Japanese Ki-21-Ia heavy bomber "Sally" 1:48 ICM 48196

Plastic model airplane for assembly: Japanese heavy bomber Ki-21-Ia "Sally" 1:48 ICM 48196

The plastic model for assembly: Japanese heavy bomber Ki-21-Ia "Sally" in 1:48 scale from ICM (catalog number 48196) is an excellent proposition for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This detailed kit allows for the recreation of one of the most famous Japanese bombers from World War II, which played a significant role in many military campaigns.

Model details:

• Scale: 1:48
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Catalog number: 48196

Markings:

• Ki-21-Ia "Sally", one of the pre-production aircraft, 60th Sentai (60th Air Group), China, early 1939
• Ki-21-Ia "Sally", 60th Sentai (60th Air Group), China, 1941
• Ki-21-Ia "Sally", 14th Sentai (14th Air Group), probably China, 1941
• Ki-21-Ia "Sally", 105th Kyoiku Hiko Rentai (105th Training Regiment), presumably 1942
• Ki-21-Ia "Sally", 64th Sentai (64th Air Group), 1943

History and development: The Mitsubishi Ki-21, also known as "Type 97 Heavy Bomber," was one of the main bombers used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Its design began in 1936, and the first prototype flights took place at the end of the same year. This aircraft was a response to the demand for a modern heavy bomber that could replace older models Ki-20 and Ki-1.

Ki-21-Ia entered serial production in 1938 and quickly found itself at the center of combat operations in China. In the spring of 1939, it participated in operations against the Red Army along the Halhin Gol River. With a bomb load capacity of 1000 kg, the Ki-21-Ia could conduct mass bombing raids, and tactics developed by pilots allowed for relatively low losses compared to other types of aircraft.

Ki-21-Ia was widely used during the Second Sino-Japanese War, as well as in the early stages of the Pacific War, including in the Malayan, Burmese, Dutch East Indies, and New Guinea campaigns. These aircraft attacked targets in western China, India, and northern Australia. Despite initial successes, over time the Ki-21-Ia began to suffer heavy losses, leading to its withdrawal from the front lines and transfer to training units.

Assembly and painting kit. 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.