EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); ‘EC-306’ of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army), 2015

Dizzyfugu · December 12, 2015, 01:19:47 AM

Shaky attempt to post something in these times of outdated forum software. If you can read this, I was successful...

This is another quick shot, based on a profile from nighthunter/Darth Panda posted in the CG/profile section a couple of days ago:

from: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,36775.msg711529/boardseen.html#new

Well, and this here came out after a week...

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Some background:
Airbus Helicopters Tiger, formerly known as the Eurocopter Tiger, is a four-bladed, twin-engined attack helicopter which first entered service in 2003. It is manufactured by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), the successor company to Aérospatiale's and DASA's respective helicopter divisions, which designate it as the EC665. In Germany and Australia it is known as the 'Tiger'; in France and Spain it is called the 'Tigre'. Finland, the youngest export customer, calls the EC665 'Tiikeri'.

Development of the Tiger started during the Cold War and it was initially intended as an anti-tank helicopter platform to be used against a Soviet ground invasion of Western Europe. During its prolonged development period the Soviet Union collapsed, but France and Germany chose to proceed with the Tiger, developing it instead as a multirole attack helicopter.
It achieved operational readiness in 2008 and since the type's introduction to service, Tigers have been used in combat in Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali.

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The Tiger has the distinction of being the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe. Even the earliest models also incorporate other advanced features such as a glass cockpit, stealth technology and high agility to increase its survivability. The Tiger has a tandem-seat cockpit and is operated by a two-man crew; the pilot is placed in the forward position, with the gunner seated behind.

Either of the crew members can manage the weapon systems or the primary flight controls, switching roles if necessitated.
In addition to flying the aircraft, the Tiger's pilot would typically be in control of the self-defense systems and communications, as well as some secondary weapon functions.
Amongst the Tiger's notable qualities, it possesses very high levels of agility, much of which is attributed to the design of its 13-meter four-bladed hinge-less main rotor; the Tiger can perform full loops and negative g manoeuvres. Power is provided by a pair of FADEC-controlled MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft engines.

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Finland is only a small operator of the helicopter. The type's procurement for the country's army came as a surprise, even though it is part of the thorough modernization program of the Finnish Army and its equipment.
This modernization program started in October 2001 when Finland signed a contract for 20 NH90 TTHs for the Finnish Army to replace their ageing fleet of Mil Mi-8 helicopters from 2004 onwards.

NH 90 deliveries became delayed, though, and in the meantime the tactical potential of an additional, dedicated combat helicopter was assessed and positively evaluated. One of the major factors that led to the Tiger's purchase was the fact that Finland participated in nearly all sub-areas of NATO's Partnership for Peace program and had for example provided peacekeeping forces to both the Afghanistan and Kosovo missions. The possibility of Finland's membership in NATO was one of the most important political issues and continues to be a prominent issue in Finnish politics.

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Within the Finnish Army the EC665 is regarded as an armed complement to the new NH90 transport helicopters. An initial order for eight EC-665s was placed in 2004, including an option for eight more, at estimated costs of €27m/unit.

The Finnish variant was optimized for the anti-tank and fire support role, but also capable of armed reconnaissance and artillery spotting. Its avionics and sensor suite was not as sophisticated as other nations' variants, but still built around existing state-of-the-art equipment and tailored to the Finnish needs.

Amongst the key avionics features of the helicopter are the EUROGRID battlefield management and map display systems, integrated communications (HF/VHM/FM radio and satellite) and data transfer links, a high-authority digital automatic flight control system, and redundant MIL 1553 data buses. Two redundant mission computers control the weapons, sensors, and targeting functions. The Tiger's navigational suite includes GPS, dual-redundant inertial referencing, Doppler radar, separated air data units, radio altimeter and distributed air speed sensors.

The most significant single avionics system fitted upon the Finnish Tiger is the mast-mounted OSIRIS sight/sensor. This incorporates optical TV and thermal cameras, a laser range finder/tracker/designator, and multiple gyroscopes for stabilization. OSIRIS performs as the main sensor for target observation and acquisition, providing firing and targeting data via the weapons computer. Furthermore, OSIRIS also enables entirely passive target acquisition to be undertaken, greatly reducing the risk of enemy detection.

