Academy 12249 1643 HUGHES POLICE 500 (1/48)

Academy 12249 1643 HUGHES POLICE 500 (1/48) is a high-quality plastic model kit, faithfully representing the police version of the Hughes 500 helicopter in 1:48 scale. It is a product by the renowned company Academy, well-known for the precision of its components and attention to both historical and technical details. This model is dedicated to aviation enthusiasts, especially those interested in helicopters used in police operations around the world.

Historical data and application

The Hughes 500 helicopter is a light, multi-role machine produced by the American company Hughes Helicopters. Its first flight took place in the 1960s, and shortly thereafter it entered service not only with the United States Army (as the OH-6 Cayuse), but also with police and law enforcement agencies worldwide. It gained the most popularity in the USA, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, as well as in many countries across South America and Asia.

Police versions of the Hughes 500 helicopter have been in use mainly since the 1970s, continuing throughout the Cold War era and beyond to modern times. They provided invaluable support in patrolling urban and rural areas, monitoring traffic, pursuing criminals, and conducting rescue operations. The Academy model depicts the police specification with characteristic coloring and equipment.

Model specification

• Scale: 1:48 – perfect for showcasing details and placing on dioramas or as part of a collection.
• Material: high-quality plastic – precise cast parts ensure sharp detailing and ease of assembly.
• Parts: sprues with a clear canopy, realistic rotors, cockpit, and landing gear representation.
• Decal:
• original decal sheet with police markings.
• Does not include glue or paints.

Product category

Academy 12249 1643 HUGHES POLICE 500 (1/48) belongs to the category of plastic model kits. The set is dedicated both to intermediate and advanced modelers looking for a challenge and appreciating historical accuracy.

Recommendation and difficulty level

We particularly recommend this model to collectors of aviation models, police-themed enthusiasts, and those wishing to enrich their display with a legendary helicopter. It allows you to develop modeling skills both in assembly and in painting and decal application. The difficulty level is rated at 3/5, making it a suitable choice for both intermediate and experienced modelers.

By choosing Academy 12249 1643 HUGHES POLICE 500 (1/48) you gain not only a realistic and detailed model, but also the opportunity to build an iconic machine that has safeguarded public safety in many countries for decades.