One of the Chinook helicopters used in the Falklands is today being used by the RAF in Afghanistan – and her pilots wouldn’t change her for the world.
Chinook RC helicopters have long been popular with enthusiasts of scale model helicopters. The unique tandem rotor design and impressive military livery certainly make them stand out from the crowd. It is relatively easy to personalise Chinook electric helicopters with model paints and decals, with many pilots copying a specific aircraft.
Bravo November is already a firm favourite in the nation’s hearts – now, she can be recreated in miniature. It’s worth remembering that judges at scale model shows mark hand finished electric helicopters far higher than those purchased “off the shelf.” The prize winners always have immaculate attention to detail.
The real Bravo November has a long and distinguished service career. She has won her pilots no fewer than three DFCs, and holds the world record for the largest number of troops carried in a single flight. Her official code is ZA718, but her tail letters are BN – which is how she got her name. A small brass plaque inside tells personnel that she is older than most of those boarding her – a fiddly little extra that won’t be necessary on scale replica electric helicopters.
The Mail describes her as a “great grey workhorse.” Look at some pics of the Corgi Chinook model to get an idea of how easy she is to replicate. The Walkera range of electric helicopters includes an excellently detailed Chinook that is just right for transformation. Remember the extras like night lights – Bravo November won one of her medals for rescuing wounded troops from hostile territory in pitch darkness. Then all you need are the appropriate decals and a few battle scars.
Oh yes, the battle scars. Bravo November has experienced everything from crashing at sea to sustained attack from Apache gunships, so if you are a pilot who tends to crash their RC helicopters – this is an ideal project for you.