Hasegawa Press Release: December 2013 New Releases
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Two decades of supersonic glory
1/48 Scale F-104DJ Starfighter "207th Sq. Forest Camouflage"
Although the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force flew the F-104DJ Starfighter for only twenty years, this Mitsubishi®-built dual-control trainer served with distinction. These specially made two-seat aircraft were used to train pilots from seven different JASDF squadrons, including the 207th Hikotai. Following two decades of supersonic glory, the F-104DJ was retired in 1986.
Kit Features:
New parts for the instrument panel, fuselage, cockpit and canopy
Two decal marking options:
- JASDF 83.AW 207th Sq., Code: 36-5017
- JASDF 83.AW 207th Sq., Code: 46-5008
Total Parts: 146
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number: HSGS7368
Retail Price: $54.99
Watanabe's wacky warbird
1/48 Scale J7W2-S Shinden Kai
The futuristic shape and novel engine placement of the J7W series made it highly unorthodox for the time. It was meant to be fast and maneuverable at high altitudes and to carry a murderous array of 30mm cannons in the nose. Fortunately for American bomber crews, the J7W and its descendant, the J7W2, never made it past the prototype phase. Today, the last of the two prototypes to roll off Watanabe's production lines rests in storage at a museum in the U.S.
Kit Features decals for:
- IJN 302nd NAG Code: Yo D-1161, Yo D-1168. 1947
- Luftwaffe Code: Red-10, Red-12. 1947
Total Parts: 72
Stock Number: HSGS7367
Retail Price: $54.99
Advance alongside the 56th Sentai
1/48 Scale Kawasaki® Ki-61-I Tei Type 3 Fighter Hien (Tony) "56th Flight Regiment Mainland Defense"
The Kawasaki Ki-61-I Tei's tough, modified wings housed dual .50 inch (12.7 mm) Ho-103 cannons, while the fuselage boasted 0.8 inch (20 mm) Ho-5 cannons. Pilots like the 56th Sentai's Major Haruyoshi Furukawa counted on the Ki-61-I Tei's impressive firepower to counter larger Allied bombers, including the B-29 Superfortress. This highly agile fighter helped Furukawa score an estimated five career kills while flying for the Japanese Army Air Force.
Kit Features:
One decal marking option:
JAAF 56th FR, Major Haruyoshi Furukawa, Code: 751, Itami AB, 1945
Total Parts: 64
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number: HSGS7366
Retail Price: $39.99
Favored by the US Navy's safest squadrons
1/72 Scale E-2C Hawkeye "Iraqi Freedom"
Fifty years after its introduction, the E-2 Hawkeye remains an essential part of the US Navy's aerial arsenal. Currently, this airborne early warning aircraft is only one of two turboprop-powered aircraft to operate from a carrier. The "C" variant was used by two of the Navy's safest squadrons – VAW-115 "Liberty Bells" and VAW-121 "Bluetails" – during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Kit Features:
- US Navy USS Kitty Hawk VAW-115 "Liberty Bells" CVW-5 CAG, Code: NF600 Bu. No. 165295
- US Navy VAW-121 "Bluetails," Code: AG601
Total Parts: 170
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number: HSGS2079
Retail Price: $54.99
The first word in Forward Air Control
1/72 Scale OA-4M Skyhawk "H&MS" (2 Kits)
The US Marine Corps counts on Headquarters and Maintenance Squadrons like H&MS-12 and H&MS-13 to provide Close Air Support (CAS) during combat missions. Expertly trained pilots, known as Forward Air Controllers, make sure that the squadron hits only its intended target. During the late 1980s, the USMC flew specially modified OA-4M Skyhawks to carry out these dangerous missions.
Kit Combo Features:
Two OA-4M Skyhawk kits
Two decal marking options:
- US Marine H&MS-12 "Outlaws," Code: WA01, 1985
- US Marine H&MS-13, Code: YU01, 1987
Total Parts (per kit): 58
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number: HSGS2083
Retail Price: $42.99
Twin Tigers
1/72 P-40E Warhawk Flying Tigers (2 Kits)
P-40 Warhawks served from just before the beginning of World War II straight through to the end. The "P-40E" variants carried larger engines and more guns than their predecessors. Although inferior in speed and maneuverability when compared with many contemporary aircraft, experienced formations like the Flying Tigers were able to use the advantages of the Warhawk to deadly effect against Japanese forces in China.
Kit Features:
- USAAF 23rd FG 76th FS, Major Edward Rector Code: 104. China, July 1942.
- USAAF 23rd FG Colonel Robert Scott Code: 7. China, September 1942.
Total Parts: 39 x 2
Stock Number: HSGS2082
Retail Price: $39.99
The Kongō class cruises on
1/700 Scale JMSDF DDG Myōkō
Guided Missile Destroyers like the DDG Myōkō can destroy targets on the sea, on land, in the air and beneath the waves. They are packed with long-range radar, laser guided missiles, torpedoes, anti-ballistic missile defense batteries, heavy artillery and rotary-barrel automatic cannons. Thanks to sophisticated radar and guidance systems, it can unleash an unstoppable fusillade of metal at targets far beyond visual range; shredding ships, planes and flesh in an instant.
Kit Features decals for:
Guided Missile Destroyer Myōkō Code: 175
Total Parts: 158
Stock Number: HSGS0029
Retail Price: $34.99
Visit the Hasegawa USA website for more information.