Wednesday, January 8

Preview: ICM's five releases for January...

ICM has leant into their new item catalogue heavily this month with five new kits (+ paints) in line for release. We have art & info in our preview today...


Preview: ICM's five releases for January...

UH-60A Black Hawk, US Military Transport Helicopter 
Kit No.48361
1/48th scale
Three marking choices included
Length: 414mm; height: 111mm
285 pcs
In 1976, Sikorsky successfully secured a contract to develop a multi-role tactical transport helicopter, which would later be designated as the UH-60 Black Hawk (Sikorsky S-70). The UH-60A, the first military variant, began entering service with the U.S. Army in 1979. The helicopter's robust design features a single-rotor configuration with a four-blade rotor, capable of withstanding hits from 23mm calibre rounds.

The CAD images showing the sprue layout in this kit
The crew cabin and floor are protected by Kevlar plates, while the redundant hydraulic system enhances its survivability on the battlefield. The onboard equipment includes a radar warning system, active infrared countermeasures, and thermal decoy dispensers. The troop compartment can accommodate up to 10 fully-armed soldiers or 6 wounded soldiers on stretchers.

The UH-60 has become the foundation for various aircraft models, including transport, special operations, electronic warfare, maritime multi-role, anti-submarine, and medical variants. Its modular design allows for easy transformation by modifying armament, transport configuration, cabin equipment, and other components. The Black Hawk helicopter family remains a cornerstone of military aviation, serving in the armed forces of many countries and continuing to evolve for years to come.

The decals that come with this kit
A CAD of the kit built up.



UH-60A Black Hawk Defence intelligence of Ukraine
Kit No. 48362
1/48th scale
Two marking choices included
Length: 414mm; height: 111mm
256 pcs
Prior to February 2022, the Ukrainian military and security forces primarily operated Soviet-made helicopters, with the majority consisting of Mi-8 transport helicopters and Mi-24 combat helicopters. However, in February 2023, photos and videos emerged revealing a helicopter belonging to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence's Main Intelligence Directorate, featuring an unusual blue-black livery and Ukrainian identification markings. This helicopter was identified as a UH-60A Black Hawk, which had undergone upgrades and was subsequently handed over to the Ukrainian defenders.
In the spring of 2024, it was reported that the combat aviation of the Main Intelligence Directorate received another UH-60A Black Hawk, now painted in the standard olive-green colour scheme. Both helicopters are tasked with transporting special forces units to carry out necessary combat missions.

The decals that come with this kit


Bristol Beaufort Mk.IA, WWII British torpedo bomber 
Kit No. 48315
1/48th scale
Three marking choices included
Length: 289mm; height: 368mm
240 pcs
The Bristol Beaufort is a four-seat, twin-engine aircraft developed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, featuring a mid-wing configuration and an all-metal structure. Defensive armament included a rear-facing machine gun turret for protection, as well as machine guns mounted in the fuselage sidewalls for side-facing fire. The aircraft's nose housed one or two Vickers machine guns on a movable mount for front hemisphere defence, while some variants also included a lower machine gun position for rearward firing.

The CADs showing the parts of the kit 
The Bristol Beaufort entered service with the RAF's Coastal Command in late 1939, beginning combat operations in April 1940. Initial tasks included airmining of sea harbours, daylight and nighttime torpedo attacks, and coastal bombing missions. The Mk.IA modification introduced a new machine gun turret, and some aircraft were equipped with ASV radar systems for ship detection. The Bristol Beaufort saw extensive use in naval combat and bombing raids over German-occupied territory, but by around 1943, most British aircraft had been reassigned to training and auxiliary roles.

The decals that come with this kit


KAMAZ-4310 Ukrainian Military Box Truck
Kit No. 35004
1/35th scale
Pixellated Ukrainian decal marking choices included
Length: 228mm; height: 87mm
363 pcs
The KAMAZ truck, known for its robust design and reliable diesel engine positioned above the cab, was once a ubiquitous all-wheel-drive vehicle in the Soviet Army. Serial production of the KAMAZ-4310 model commenced in 1981 at the Naberezhnye Chelny factory. The basic military model was primarily designed for transporting personnel or cargo weighing up to 6 tonnes.

The CADs showing the parts of the kit 
By the mid-1980s, the KAMAZ had become the primary transport chassis in the Soviet Army and the main medium-class vehicle for mounting various types of superstructures and equipment. Common variants included those with KUNG bodies, which featured enclosed cabins for mounting special equipment and transporting personnel. Examples of such body types include the K4320D. Today, KAMAZ trucks remain in service with the armed forces of several countries, including the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where they continue to prove their operational effectiveness.

The decals that come with this kit
The test kit built up.


Kaiser’s Steel Fist
Kit No.S.021
1/700th scale
Kaiser's steel fist. Includes 4 kits.
Waterline or full-hulled vessels.
Length: mm; height: mm
214+241+240+214 pcs
The battleships (dreadnoughts) of the Konig class were built according to the German shipbuilding programme of 1911–1913. From August to November 1914, they joined the High Seas Fleet (Hochseeflotte) in the 3rd Battleship Squadron. The dreadnoughts were distinguished by their reliable armour, which proved effective in naval engagements during World War I, including the famous Battle of Jutland (late May 1916). 

The CADs showing the parts of the kit (there are four of each sprue in this kit to make the four dreadnoughts.).
As their main armament, they carried ten 305-mm guns, each capable of firing 405-kg shells at a range of up to 18 kilometres. Their propulsion system allowed them to reach speeds of 21 knots. The armoured belt was 350 millimetres thick, one of the best protection levels among ships of the same class. These dreadnoughts were actively used by the German High Seas Fleet and participated in most major operations throughout World War I.

The decals that come with this kit

Due in next month, you can find out about ICM's other releases on the ICM plastic model kits website