mid-1950s. Sources give somewhat different production totals depending on how variants and conversions are counted, but the U.S. Army alone procured 334 H-21C aircraft, with production running into the late 1950s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1962, the U.S. military redesignated the H-21C as the CH-21C.\n\u003cbr\u003eVertol takes over\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn important part of the aircraft's history is the change in manufacturer name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePiasecki Helicopter Corporation became Vertol Aircraft Corporation in 1956.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConsequently, later H-21 aircraft are often described as Piasecki\/Vertol aircraft, and the H-21C acquired the company designation Model 43.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is why kit descriptions can use several names:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePiasecki H-21C → Vertol H-21C → CH-21C Shawnee\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey refer to the same basic aircraft family, with designation changes reflecting military and corporate developments.\n\u003cbr\u003ePerformance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentative H-21C\/CH-21C specifications include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: approximately 3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine: 1 × Wright R-1820 radial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Power: approximately 1,425 hp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Rotor arrangement: tandem, two three-bladed rotors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Rotor diameter: approximately 44 ft \/ 13.4 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Length: approximately 52 ft 7 in \/ 16.0 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Maximum speed: approximately 132–140 mph\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Service ceiling: approximately 19,000–20,000 ft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Range: approximately 300–450 miles depending on configuration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Troop capacity: approximately 20 troops\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    External load: approximately 4,000 lb \/ 1,814 kg on the H-21C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact figures differ between variants and sources. The Hill Aerospace Museum gives its CH-21C exhibit a 1,425 hp Wright R-1820, 132 mph maximum speed, 450-mile range and 19,200 ft service ceiling.\n\u003cbr\u003eVietnam service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21 became particularly associated with the early stages of the Vietnam War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough originally designed as a transport and utility helicopter rather than a dedicated gunship, H-21s were used for troop transport and assault operations in Southeast Asia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21C's large cabin and tandem-rotor configuration made it capable of moving substantial numbers of troops and equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's piston engine, however, was operating in an environment very different from the cold-weather conditions for which some of the original design requirements had been established. The H-21 was subsequently replaced by newer turbine-powered helicopters as the Vietnam-era helicopter fleet developed.\n\u003cbr\u003eInternational service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21 had a surprisingly widespread international career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOperators included:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    West Germany\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Canada\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Sweden\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Myanmar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Democratic Republic of Vietnam\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    United States\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrance was a particularly significant foreign operator. French forces obtained 108 H-21s, using them extensively during the Algerian War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWest Germany also operated H-21C aircraft, with 32 examples supplied in the late 1950s and assembled by Weserflug.\n\u003cbr\u003eFrench service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrench Army aviation used the H-21 extensively during operations in Algeria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft became widely known in French service as the “Banane”, referring to its characteristic curved fuselage. French H-21s were employed in transport and assault roles during the Algerian conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis international service history is one reason the H-21 remains an interesting modelling subject: the same basic airframe appeared in a variety of national colour schemes.\n\u003cbr\u003ePost-war development\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe H-21 also served as a development platform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTwo H-21C airframes were modified as XH-21D test aircraft, replacing the single piston engine with two General Electric T58 turboshaft engines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe project demonstrated the possibilities of turbine propulsion but did not enter production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe later turbine-powered Vertol 107 family represented a much more significant step toward the next generation of tandem-rotor helicopters.\n\u003cbr\u003eSurvivors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA number of H-21s survive in museums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hill Aerospace Museum in Utah displays a Workhorse\/CH-21 example, serial 56-2142. Interestingly, the aircraft began its career as an H-21B rather than a C and was subsequently redesignated and restored for museum display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe museum records the aircraft as having entered U.S. service in 1957 and ultimately being retired in 1971 before entering the museum system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobby Craft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504169853308,"sku":"HC2302","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0432\/8584\/0033\/files\/289AF87C-EB03-45B7-B28E-91EE2D661A58.jpg?v=1790403844","url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/hobby-craft-plastic-model-kit-piasecki-vertol-h-21c-workhorse-1-72","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}