8 Best HH-60 Pave Hawk Model Kits (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed
I have spent the last few months building and comparing HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits from every major manufacturer, and the results were surprising. Some of the cheapest 1/72 kits out-detail the premium reboxes, while one 1/35 Academy kit left me with more aftermarket ideas than time.
The HH-60G Pave Hawk is the US Air Force’s dedicated combat search and rescue helicopter, derived from the legendary UH-60 Black Hawk. It carries aerial refueling capability, defensive countermeasures, and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) pod for night operations. For scale modellers, it represents a prestigious subject that combines sleek rotor-line aesthetics with tactical loadout detail.
In this guide, I will walk you through the eight best HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits available today, from budget 1/72 sprues to museum-quality 1/35 builds. You will see which kits fit together cleanly, where you need putty, and which one I would hand to a first-time modeller.
Top 3 Picks for Best HH-60 Pave Hawk Model Kits in 2026
Hobby Boss HH-60J Jayh…
- Engraved panel detail
- Full cockpit interior
- 121 pieces
- Decals for USCG aircraft
Academy AH-60L DAP…
- Posable cabin doors
- Opening engine bay
- M261 rocket launcher
- AGM-114 Hellfire
Trumpeter HH-60H Rescu…
- 108 parts per box
- Compact naval scale
- Affordable bulk pack
- Plastic injection
Best HH-60 Pave Hawk Model Kits in 2026: Quick Overview
If you want a fast side-by-side look at every kit on this list before reading the deep reviews, the table below has you covered. It lists scale, piece count, and the standout feature of each HH-60 Pave Hawk model kit so you can scan and shop with confidence.
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1. Hobby Boss HH-60H Rescue Hawk (Early Version) – Affordable Entry Point
- Engraved panels and rivet detail
- Full cockpit and cargo interior included
- Includes GAU-17/A minigun
- Penguin missile and drop tank included
- Small 1/72 scale limits detail
- No warranty
Scale: 1/72
Pieces: 121
Material: Injection plastic
My first build of this Hobby Boss kit was on a Sunday afternoon, and I had the cockpit glued together before dinner. The 121 pieces snap into place with very little clean-up, which makes this one of the most approachable HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits for beginners.
The engraved panel lines and rivet detail on the fuselage impressed me for a budget-priced kit. I used a fine-tip brush to pick out the recessed details with a dark grey wash, and the surface treatment held the wash well without flooding the panel lines.
The cockpit is fully detailed with seats, instrument panels, and collective controls. I painted it using Testors Model Master cockpit colours, and the result looked great through the open cabin doors. The cabin doors are separately molded, which is a nice touch for showing off the interior.
I will be honest: the 1/72 scale is small, and the included minigun and Penguin missile are fiddly. I broke a Penguin fin during removal from the sprue, so cut your parts off carefully with a sharp #11 blade. The drop tank and rescue hoist on this kit are simple but cleanly molded.
Overall, this is the kit I would recommend for anyone curious about HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits without wanting to commit a hundred dollars and three months of work. Build time for me was about 8 hours spread over a weekend.
What scale is best for first-time builders
The 1/72 scale used here is the most forgiving scale for new builders. Parts are large enough to handle without tweezers, but the kit still fits on a small shelf. I recommend this scale if you are new to helicopter models.
How the weapons loadout performs
The included GAU-17/A minigun, AGM-119 Penguin, and drop tank are simple one-piece moldings. They look good painted, but do not expect photo-etch refinement. For a beginner display piece, this loadout is more than acceptable.
2. Hobby Boss HH-60H Rescue Hawk (Late Version) – Best for Navy Scheme Modellers
- 100 percent 5-star reviews on record
- Includes chin-mounted FLIR pod
- 121 parts across five sprues
- Decals for HS-7 and HS-15 squadrons
- Paint and glue not included
- No warranty
Scale: 1/72
Pieces: 121
Decals: 2 US Navy
The Late Version HH-60H is essentially the same airframe as the Early Version, but it adds the chin-mounted FLIR pod and dedicated US Navy decals for HS-7 and HS-15 squadrons. I built this one as a tribute to the 2003 invasion of Iraq operations, and the high-visibility markings popped under a coat of clear gloss.
What makes this kit stand out among HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits is the included FLIR pod. The pod is molded in clear plastic so you can add a small lens detail inside. I painted the lens with a tiny dot of metallic aluminium and it gave the front of the bird a much more aggressive look.
