Hasegawa Press Release: New Releases Coming in April
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
1/48 Scale Nakajima Ki-27 Type 97 (Nate) "1st FR"
Out-strafe Soviets with the IJAAF
The Ki-27 was developed by Nakajima in 1935 to replace the Kawasaki® Ki-10 fighter biplane. What the Ki-27 lacked in speed and climbing ability, it made up in maneuverability. In 1939's Battle of Khalkhin Gol, Ki-27s squared off against Soviet I-15 bipes and I-16 monoplanes. When faster I-16s appeared, Ki-27s no longer cut it. As a result, they were relegated to being bomber escorts during WWII's early days.
Kit features:
One decal marking option:
- IJAAF 1st FR, 2nd Company, Capt.Keisuke Yamada, Kagamihara AF, June 1939
Total Parts: 46
Skill Level: 3
Available: Late April
Stock Number HSGS7370
Retail Price $39.99
1/48 Scale Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7 "Japanese Army"
German muscle makes its way to Japan
The Bf 109E-7 first flew on the front lines in August of 1940.The E-7's biggest advantage over earlier variants was that it could carry drop tanks and bombs. In 1941, the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force purchased a fleet of five Bf 109E-7s (without armament) to be used for flight testing. The IJAAF's knowledge of the Bf 109E-7's liquid-cooled, inverted V-12 engine resulted in the Kawasaki® Ki-61 Hien.
Kit features:
One decal marking option:
- IJAAF Experimental Division, Code: White-1, Kagamihara AF, 1941
Total Parts: 61
Skill Level: 3
Available: Late April
Stock Number HSGS7369
Retail Price $39.99
1/72 Scale Spitfire Mk IXc & Beaufighter Mk X (2 Kits)
Overwatch for Operation Overlord
In the lead up to D-Day, German ships, ground forces and aircraft were arrayed to make an amphibious landing very costly. Fortunately, the RAF had the Spitfire and Beaufighter. The Spitfire was a renowned dogfighter and one of the best daytime fighters of the war. The Beaufighter was a juggernaut loaded with one of the heaviest weapon loads of any WWII fighter. Together, these fighters helped scour sky, sea and soil of enemies and pave the way for Allied victory.
Kit Features Decals for:
Spitfire:
- RAF No.453SQ. Code: FU-Z (MK421), June, 1944
- RAF No.312SQ. Code: DU-L (MJ840), June, 1944
Beaufighter:
- RAF No.236SQ. Code: MB-T (NT950), June, 1944
- RAF No.455SQ Code: UB-E (NE543), 1944
Total Parts: 45 + 130
Skill Level: 3
Available: Late April
Stock Number HSGS2087
Retail Price $59.99
1/72 Scale F-4EJ KAI Phantom II (Air Combat Meet 2013)
Decades of Aerial Domination
Japan's fighter squadrons operate Phantom II aircraft out of bases all over Japan. For forty years, these Phantoms have been responsible for keeping Japanese airspace clear of hostiles. Even after forty years, the Phantom's armament, speed and maneuverability still make it a dire threat to modern aircraft. Air combat meets keep pilots sharp and ready. In addition, the airframe's versatility allows it to accomplish many types of missions, making it essential for smaller air forces.
Kit Features Decals for:
- JASDF 5th AW, 301st TFS Code: 440. Nyutabaru AB
- JASDF 7th AW, 302nd TFS Code: 426. Hyakuri AB
Total Parts: 117
Skill Level: 3
Available: Late April
Stock Number HSGS2089
Retail Price $49.99
1/72 Scale Shenyang J-11 Fighter (PLAAF)
China's finest fighter
Although it's based on the Sukhoi Su-27, the Chinese J-11 is a bird all its own. The old Russian design has been updated with Chinese-made engines, avionics and weapons that make it roughly equal in fighting prowess to the American F-15 Eagle. Although the cloak of secrecy is drawn tighter around the J-11 than virtually any other military aircraft in the world, one thing is certain. The J-11 is becoming a more versatile and potent weapon with every passing day.
Kit Features Decals for:
- People's Liberation Army Air Force Code: 11137
Total Parts: 142
Skill Level: 3
Available: Late April
Stock Number HSGS2090
Retail Price $59.99
1/200 Scale Air Do Boeing® 767-300
The passenger plane, perfected
21.1 feet (6.4 m) longer than the 767-200, the 767-300 first flew as part of the Japan Airlines fleet in 1986.The popular Japanese airliner Air Do currently has two Boeing 767-300s in its fleet, both of which can carry up to 270 passengers apiece. While it isn't as prominent in the U.S., the 767-300's increased size and performance have made it a popular choice for high-density passenger flights in Europe and Asia alike.
Kit reissue features:
One new marking option:
- Air Do, Code: JA601A
Total Parts: 39
Skill Level: 3
Available: Late April
Stock Number HSGS0720
Retail Price $32.99
1/1500 Space Pirate Battleship Phantom Death Shadow
Death's shadow rides on solar winds
Sleek, magnificent, deadly. A single look at the Phantom Death Shadow will tell you all you need to know. She's a predator angled and shaped with a single purpose: destruction. Lethal Pulsar cannons in triple mounts sit idle 'til they reduce enemy warships to cosmic dust, the blade ram waits to split hulls and spill crews and cargoes to the cold, black emptiness of space. She's a piece of lethal art that deserves a spot in your display case.
Kit Features:
2 Cosmo Wing Fighters
Full display stand
Total Parts: 147
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number HSGS6508
Retail Price $74.99
1/700 Scale JMSDF Chokai (DDG-176)
The latest Kongo-class destroyer
Like all Kongo-class destroyers, the Chokai is named after one of Japan's most famous mountains.And like the other Kongo-class destroyers, the Chokai is propelled by four gas turbines which produce a top speed of 30 knots (56 km/h).Its crew complement is 300 Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sailors and the rear deck can accommodate incoming helicopters.
Kit reissue features:
New antenna parts
One decal marking option:
- Guided Missile Destroyer Chokai, Code: 176
Total Parts: 158
Skill Level: 3
Available: Late April
Stock Number HSGS4930
Retail Price $34.99
1/24 Scale Lancia® Stratos HF "1981 Monte Carlo Rally"
"High Fidelity" rally racing
Introduced in 1972, the Lancia Stratos HF (or "High Fidelity") has the distinction of winning the World Rally Championship three consecutive times (1974, 1975 and 1976).The Monte Carlo Rally serves as the first round of the WRC. In 1981's race, France's Bernard Darniche drove his Lancia Stratos HF to a sixth place finish.
Kit features:
Upgraded fender parts
One decal marking option:
- 1981 Monte Carlo Rally 6th Place Team Chardonnet Car No.4, Driver: Bernard Darniche
Total Parts: 145
Skill Level: 3
Available: Late April
Stock Number HSGS2261
Retail Price $47.99
1/12 Scale Yamaha® YZR500 (0WA8) "Sonauto Yamaha 1989"
Burn rubber with Christian Sarron
From 1973-2002, the Yamaha YZR500 led four 500 cc Grand Prix riders to ten separate world championships. One of the most famous riders to take the helm of the YZR500 was France's Christian Sarron. For the 1989 season, Sarron rode for the Sonauto Yamaha team; he scored 165 points to earn a third-place finish overall.
Kit Features New disk cover and fender parts plus Decals for:
SONAUTO YAMAHA Team WGP500 1989, 3rd place rider, No.4, Christian Sarron
Total Parts: 171
Skill Level: 3
Available: Late April
Stock Number HSGS1709
Retail Price $59.99
For more information on the latest Hasegawa releases, visit the Hasegawa USA website.