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Each crew member has a pair of multifunction liquid-crystal data displays at their control station, typically used to display internal systems information and sensory data, and to interact with the aircraft's higher systems. An additional display system is available to both crew in the form of the helmet-mounted display (HMD). The HMD is used by the flying pilot to display basic flight data with digitally enhanced optics, such as night vision or infrared imagery from the sensors, superimposed against; the gunner can use the HMD to interact with and control on-board weapon systems and view targeting data.

The 'Tiikeri' can operate during day or night in all-weather conditions, and has been designed to include operations in the aftermath of nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare. It can even be used in the maritime environment, able to operate from the decks of ships including frigates and during extreme weather conditions.

The Tiger is capable of equipping various armaments including rockets, cannon, and a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, controlled via a dedicated weapons control computer. The Finnish variant's main armament is the AGM-114 'Hellfire' missile, up to sixteen of these weapons can be carried. Other munitions for anti-ground warfare include an assortment of external gun pods and up to four launchers for 70mm and 68mm rockets, all to be mounted under the Tiger's stub-wings. A nose-mounted Nexter turret with a GIAT 30 mm gun is also available.

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In March 2008, EC665 deliveries began, together with the delayed NH90s. To minimize further delay, aircraft were first delivered to an Initial Operational Configuration (IOC-) and Nearly Operational Configuration (IOC+), to be later modified by Patria into a Final Operational Configuration (FOC). In parallel, initial pilot training and conversion had been conducted at the Franco-German pilot training school at Le Luc in Provence. Operational status of the first batch was achieved in early 2009, and delivery of the second batch started in 2010.

In June 2011, six Finnish EC665 participated in the Finnish Defense Forces' main field exercise, escorting NH90 troop transports; their performance was described as having exceeded expectations.

General characteristics:
Crew: Two (pilot and weapon systems officer)
Length: 14.08 m fuselage (46 ft 2 in)
Rotor diameter: 13.00 m (42 ft 8 in)
Height: 3.83 m (12 ft 7 in)
Disc area: 133 m² (1,430 ft²)
Internal fuel capacity: 1,080 kg (2,380 lb)
Empty weight: 3,060 kg (6,750 lb)
Loaded weight: 5,090 kg (11,311 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 6,000 kg (13,000 lb)

Powerplant:
2× MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshafts, 958 kW (1.303 shp) each

Performance:
Maximum speed: 290 km/h (157 knots, 181 mph)
Range: 800 km (430 nm, 500 mi) in combat configuration
1,300km with external tanks in the inboard stations
Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 10.7 m/s (2,105 ft/min)
Power/mass: 0.23 hp/lb (0.38 kW/kg)

Armament:
1× 30 mm (1.18 in) GIAT 30 cannon in chin turret, with up to 450 rounds.
Four stub wing hardpoints for e.g. 20 mm (0.787 in) autocannon pods, 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB or
70 mm (2.75 in) Hydra 70 unguided rockets pods or starters with 4x AGM-114 Hellfire missiles

The kit and its assembly:
This whiffy Tiger helicopter was (again) inspired by a CG side profile by fellow users nighthunter & Darth Panda at whatifmodelers.com. The model is more or less a hardware recreation of this profile on the basis of the Italeri kit.

The Italeri kit itself ain't bad, but it has raised details and fit, esp. around the engines and the rotor mast, is rather dubious. Anyway, it was built more or less OOB, the only changes are the added pilot figures (Hobby Master pygmies), other antennae and the different armament. The Hellfires and their racks come from an Italeri AH-64, the small six-shot rocket pods belong to a Revell G.91 and actually contain unguided air-to-air rockets. Another modification is the use of the OOB French chin turret implanted under the German nose with a scratched mount, a scratched IR jammer and a pair of chaff/flare dispensers on the stub wings' upper sides (AH-1 style, scratched, too). Internally, a vertical styrene tube in the kit's CG offers an attachment point for an iron wire holder (for the beauty pics).

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The model is not a 100% match with the CG benchmark, but the most important and obvious elements are there.

Painting and markings:
CG profiles are, like print colors, always hard to interpret, and this case was no different. nighthunter's profile shows the Tiger in a tricolor paint scheme with two greens and black. These could be the German colors (which are actually used on the Finnish NH90 transporters, RAL 6003, FS 34079 and RAL 7021), but then the typical German Tiger camouflage pattern would not match, the CG profile rather shows the French pattern. Alternatively, the colors could be those from contemporary Finnish Army ground vehicles carry, but these carry a splinter scheme.

I decided to combine both options, using the original, organic wraparound pattern in French style and use the Finnish Army colors. I could not find official descriptions of the latter, so I improvised, using several vehicle pics as reference.

