Hasegawa Press Release: New Releases Coming in May
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
1/48 Scale Mitsubishi® T-2 "Forest (F-1) Camouflage"
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:
Three decal marking options:
- JASDF 3rd AW, 3rd Sq., Code: 186
- JASDF 4th AW, 21st Sq., Code: 191
- JASDF 4th AW, 22nd Sq., Code: 190 & 192
Total Parts: 159
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number: HSGS7374
Price: $54.99
Available: May
1/72 Scale F-104J/DJ Starfighter “207th Sq.”
Two kits for two decades of supersonic glory
For twenty years, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force flew the Starfighter. A Mitsubishi®-built dual-control trainer, the F-104DJ, served with particular distinction. These specially made two-seat aircraft were used to train pilots from seven different JASDF squadrons, including the 207th Hikotai. Training in these aircraft allowed pilots of the F-104J air-superiority fighter to keep Japan’s airspace clear. Following two decades of supersonic glory, the Starfighter was retired in 1986.
Kit Combo Features:
A F-104J and an F-104DJ
Four decal marking options:
F-104J:
- JASDF 83rd AW, 207th SQ. Code: 46-8655. Air Combat Meet 1984.
- JASDF 83rd AW, 207th SQ. Code: 46-8635. Air Combat Meet 1983.
F-104DJ:
- JASDF 83rd AW, 207th SQ. Code: 36-5017. Air Combat Meet 1983.
- JASDF 83rd AW, 207th SQ. Code: 46-5008. Air Combat Meet 1983.
Total Parts: 101 + 114
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number: HSGS2104
Retail Price: $44.99
Available: May
1/72 Scale Mitsubishi G3M3 “Nell” Bomber
Japan’s do-all dragon
In accordance with the expansionist policies of Imperial Japan, theG3M was designed for maximum range and speed. It was intended to project Japanese power from bases in Japan to the Asian mainland and out into the Pacific. Maxing out the range and speed of the “Nell”, however, entailed not including protective armor or self-sealing fuel tanks. This lack of protection led to the G3M and the subsequent G4M being excessively vulnerable to damage.
Kit Features:
New Torpedo Parts
Five decal marking options:
- IJN 1st NFG Codes: Z-325, Z-322, Z-323, and Z-326
- IJN 1001 NFG Code: 01-64
Total Parts: 122
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number: HSGS2103
Retail Price: $44.99
Available: May
1/144 Scale YS-11 “JMSDF 61st Sq.”
The 61st Squadron’s trusted turboprop transport
In the late 1950s, seven leading Japanese manufacturers teamed up to develop a short-range replacement for the DC-3. The YS-11 was the end result. While it was designed to be a commercial transport, the JMSDF have used YS-11s for moving troops and anti-submarine patrol training. Today, three YS-11s remain in service.
Kit Features:
New radome and antenna fairing parts
Two decal marking options:
- YS-11M (Transporter): JMSDF 61st Sq., Code: 9042, Atsugi AB
- YS-11T (Anti-Submarine Patrol Trainer): JMSDF 205th Training Sq., Code: 6901, Shimofusa AB
Total Parts: 48
Skill Level: 3
Stock Number: HSGS1086
Retail Price: $34.99
Available: May
For more information on these and other upcoming releases from Hasegawa, visit the Hasegawa USA website.