1/48 Comet CV-18 (X-18)  

by Raymond Utter

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In the 1960's, Vietnam building up and with no capable rescue retrieval and special forces support aircraft, the USAF turned to Hiller and there X-18. The need for such a craft spurred the quickest development and production run of any aircraft in modern Air Force history. The Air Force ordered 300 of the type, 150 rescue and 150 Special ops (armed) types. This Aircraft represents the last of the rescue types in service with the Air Force Reserves in the late 1980's. The type was replace by a combination of H-60's and the new V-22's.  

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The Kit. well the kit was not a bad build (took a whole 2 days :)). The biggest problem with the kit is the lack of interior detail. There is none!!! And I don't scratch build! (hence the first Gold Tinted canopy glass in the Air Force.) Thanks to my Friend Charley for the Kit.!!!! Enjoy.

Raymond 

Photos and text © by Raymond Utter