We're stoked to add the TH-57 Sea Ranger to the JE collection! After successfully navigating Primary Flight Training in the T-34 Mentor or T-6 Texan II, all Navy, USMC, and USCG flight students who selected rotary-wing would have headed to Naval Air Station Whiting Field. There they would have strapped into a military helicopter (the TH-57) for the very first time. Trainers hold a special place in the hearts of all pilots, and it's always an honor to tag a trainer.
The TH-57:
Modified from the commercial Bell Jet Ranger 206, the TH-57 Sea Ranger has played a vital role in rotary-wing pilot training - supporting primary, intermediate, and advanced flight instruction across multiple U.S. and select international military branches.
Powered by a single Rolls Royce Allison 250-C20J turbofan engine, with a maximum air speed of 138 miles per hour, this versatile helo has also provided support in photo, chase, and utility missions and various warfare simulations within the U.S. NAVY’s Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center.
The TH-57B was first introduced in 1982 and is slated to be fully sun-downed and replaced by the TH-73 Thrasher in 2024.
The tags:
We're proud to release 2 TH-57 tags tomorrow: one cut from a TH-57B (BuNo 163316/Modex 159) and one cut from a TH-57C (BuNo 162067/Modex 103). The C is an upgraded version of the B and was used for instrument training. The B was a more basic version used for initial familiarization flights.
Both tags were cut from removed baggage compartment doors and come in the same 6 variants: Orange, White, Modex, Orange/White/Black (tri-color), Roundel, and Roundel/Orange (quad color).
The Modex are orange and black tags that feature portions of the black modex stenciling.
The Roundel tags feature portions of the red, white, and blue roundel. Some are tri-color and some are bi-color tags. Fulfillment is random.
The Roundel/Orange are a rare quad color tag (6 total between both aircraft) that feature Red, White, Blue, and Orange paint.
All tags come with grey printed tag art and come on a card by BVR. The Bs and Cs had subtle exterior differences in paint, and each come on a card unique to that type.
An Orange, Black, and White Combo is also offered that includes a TH-57B Modex tag and a White TH-57C tag.
Tags cut from TH-57B 163316 are listed as TH-57B Variant and tags cut from TH-57C 162067 are listed as TH-57C Variant. For example, TH-57B Roundel, or TH-57C Orange.
Both tags are limited to 100 each.