IsraDecal IAF-53 decal sheet 1/48 AH-64D Review by Yoav Efrati

1/48 AH-64D

IAF-53 decal sheet

Review by Yoav Efrati on June 26 2006

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IsraDecal sheet IAF-53 provides 1/48 scale markings for US Army AH-64D Longbow and Israeli Air Force AH-64D-I Saraf (Black Viper Snake) combat helicopters. This sheet provides more than 200 stencils applied throughout the fuselage of both the Apache and the Saraf and are very prominent when seen on the relatively light f.s.36492/33448/30219 color scheme applied to the Saraf.

Printed by Cartograf each stencil can be read so exact placement of each sheet is essential. To properly locate the stencils two A4 size pages of the 8 page black and white instructions booklet are devoted to stencil application. The drawings used for the instructions sheet have been especially commissioned by IsraDecal from the famous aviation artist Willy Peeters. Four view drawings are provided to show the Saraf color scheme which is different from the AH-64A Peten which is painted in similar scheme and colors. Complete numerals are provided to build any IAF Hornet squadron Saraf, with the following additional markings unique to the IAF's also included: flare dispenser cartridges, fluorescent pink formation lights, Hebrew wording "Saraf" external fuel tank markings, mid-fuselage insignia yellow identification V and low visibility blue over gray Star of David.

Four overall f.s.34031 US Army Longbow options are provided; shark mouth 99-5102 and 99-5118 operating with the 3^rd infantry division in Iraq, 1^st cavalry division 99-5135 with the division shield and crossed swards on the forward fairings, and 02-5289 with a light gray eagle head superimposed on the US flag as applied to the vertical fin root. Bonus markings are provided for a f.s.36375/35237 low visibility gray shark mouth AH-64A Apache 94-0332 operated by the South Carolina Army National Guard in Mosul Iraq in December 2004.

This decal offering is tailored to fit the Hasegawa Apache and Longbow kits. To build an Israeli Saraf, one is advised to obtain IsraCast resin conversion kit 48012 which provides all the required external modifications as well as the cockpit layout unique to the Israeli AH-64D-I.

Yoav