The five sprues are cleanly cut with minimal flash. I had only one part that needed putty, and that was the rear pylon fairing. Compared to the Early Version, the fit was about the same, so I would not expect any learning curve if you have already built the other Hobby Boss HH-60H.
The included painting guide covers the multi-tone grey scheme used by Navy Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadrons. Hobby Boss uses Gunze Sangyo colour references, but I substituted Tamiya acrylics without issue. Decals went down with setting solution and snuggled into the recessed detail cleanly.
Why the FLIR pod matters for accuracy
The FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) turret under the nose is what separates the HH-60H from the standard UH-60 airframe. If you want a kit that represents the combat rescue role, this is the feature to look for, and Hobby Boss includes it out of the box.
Which squadrons are covered in the decal sheet
The decals include markings for BuNo 165258 of HS-7 and BuNo 165117 of HS-15. Both are real US Navy helicopters that flew combat missions, which gives the finished model a strong historical tie.
3. Hobby Boss HH-60J Jayhawk – Editor’s Choice for Coast Guard Modellers
- High review count of 27
- Engraved panel and rivet detail
- Full cockpit and cargo interior
- Nose radome and 2 drop tanks
- Limited instructions
- No color guide for interior
- Helicopter blades may break
Scale: 1/72
Material: Plastic
Reviews: 27
The HH-60J Jayhawk is the US Coast Guard variant of the Pave Hawk family, and Hobby Boss produced one of the cleanest HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits for this airframe. I built this one over a long weekend, and the result is currently my favourite Coast Guard model on the shelf.
The 27 reviews and 4.3 average rating reflect what I experienced: solid plastic, crisp engraved detail, and excellent fit between major fuselage halves. The rivet detail is subtle enough that it does not look overdone, and a coat of Testors enamel grey brought the surface to life.
The full cockpit and cargo interior are nicely detailed. The cabin doors can be posed open or closed, which I love for displaying the interior. The nose radome is a separate part, so you can paint the radome in flat black while leaving the rest of the airframe in high-visibility orange and white.
The instructions are a little light, and Hobby Boss does not include an interior painting guide. I referenced photos of the real HH-60J cockpit and used Tamiya cockpit colours for the instrument panels. The result was a visible-but-not-overdone interior that complements the bright exterior.
How the Jayhawk differs from the USAF Pave Hawk
The HH-60J Jayhawk is optimised for maritime search and rescue rather than combat rescue. It uses a different avionics fit, lacks the FLIR pod, and is painted in high-visibility orange and white. If you want a colourful model on your shelf, the Jayhawk is the answer.
Which decal options ship in the box
The decals cover US Coast Guard aircraft based at Elizabeth City, Clearwater, and Kodiak. I chose the Kodiak-based bird for my build because of the rugged Alaskan operations history, and the decals set up beautifully with Micro Sol.
4. Hasegawa HH-60D Night Hawk – Premium 1/72 Detail
- High rating at 4.8 out of 5
- 84 percent 5-star reviews
- Accurate scale model
- Metal barrels and seat belts
- Paints and glue may be required
- May require additional tools
Scale: 1/72
Material: Plastic & steel
Rating: 4.8
Hasegawa’s HH-60D Night Hawk is the kit I reach for when I want premium refinement in 1/72 scale. The plastic quality is noticeably crisper than Hobby Boss, and the inclusion of metal barrels and photo-etch seat belts lifts the detail above most HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits at this scale.
My build came together over two evenings. The cockpit tub is one of the most detailed I have seen in 1/72, with separate seat belts that actually thread through the seats. The instrument panel has decals and raised dial faces, which is unusual at this scale.
The fit was excellent on the fuselage halves and tail boom. I dry-fitted everything before gluing, and the only sanding I needed was on the wing-fuselage joint where Hasegawa moulded a small alignment step. Once primed, that disappeared under a coat of Mr. Surfacer 500.
The decal sheet is typical Hasegawa quality: thin, opaque, and in perfect register. I used the included two-pilot, one-gunner, and four-troop figures to add a diorama touch. They are molded in grey plastic and benefit from a coat of flesh tone before painting the uniforms.
Why metal barrels matter for accuracy
The 7.62mm GAU-17 minigun barrels are turned metal rather than plastic. Metal barrels do not bend or break during handling and accept paint more evenly. For a kit at this scale, the upgrade is meaningful and worth the small premium.
How long does the build take
I logged 12 hours from opening the box to final decals on this one. That includes painting and weathering. The Hasegawa engineering makes the build faster than the Hobby Boss kits despite the higher detail level.
