Mitsubishi Ki 46-III Koh Type 100 Commandant Reconnaissance-Plane (Dinah) Interceptor ‗17th Company Independence' 1:72 Hasegawa 02490

Plastic model airplane for assembly: Mitsubishi Ki 46-III Koh Type 100 Commandant Reconnaissance-Plane (Dinah) Interceptor "17th Company Independence" 1:72 Hasegawa 02490

The Mitsubishi Ki 46-III Koh Type 100 Commandant Reconnaissance-Plane (Dinah) Interceptor "17th Company Independence" model kit in 1:72 scale from Hasegawa is an excellent proposition for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This detailed set allows for the recreation of one of the most famous reconnaissance aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Catalog number: 02490
• The set includes metal parts, including a 20 mm cannon aimed upwards, allowing for the recreation of a modified aircraft intended for air defense.
• The set includes decals for two versions of markings, including for the aircraft belonging to the 17th Independent Air Company stationed at Chofu Airport in 1945.

History and development of the Mitsubishi Ki-46: The Mitsubishi Ki-46, known by the Allied code "Dinah," was a twin-engine reconnaissance aircraft that played a key role in the reconnaissance operations of the Imperial Japanese Army. Its design began in response to a specification from December 1937, which required the creation of an aircraft capable of long-range reconnaissance missions at a speed that would allow it to evade interception by existing or developing fighters.

The first prototype of the Ki-46 took to the air in November 1939, but initially did not meet speed requirements. After modifications, including the use of Ha-102 engines with two-stage supercharging, the Ki-46-II version achieved the required parameters and entered serial production in 1941.

The Ki-46-III version, which can be built from this model, was a response to the growing threat from Allied fighters such as the Supermarine Spitfire and P-38 Lightning. Equipped with Ha-112 engines with fuel injection, it reached a speed of 630 km/h at an altitude of 6000 m, making it one of the fastest reconnaissance aircraft of its time.

Operational use: The Ki-46 was used in various theaters of war, including Manchuria, China, over the northern coasts of Australia and New Guinea. It was valued for its ability to perform missions at high altitudes, making it difficult to intercept. In the later years of the war, the Ki-46 was adapted for the role of high-altitude interceptor, equipped with cannons to combat B-29 Superfortress bombers.

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.