Hasegawa Press Release: New Releases for Spring
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
1/48 ScaleA-4E Skyhawk “USS Midway”
Neutralizing Nam
Strike aircraft from the USS Midway shot down the first and last enemy aircraft in the Vietnam War. The Skyhawks Midwaytransported provided strategic strikes, close air support and cover for combat evacuation. The Skyhawks heavy armament and substantial range made them the weapon of choice on long-distance missions.
Kit Features:
Two marking options:
- USN VA-23, Code: NE337. USS Midway, 1965.
- USN VA-23, Code: NE340. USS Midway, 1965.
Total Parts: 156
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number HSGS7377
Retail Price $49.99
Available: June
1/48 Scale Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 Carrier Attack Bomber (Kate)
Japan’s deadliest bomber
A bomb from a B5N2 caused half the casualties at Pearl Harbor when it detonated the forward magazine of the battleship Arizona. As the war progressed, the bomber sank three American fleet carriers and numerous other vessels. Near the end of the war, this three-seat bomber was used in kamikaze strikes against Allied shipping. Not a single B5N2 survived the war intact, but you can own this limited edition kit!
Kit Features:
New radar antenna and torpedo parts plus three marking options:
- IJN 601st NFG, Code: 312-61. Carrier Zuikaku, 1944.
- IJN 601st NFG, Code: 312-52. Carrier Zuikaku, 1944.
- IJN 931st NFG, Code: KEB306. Saipan, June, 1944.
Total Parts: 126
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number HSGS7375
Retail Price $44.99
Available: June
1/48 Scale A6M2-N Type 2 Seaplane (Rufe)
Defend remote bases with amphibious ease
Developed by Nakajima, the amphibious A6M2-N allowed the Japanese to defend their remote bases in the Aleutian and Solomon Islands. Some were also used to protect fuel depots against enemy aircraft in modern Indonesia. The fuselage was inspired by the A6M-2, Model 11, modifying the tail and adding floats. The floats made the aircraft ungainly, but also gave it the ability to operate from remote bases.
Kit Features:
Two marking options:
- IJN 902nd NFG Code: 02-103. Truk Island, Nov. 1943.
- IJN 802nd NFG Code: Y4-122. Marshall Islands Oct. 1943.
Total Parts: 84
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number HSGS7376
Retail Price $44.99
Available: June
1/72 Scale Renzan with Guided Bomb and Shindenkai (2 Kits)
The threat that never was
By 1944, Japan desperately needed aircraft that could turn the tide of WWII. The Renzan was a long-range heavy bomber perfect for smashing island airfields. It was also capable of delivering the I-Goh, a guided bomb intended to break American naval supremacy. To counter America’s aerial superiority, Japan designed the Shindenkai—a pusher-style canard fighter armed with four 30mm cannon. Fortunately, most of these designs never left the ground.
Kit Features:
Six fictional unit marking options:
Renzan:
- IJN 721st NFG Code: 721-362, 1946.
- IJN 721st NFG Code: 721K-73, 1946.
- Luftwaffe Code: DF + OV, 1947.
Shindenkai:
- IJN 721st NFG Code: 721-64, 1946.
- IJN 721st NFG Code: 721123, 1946.
- Luftwaffe Code: 13, 1947.
Total Parts: 110 + 42
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number HSGS0987
Retail Price $72.99
Available: August
1/72 Scale Kawanishi H6K5 Type 97 Model 23
Eyes and ears of the 901st Naval Flying Group
Designed as a larger version of the RAF’s Short Rangoon, the H6K5 was a four-engine flying boat designed in 1934 and in production by 1936. The aircraft’s 24-hour endurance and incredible range made it perfect for long-range recon and bombing strikes. Throughout the Sino-Japanese War and WWII the H6K was left in service along quiet patrol sectors despite its increasing vulnerability to the newer generation of fighters.
Kit Features:
New photo-etched radar parts andtwo decal options:
- IJN 901st NFG, Code: KEA-63.
- IJN 901st NFG, Code: KEA-59.
Total Parts: 150
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number HSGS2048
Retail Price $57.99
Available: August
1/72 Scale Mitsubishi® T-2
Japan’s souped-up supersonic trainer
Inspired by the SEPECAT Jaguar, the Mitsubishi T-2 was the first Japanese aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight. After their 1975 debut, T-2s became popular for their role in “Blue Impulse” aerobatic stunt shows. Until their 2006 retirement, two-seat T-2s were often painted to resemble single-seat, camo-clad F-1 fighters in simulated combat.
Kit Features:
Two marking options:
- JASDF Air Development and Test Wing CCV Code: 103, Gifu AFB.
- JASDF APW TRDI CCV Code: 103, Gifu AFG. Aug. 9, 1983-first flight.
Total Parts: 52
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number HSGS2105
Retail Price $34.99
Available: June
1/72 Scale F-14A/B Tomcat “Jolly Rogers” (2 Kits)
The US Navy’s deadliest squadron
The “Jolly Rogers” were one of the last squadrons to be equipped with the Tomcat, but their service with it was exemplary. They flew these variable-sweep winged marvels from 1983 until 2004. VFA-103 saw action in Operation Desert Storm and the Iraq War. No good Tomcat pilot should be without a good wingman, so build a pair of “Jolly Rogers” with this two-kit set!
Kit Features
Two kits with two marking options each:
F-14A
USN VF-84 “Jolly Rogers” CAG Code: AJ200, USS Nimitz, 1978.
USN VF-84 “Jolly Rogers” CAG Code: AJ200, USS Theodore Roosevelt, 1989.
F-14B
USN VF-103 “Jolly Rogers” CO Code: AA103, USS John F. Kennedy, 2004.
USN VF-103 “Jolly Rogers” CAG Code: AA100, USS John F. Kennedy, 2004.
Total Parts: 195 + 211
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number HSGS0206
Retail Price $89.99
Available: June
1/72 Scale “Ace Combat®” ASF-X Shinden II
Fly with the “Ridgebacks”
Designed by “Macross” creator Shouji Kawamori, the ASF-X Shinden II is a fictional futuristic jet that appears in the video game “Ace Combat: Infinity.” The Shinden is a predatory bird, decked out with weapons and positively bristling with sensors. It is absolutely ideal for the dark futuristic world that the “Ace Combat” series takes place in. Now you can own an ASF-X Shinden II with “Ridgebacks” markings before “Infinity” is even released!
Kit Features
Display stand parts and one marking option:
- UNF 19th Tactical Fighter Squadron “Ridgebacks”— “Ace Combat Infinity”.
Total Parts: 115
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number HSGS5216
Retail Price $54.99
Available: June
For more information on these and other Hasegawa kits, visit the Hasegawa USA website.