Japanese Ki-10-II biplane fighter 1:72 ICM 72311

Plastic model airplane for assembly: Japanese biplane fighter Ki-10-II 1:72 ICM 72311

The assembly model: Japanese biplane fighter Ki-10-II in 1:72 scale from ICM (catalog number 72311) is an excellent proposition for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This detailed set allows for the recreation of one of the most famous fighters of the Imperial Japanese Army from the 1930s.

Model details:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Catalog number: 72311

Markings:

• Ki-10-II, Captain Tateo Kato, 64th Sentai, China, 1938
• Ki-10-II, 77th Sentai, China, 1938

History and background of the design:

The Kawasaki Ki-10, also known by the American designation "Perry," was the main fighter of the Imperial Japanese Army in the late 1930s. Designed by Takeo Doi, the Ki-10 was a response to the need for a maneuverable and fast fighter that could compete with foreign designs. The first prototype was created in March 1935, and by September of the same year, serial production began as the Type 95 Fighter.

The Ki-10-II version, which can be built from this kit, was an evolution of the original model with larger wings and an elongated fuselage, which improved its flying characteristics. Production of this version began in June 1937 and continued until December 1938. The Ki-10-II was a single-engine, single-seat biplane fighter with a metal structure and fabric wings. The pilot sat in an open cockpit, and the power was provided by a 12-cylinder inline Kawasaki Ha-9 liquid-cooled engine. The aircraft had a classic, fixed landing gear with a tail skid. The serial versions were equipped with three-blade, metal propellers, which improved their performance. The armament of the Ki-10-II consisted of two 7.7 mm machine guns mounted in the upper part of the engine cowling, which was typical for fighters of that period.

The Ki-10-II participated in the Second Sino-Japanese War and in the Japanese-Soviet conflict at the Khalkhin-Gol River in 1939. Although it was replaced by more modern designs during the Pacific War, it continued to be used as a training and auxiliary aircraft.

Kit for self-assembly and painting. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.