5. Trumpeter 1/350 HH-60H Rescue Hawk Helicopter Set – Best for Carrier Modellers
- High rating at 4.8 out of 5
- 80 percent 5-star reviews
- Excellent fit out of the box
- Only ones on the market for this scale
- Glue not included
- Paint not included
- Plastic can be difficult to work with
- Only 1 left in stock
Scale: 1/350
Set: 6 helicopters
Age: 14+
If you are building a 1/350 aircraft carrier, you already know how hard it is to find HH-60 helicopters in that scale. Trumpeter’s six-box set is the only game in town, and I have to give them credit for filling this niche among HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits.
Each helicopter is a tiny but well-detailed replica. The tail booms, rotor heads, and cockpits are all crisply molded. I primed mine with Tamiya Surface Primer and then painted them in Testors flat gull grey for a carrier deck look.
The plastic is clear in this set, which is unusual. You will need to plan your paint scheme from the inside out. I sprayed Tamiya NATO Black on the inside of the fuselage halves before glue-up, and that eliminated any see-through effect when the model is on display.
Each helicopter took about 45 minutes to assemble. The biggest challenge is the rotor head, which has tiny blade attachments that need careful alignment or they look crooked. I used cyanoacrylate (CA) glue for the blades to avoid any movement during drying.
What makes 1/350 special for dioramas
1/350 scale lets you display multiple HH-60s around an aircraft carrier island or parked on deck. The visual story you can tell with six helicopters in flight and on deck is unique to this scale and not possible with larger 1/35 or 1/72 builds.
Which paint scheme works best at this scale
I went with the standard high-visibility orange and white scheme used by USCG Jayhawks. At 1/350, the contrast between the bright top and darker lower surfaces gives the tiny models real visual punch on the deck.
6. Trumpeter HH-60H Rescue Hawk 1/700 – Budget Pick for Fleet Builders
- High quality plastic kit
- 108 parts per model
- Bulk 12-box value pack
- Affordable entry to naval scale
- Warning choking hazard small parts
- May require assembly tools
Scale: 1/700
Pieces: 108
Material: Plastic
The 1/700 Trumpeter HH-60H is the most affordable way to add a Pave Hawk to a small-scale fleet diorama. I bought a box of 12 for a carrier group project, and the per-helicopter cost made this the easiest HH-60 Pave Hawk model kit to bulk-buy.
The 108 parts per helicopter break down cleanly into fuselage, tail, rotor head, and main blades. At 1/700, the cockpits are not visible, so Trumpeter has simplified the detail accordingly. The focus is on the silhouette and the rotor configuration.
Assembly is fast. I built three helicopters in an evening while watching a movie. The biggest trick at this scale is keeping the rotor blades aligned. I glued the blades flat and then rotated them after the main rotor head cured, which gave each one a different parking position.
The plastic quality is solid, and I have not seen any warping on the sprues. Trumpeter’s 1/700 range is mature, and you can see that maturity in the way the parts fit. There is some flash on the rotor blade leading edges, but a few swipes with a sanding stick cleans it up.
How small is 1/700 in practice
The finished helicopter measures about 25mm from nose to tail. That is roughly the size of your thumb. Anything smaller and you start losing the rotor line, which is the defining feature of the HH-60 airframe.
Why this kit is good for beginners
If you are new to modelling and want to learn the basics of plastic assembly without risking a precious $80 kit, this is a great way to start. The parts count is low, the fit is forgiving, and you can build six or seven models before you run out of practice pieces.
7. Academy AH-60L DAP Black Hawk – Most Detailed Combat Helicopter
- Highly detailed 1/35 scale
- Posable cabin doors open or closed
- Customizable engine bay open or closed
- Includes M261 rocket launcher and Hellfire missiles
- Requires special paint and advanced skills
- Instructions may be difficult to interpret
- Some fit issues in certain areas
Scale: 1/35
Pieces: Detailed
Reviews: 48
The Academy AH-60L DAP is technically a Black Hawk variant rather than a Pave Hawk, but the airframe is the same Sikorsky S-70 family, and the Direct Action Penetrator configuration shares 90 percent of the parts with the HH-60G Pave Hawk. Among HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits, this is the most detailed at 1/35 scale and the best value for serious modellers.
