KA-52 Alligator Attack Helicopter - ARMA Models 1/48 - Unboxing

ARMA Models is a Russian company that's been around since about 2016. Their kits are mainly 3D printed or cast resin - focusing on a wide variety of (mainly Russian) subjects. Even before the unfortunate ongoing events in Ukraine, ARMA Models items were a bit hard to obtain outside of Russia. It seems that they do focus mostly on the 'domestic' market - which is unfortunate because from what I have seen their kits and accessories are fantastic.

The Kamov KA-52 Alligator helicopter needs no introduction - featuring a twin seat side by side cockpit configuration and a very distinctive coaxial rotor design. It comes as the latest development of the single-seater KA-50 'Black Shark' helicopter - The type has seen limited service throughout the current Ukrainian conflict - with questionable success.

ARMA Models' KA-52 (Kit No. AM48200) kit was released in approximately 2022. It comes entirely 3D-printed in salmon-pink and gray resin with very fine details throughout - vacuform clear plastic is provided for the windscreens/canopies and small magnets are provided for fitting the pylons and ordnance. Many innovative design features will undoubtedly make this a very quick build - including a single piece printed fuselage, single piece rotor heads, single piece stub wings w/ pylons already attached, etc. Provisions have also been made for easy fitting of 3D decal cockpit details.

As I cannot read Russian, my apologies in advance for not going into more detail in the instructions and describing the ordnance. Below is a list of the aftermarket items I opted for:

AM48209 Metal 2A42 Gun Barrel
AM48230 Spray Mask Set
AM48235 Quinta 3D Interior
SMK48046 Detailed Seats
AM48214 Screen Exhausts
AM48234 GOES-451 Sensor
AM48205 ATGM Whirlwind
AM48207 External Tanks
AM48208 Ataka ATGM

Again, a massive thanks to my friend Alex for helping me acquire the kit and associated aftermarket sets from Russia.