A metal model of an aircraft in accurate scale, precisely crafted with a high emphasis on details. The model is already finished, with no need for painting or assembly. The packaging also includes an interchangeable undercarriage and display stand, allowing for easy exhibition. A great piece for collectors looking for a quality and realistic model.
On the dark night sky over Vietnam, American forces, trying to protect their ground units, deployed a terrifying new weapon. It was a combination of older aircraft and the most modern technologies, resulting in the "dragon breathers" – machines capable of raining down 6,000 rounds per minute on the enemy.
The proven Douglas C-47 Skytrain was modified into one of the most feared weapons of the entire conflict; the crews of these machines, nicknamed "Spooky," didn’t always have it easy.
On the night of February 24, 1969, the crew of the combat aircraft 43-49770 with the call sign "Spooky 71" was dispatched to assist units under attack at Long Binh. However, during the operation, the aircraft was hit by a mortar shell directly in the right wing. A huge hole was created in it, and the entire machine was further torn apart by 3,500 shrapnel hits.
The aircraft jerked violently, throwing the crew members to the ground; all sustained multiple injuries from the shrapnel. Private First Class John Levitow, bleeding heavily, noticed that one of his comrades was in danger of falling out through the open cargo doors. Overcoming the unbearable pain of his injuries, he dragged his fellow soldier to safety.
At the same time, he noticed that the flare his comrade was trying to throw out before the shell hit was flying back into the cabin. It began to smoke, threatening to explode at any moment. Levitow threw his body over it and, with his last efforts, pushed it toward the open doors, managing to shove it out into the dark night just a second before it exploded.
For this heroic and selfless act, which saved the aircraft and his comrades, John Levitow was rightfully awarded the Medal of Honor. Despite the dramatic and devastating scenes on the night sky over the American army base in Long Binh, the aircraft managed to return safely to its home base. Here, ground personnel assessed the damage caused by the mortar attack and counted all 3,500 holes made by shrapnel scattered across the wings and fuselage of the machine.
On September 22, 1990, "Black Mike" completed its last flight and was retired from service. It became a static exhibit and one of the main attractions at airshows in Leuchars, maintaining its cult status among aviation enthusiasts.
- Scale: 1:72
- Material: Metal with plastic parts