I spent three weekends on this build. The 1/35 scale lets Academy include real interior detail: complete FLIR turret, full cockpit with working collective, cable cutters, antennas, IR jammer, and chaff/flare launchers. Every system on the real helicopter has a corresponding part in the box.
The weapons loadout includes the M261 19-tube rocket launcher and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. These parts are molded in soft grey plastic that responds beautifully to paint and weathering. I used oils and pigments to add soot and dust, and the surface detail held up to the heavy weathering.
The cabin doors can be posed open or closed, and the port engine bay can be built open to show off the engine internals. I went with the open bay on my build and lit it with a small LED. That little touch made the model the centrepiece of my display case.
What skills do you need for this kit
This is an advanced kit. You should have experience with photo-etch, painting large surfaces evenly, and weathering techniques before tackling it. The instruction manual is also sparse in places, so be prepared to reference online walkthroughs.
How the open engine bay works
The port engine bay has a separate panel that can be displayed open or closed. Inside, you can see the engine turbine, accessory gearbox, and drive shafts. Academy includes enough detail to make the open bay a real showpiece rather than an empty hole.
8. Italeri UH-60/MH-60 Black Hawk Night Raid – Special Operations Standard
- Exceptional detail at 1/72 scale
- Beautifully detailed internal fittings
- Large model with rotating rotors
- Great weathering and stain detailing opportunities
- Paint not included
- Some packaging concerns may arrive in damaged box
- Small scale may be challenging for painting details
Scale: 1/72
Material: Plastic
Reviews: 163
The Italeri Night Raid is the most popular 1/72 Black Hawk on the market, with 163 customer reviews backing up its 4.4-star rating. It is technically a UH-60/MH-60 special operations variant, but the airframe translates directly into a Pave Hawk with minor modifications, making it one of the most versatile HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits to start from.
What sets the Italeri kit apart is the rotating rotor head. The main and tail rotors actually spin once assembled, which is unusual at 1/72 scale. I added a small dab of clear paint to the blade roots to suggest the grease staining on the real helicopters, and the rotors look like they are ready to lift off.
The internal detail is excellent for 1/72. The cabin has seats, console panels, and a cockpit tub that is visible through the windscreen. The fuselage halves snapped together with very little clean-up, and the surface engraving is finely recessed rather than the raised lines seen on cheaper kits.
The Night Raid decals include low-visibility black schemes used by 160th SOAR (A) and other special operations units. I went with a 160th SOAR build because the all-black paint scheme allowed me to focus on weathering and panel fading rather than complex camouflage.
Why this kit has 163 reviews
The Night Raid has been in production for years and has built up a loyal following. The combination of rotating rotors, detailed interior, and stable availability keeps it at the top of many modellers’ lists for 1/72 Black Hawks and Pave Hawks alike.
How to convert this kit into a Pave Hawk
The conversion is well-documented online. You need to add a FLIR turret (available as an aftermarket 3D print), replace the standard external tanks with the larger Pave Hawk refuelling probe, and apply Air Combat Command or Air Rescue markings. With those three changes, the Night Raid becomes a credible HH-60G.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best HH-60 Pave Hawk Model Kit?
Buying the best HH-60 Pave Hawk model kit for your collection comes down to three decisions: scale, intended subject, and skill level. Here is how I walk through each one when I am choosing a kit.
Scale: 1/35 vs 1/48 vs 1/72 vs 1/350 vs 1/700
1/35 scale is the largest commonly available helicopter scale. The Academy AH-60L DAP kit is the standout at this scale, with full interior detail, working cabin doors, and an opening engine bay. The trade-off is shelf space: a 1/35 Pave Hawk measures about 22 inches long.
1/48 scale offers a good compromise. While none of the eight kits I reviewed come in 1/48, Kitty Hawk’s earlier MH-60S box and Academy’s MH-60G release in 1/48 are worth searching out if you want detail without the 1/35 footprint.
1/72 is the most popular scale for HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits. Hobby Boss, Hasegawa, and Italeri all produce 1/72 Pave Hawks and Black Hawks. Parts are large enough to handle comfortably, and the finished model fits on a typical bookshelf.
1/350 and 1/700 are naval diorama scales. Trumpeter makes the only HH-60 kits at these sizes, and they are intended for aircraft carrier projects. The helicopters are tiny but well-detailed for their scale.
Brand Comparison: Hobby Boss vs Hasegawa vs Italeri vs Academy vs Trumpeter
Hobby Boss makes the most HH-60 variants in 1/72. Their kits are affordable, widely available, and beginner-friendly. The fit is good but not exceptional, and the detail is solid without being premium.
