Concept and idea
The AH21/B, codename "Seth", is the latest version of the ATH21/A "Khamsin". Both designs are based on two grand designs. The very first concept model is from the mechanical designer Shōji Kawamori, a Japanese anime creator, screenwriter and mechanical designer. His helicopter is known as the "AFH-02B Hellhound", which have his own role in the "Patlabor 2" movie. Second design is made by the digital artist Talros (Daniel Graffenberger), who gives the Hellhound a more modern look in his Patlabor tribute painting.
I have to thank these two artist again. They inspire me and push me forward to do this rework project.
Both helicopter models have its own assets and drawbacks. The original design have a very advantageous feature. It can fold the wings and rotorblades. That enables a transport in a special cargo container. The clearly viewable armament speaks for itself.
The Hellhound is a great looking design, but it have a few disadvantages and want to correct them and add improvements and upgrades. The obvious changes are the switch from a NOTAR-System to a Koaxial-Rotor. Why? Because you cannot autorotate with NOTAR Systems. Military Helicopter need this ability. Other changes: more hardpoints for armament, counter-measures, revolver-cannon, Low-Air-Speed-Data-Sensor, the engines, fuel-probe, real working landing gear, Cockpit etc...
I rebuild over 90% of the old model. That was necessary to give the whole model a more realistic look and a good clue to work with the right dimensions. More details in the discription.
References and Artist information
Shōji Kawamori:
http://www.mahq.net/mecha/patlabor/patlabormovie2/afh-02b.htm
http://s599.photobucket.com/user/So...02B Hellhound/snapshot20100204172044.jpg.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shōji_Kawamori
Talros:
http://browse.deviantart.com/art/Last-operation-116041198