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Choice of colors was not easy: my basic tones are Revell 45 (RAL 7003 'Moosgrau', a kind of dark variant of RLM 02), FS 34096 (very close to the typical Finnish WWII olive green) and the German RAL 7021, a very dark grey. The greens appear rather light and pale, but I wanted the more greyish look and a strong contrast to the dark grey.
The interior as well as the rotor blades were painted in Neutral Grey (FS 36173), the latter with orange tips.

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

After the basic painting process a black ink wash was applied, and panels were shaded with lighter tones, including RLM 02 and FS 37066 from ModelMaster as well as Humbrol 105. As usual, everything was done with brushes. Decals came next. The national markings are 1:144 aftermarket roundels and the tactical code was created from single letters and numbers from TL Modellbau. The few warning stencils etc. were taken from the OOB sheet and from the scrap box.

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

After that, the kit was carefully and only slightly rubbed with grinded graphite on a soft cotton cloth, in order to emphasize the fine, raised surface details. Finally, the kit was sealed under a coat of matt acrylic varnish.

1:72 Airbus Helicopters EC665 "Tiikeri" (Tiger); aircraft 'EC-306' of the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) Helicopter Battalion, Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment); Utti/Kouvola, Summer 2015 (Whif/Italeri kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The paint scheme ended up lighter than expected, but the result looks IMHO good and has that special "Finnish Touch". It's also relatively close to the CG profile that inspired it, a quick and rather smooth build.

zenrat · December 12, 2015, 02:22:42 AM

PR19_Kit · December 12, 2015, 02:44:06 AM

Definitely NOT the prettiest attack chopper in the world, but then they all seem to be ugly, almost by definition.

However, the model is superbly done, as we've come to expect of course.

NARSES2 · December 12, 2015, 02:46:53 AM

Yet more terrific modelling

I really don't know how you manage to build so quickly

I've tried the 1 at a time thing and I still get bogged down

Dizzyfugu · December 12, 2015, 04:16:06 AM

Thank you. I cannot explain the tempo either. I do not spend much time with over-detailing (even though I tend to improve kits somehow, OOB is a rare occurrence), I do body work and even painting takes several stages? Maybe it's black hole near by that warps the time-space, dunno...

Anyway, I enjoyed this one. It's rather subtle, and with the MH90 in Finnish service (starring in several pics to add credibility

) it becomes even more believable.

NARSES2 · December 13, 2015, 01:42:01 AM

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on December 12, 2015, 04:16:06 AM
Thank you. I cannot explain the tempo either. I do not spend much time with over-detailing (even though I tend to improve kits somehow,

Some how I'm glad you don't know either

I must admit I like working on cockpits (a throw back to my model soldiers/wargaming days I think) and that can take time. It still doesn't explain it however, but then some things are meant to stay mysteries

You don't tend to improve kits Dizzy you change some out of all recognition

Dizzyfugu · December 13, 2015, 01:55:24 AM

Hmm, it's probably a "simple, but effective" approach.

NARSES2 · December 13, 2015, 01:58:37 AM

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on December 13, 2015, 01:55:24 AM
Hmm, it's probably a "simple, but effective" approach.

Exactly you have obviously found the best way for you, whereas I'm still trying to find mine. I've been close before, but no coconut yet, to use an old English expression

DogfighterZen · December 13, 2015, 11:13:17 AM

I agree, it is effective but it can't be simple...

Army of One · December 14, 2015, 03:21:43 AM

Lovely model.......great finish (see what i did there.....) and of course great pics........some of the best for one of your models for credibility.......they look very convincing.......and i do love an armed to the teeth helo..........

Dizzyfugu · December 14, 2015, 04:45:45 AM

Again, thank you. Well, for "armed to the teeth" there's still some air - I actually settled for the smaller, six-shot launchers just to prevent a uber-gunned look.
Besides, I think the pics with other helis around add a lot of credibility. But it's hard to find proper material, and the picture arrangement (I put the pics in the background while shooting them, no composing) is also tricky - the kit tends to blend out the background center, where normally the "real action" takes place. Light is also always and issue. Still room for improvements.

nighthunter · December 15, 2015, 02:01:01 PM

Okay, folks, I'm back, had issues logging on. The color scheme is supposed to be the same colors as the Finnish NH90, but I used the closest colors I had at my disposal, RAF cold war colors. I can make a list of the colors later.