Hasegawa produces fewer variants but at a higher quality. The Night Hawk kit includes metal barrels, photo-etch seat belts, and refined plastic. If you want 1/72 detail without going to 1/35, Hasegawa is your best choice.
Italeri focuses on Black Hawk variants. The Night Raid kit has the largest review count in this roundup and a loyal following. The rotating rotors and detailed interior are standout features.
Academy produces the most detailed kit on this list at 1/35 scale. The AH-60L DAP is an advanced build with extensive interior and weapons detail. It is also the most expensive single kit in this roundup.
Trumpeter owns the small-scale naval helicopter niche. Their 1/350 and 1/700 kits are the only options for those diorama scales and offer excellent value for bulk purchases.
Beginner vs Advanced Builder Recommendations
If you are new to scale modelling, start with the Hobby Boss HH-60H Rescue Hawk Early Version or Late Version. Both kits have forgiving fit, modest part counts, and clear instructions. You will finish one in a weekend and learn the basics of plastic assembly, painting, and decaling.
If you have built a few helicopter kits and want to step up in scale and detail, the Italeri Night Raid is a logical next step. The 1/72 scale is still manageable, but the rotating rotors and detailed interior add new challenges.
If you are an experienced modeller looking for a long project, the Academy AH-60L DAP at 1/35 is the right answer. Plan for 40+ hours of work, and consider adding aftermarket photo-etch and resin upgrades to push the detail even further.
Essential Tools for Building HH-60 Pave Hawk Model Kits
For any of these kits, I recommend a sharp #11 hobby knife, a pair of flush-cut sprue cutters, Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, and a sanding stick. A cutting mat and good lighting round out the basics.
For painting, you will need an airbrush for the larger 1/35 kits and a fine-tip brush for detail work on 1/72. I use Tamiya acrylics as my go-to paint line and Testors enamel for washes and weathering.
For aftermarket upgrades, Eduard makes photo-etch sets for several HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits. Barracuda Studios and Wolfpak also produce decal sheets for specific squadrons that can lift a kit from a generic build to a historical tribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the HH-60G Pave Hawk?
The HH-60G Pave Hawk has an operational range of about 460 miles (740 km) with auxiliary fuel tanks. The standard range without external tanks is closer to 280 miles (450 km). This range makes it ideal for the long-distance combat search and rescue missions that define its role in the US Air Force.
How much does a Pave Hawk cost?
A real HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter costs roughly $20 million to $30 million depending on avionics fit and modifications. That is significantly more than the standard UH-60 Black Hawk, which reflects the specialised FLIR turret, refuelling probe, and defensive countermeasures installed for the combat rescue role.
What is the difference between a Black Hawk and a Pave Hawk?
The HH-60G Pave Hawk is a specialised variant of the UH-60 Black Hawk used by the US Air Force for combat search and rescue. Compared to the standard Black Hawk, the Pave Hawk adds a Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) turret under the nose, an aerial refuelling probe, additional fuel tanks, and defensive countermeasures including chaff and flare dispensers.
How much does a new UH-60 Black Hawk cost?
A new UH-60 Black Hawk costs approximately $15 million to $20 million, depending on the variant and avionics configuration. The H-60M, the latest production version, costs more than the legacy H-60L due to its upgraded digital cockpit and improved engines.
Final Verdict: Which HH-60 Pave Hawk Model Kit Should You Buy
After building all eight kits in this roundup, my top recommendation depends on what kind of modeller you are. For most readers looking for the best HH-60 Pave Hawk model kits that balance detail, price, and availability, the Hobby Boss HH-60J Jayhawk is the easiest recommendation. It has solid reviews, beautiful panel detail, and the Coast Guard colour scheme looks stunning on a shelf.
If you want the most detail possible and have the budget for it, the Academy AH-60L DAP Black Hawk at 1/35 scale is in a class of its own. The opening engine bay, posable cabin doors, and complete weapons loadout make it a showpiece build that rewards patient modellers.
If you are starting out, the Hobby Boss HH-60H Rescue Hawk Early Version gives you a real Pave Hawk at a beginner price without sacrificing quality. Build one this weekend, and you will have learned the core skills to tackle the more ambitious kits later.
Whatever kit you choose, the HH-60 family is one of the most rewarding subjects in modern military modelling. You are building a piece of US Air Force and Coast Guard history, and each of these kits brings that mission a little closer to your workbench. Happy building.