Black Hawk Down - Operation Gothic Serpent

Plastic kit for an early MH-60L Black Hawk as in use in October 1983 during Operation Gothic Serpent

• Scale 1:48
• Dimensions (built): length 414 mm / fuselage width 111 mm / rotor diameter 343 mm
• 310 parts
• Interior
• Clear parts included
• 6 marking options
• Not built, not painted
• Paint and glue not included

In late 1968, the US Army awarded contracts to several companies to develop a multi-purpose tactical transport helicopter. This program was called UTTAS (Utility Tactical Transport Air System) and the following requirements were set: a three-person crew, the ability to carry 11-15 soldiers in the cabin, a twin-engine powerplant and the ability to transport the helicopter in cargo aircraft. In 1976, after the completion of testing, the Army selected Sikorsky as the winner of the UTTAS program and signed a contract for the production of the first series of helicopters, which received the designation UH-60A Black Hawk (Sikorsky's series designation was S-70). These became the basis for a whole family of helicopters for various purposes - transport, special operations, electronic warfare, multi-purpose naval helicopters, anti-submarine warfare, medical care and more.

In 1988, civil war erupted in Somalia, plunging the country into terror and chaos while combat operations triggered widespread famine. Early 1993 negotiations between warring parties failed to achieve peace. The American command then developed “Operation Gothic Serpent”, aimed at capturing General Mohammed Farah Aidid, a prominent anti-government leader. On October 3, 1993, forces attempted to capture two of Aidid’s clan leaders in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. The operation involved a special forces unit supported by 16 helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, including MH-60L Black Hawks. While the initial capture succeeded, the unit faced intense resistance from rebels and local civilians, including women and children. Two MH-60L helicopters were shot down, resulting in casualties and requiring UN forces in Mogadishu to mount a rescue operation. The engagement would later be described as the most intense close combat American soldiers had experienced since Vietnam. Ultimately, the operation failed to change Somalia’s trajectory, and by 1994, both UN and US forces withdrew from the country.