UP, up and away with Hasegawa as we preview August’s new items…

Something for the aircraft guys this month of August comes from Hasegawa – lots of modern fighters (and an old classic) plus an Orion, a Dolphin and some “blue Impulse” – no it’s not a deodorant!

 Hasegawa's August preview items...

1/72 F35A Lightning II Prototype Limited Edition
Stock Number: HSGS0207
Pieces: 72
Age: 14+
Skill: 3
Expected Release Date: 8/1/2014

In years to come, aerial warfare will change as more sophisticated weapons emerge. The F-35 is an airframe intended to counter improvements in detection and engagement systems. It is a multi-role fighter designed with stealth capabilities which are intended to improve its survivability in a world swarming with SAM batteries. Long before the planes were operational, the System Development and Demonstration group was hard at work putting the prototypes through their paces.

Decal Options:

U.S.A.F. SDD (System Development & Demonstration) Code: AF-01 2010

U.S.A.F. SDD (System Development & Demonstration) Code: AF-02 2010

1/72 Mikoyan-23 & Mikoyan-27 Flogger Combo (2 kits) Limited Edition
Mfg. Number: 02108
Pieces: 54 / 73
Age: 14+
Skill: 3
Expected Release Date: 8/1/2014

Developed during the seventies as a "third generation" fighter interceptor, the Mikoyan-23 was designed with variable-sweep wings to improve its ability to take off with large loads of ordnance. The huge numbers of "Floggers" built were eventually outclassed by the fourth generation of fighters and many were converted to the Mikoyan-27 fighter bomber standard. These aircraft carried improved targeting systems for attacking ground targets and were available in the closing days of the Soviet-Afghan war. This limited edition kit combo features two models, each with two sets of decals.

Decal Options:

Mikoyan-23M

Russian A.F. Code: 11

Polish A.F. Code: 012

Mikoyan-27K

Russian A.F. Code: 51

Ukrainian A.F. Code: 83

1/72 P3C Orion Fleet Air Wing 5 Limited Edition
Mfg. Number: 02109
Pieces: 145
Age: 14+
Skill: 3
Expected Release Date: 8/1/2014

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has used the P-3 Orion for Pacific patrols since the 1980s. The JMSDF currently has over 100 P-3Cs at its disposal, so it's obvious their pilots approve of this maritime marvel. Fleet Air Wing Five, which consists of two separate squadrons, flies P-3C Orions from its headquarters at Naha Air Base.

Decal Options:

J.M.S.D.F. Fleet Air Wing 5 VP-9 Code: 5044 Naha A.B.

J.M.S.D.F. Fleet Air Wing 5 VP-5 Code: 5051 Naha A.B.

1/72 FA-18E Super Hornet Chippy Limited Edition
Mfg. Number: 02111
Pieces: 118
Age: 14+
Skill: 3
Expected Release Date: 8/1/2014

The "Dambusters" transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet in the fall of 2010, becoming the first US Navy fighter wing to have its fleet consist solely of Super Hornets. VFA-195, which has prided itself on being able to deliver massive amounts of ordnance on target and on time ever since WWII, uses the Super Hornet's increased ordnance capacity, range and improved radar to combat the enemies of the United States. Currently the wing is stationed on CVN-73 USS George Washington.

Decal Option:

U.S. Navy USS George Washington VFA-195 Dambusters CAG Code: NF400 2014

1/48 Messerschmitt BF109F-4 Super Experten Limited Edition
Mfg. Number: 07379
Pieces: 74
Age: 14+
Skill: 3
Expected Release Date: 8/1/2014

It's no surprise that the Luftwaffe was so successful against the Russian Air Force. Luftwaffe aircraft were better, their pilots were better trained and even their ground crews were more effective. What's surprising is that Russian pilots continued going into combat against pilots like Gerhard Barkhorn (301 victories) and Günther Rall (275 victories). They, and the rest of JG52 (10,000 kills claimed), flew the Bf109 exclusively and undeniably effectively. This limited edition kit features new metal inlet supports and decals for Barkhorn and Rall's aircraft.

Decal Options:

Luftwaffe 8./JG52 Staffelkapitän Oberleutnant Günther Rall Black-1 Russia August 1941

Luftwaffe 4./JG52 Staffelkapitän Oberleutnant Gerhard Barkhorn White-5 Russia Spring 1942

1/72 SU35S Flanker
Mfg. Number: 01574 E44
Pieces: 299
Age: 14+
Skill: 3
Expected Release Date: 8/1/2014

Technically, the Su-35S is a modified Su-27. But since the Su-35S is loaded with improved avionics, vectored thrust engines, additional hardpoints for weapons and more it's practically a whole new airplane. Its Mach 2.25 speed and over 17,000 lbs (8,000 kg) of ordnance capacity is extremely impressive. Its speed, ordnance capacity and range are all greater than comparable American and European airframes. Even with all its impressive performance, the Su-35S is only intended as a stopgap for until Russia's fifth generation fighter is released. Kit features a display stand and decals.

Decal Options:

Russian Air Force

1/48 Kawasaki T4 Red Dolphin Limited Edition
Mfg. Number: 07380
Pieces: 117
Age: 14+
Skill: 3
Expected Release Date: 8/1/2014

The Kawasaki T-4 has been trusted by trainees since its addition to the JASDF's fleet in 1988. The "Red Dolphin" trim scheme on this model was inspired by a T-4 that was specially painted to commemorate the 13th Flight Training Wing's fiftieth anniversary.

Decal Options:

J.A.S.D.F. 32nd TSQ Code: 808 Hamamatsu A.B.

J.A.S.D.F. 31st TSQ Code: 797 Hamamatsu A.B.

J.A.S.D.F. 13th FTW Code: 759 Ashiya A.B.

1/48 F86F-40 Saber Limited Edition
Mfg. Number: 07381
Pieces: 79
Age: 14+
Skill: 3
Expected Release Date: 8/1/2014

The JASDF's Blue Impulse Aerobatic Team has been wowing airshow crowds since its debut in 1960. The earliest F-86F Sabres flown by the team featured an eye-catching design scheme painted in blue, pink, silver and light blue. By 1961, Blue Impulse aircraft were sporting their signature blue and white colours that today's airshow fans know and love.

Decal Option:

J.A.S.D.F. Aerobatic Team "Blue Impulse" early scheme Code: 92-7872 1963

All these aircraft will be available in August (hopefully) from Hasegawa’s Distributors..