SkyMax Flying Heroes SM5008
Aichi D3A1 Kanbaku/Val Diecast Model
IJNAS Zuikaku Flying Group, EII-235, IJN Carrier Zuikaku, Battle of Coral Sea, May 1942 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Aichi D3A1 Kanbaku/Val | | 5.5" | | 7.75" |
This Aichi D3A1 "Val" Dive Bomber EII-235 was flown by Lt. Tamotsu Ema from the carrier Zuikaku during the raid on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Ema was the buntaicho (leader of 9 aircraft) and he successfully returned to the carrier that day. Ema's bombers were partly responsible for the sinking of the destroyer USS Simms, an oiler and damaging USS Yorktown. During the Battle of the Coral Sea EII-235 was damaged and pushed over the side to make room for other returning aircraft.
Designed to meet an Imperial Japanase Navy requirement for a carrier-based dive bomber, the D3A was first flown in January, 1938. The Val was a fixed-gear dive bomber, but it had better maneuverability than similar aircraft. It was stable but lightly armored-a short burst from heavy machine guns could easily destroy it. Armed with two forward-firing 7.7 mm machine guns, one flexible 7.7 mm machine gun in the rear cockpit, one 550 lb bomb under the fuselage and two 130 lb bombs on wing racks, the Val is perhaps best known for the part it played in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Sky Max's 1:72 scale D3A1 Val is constructed using modern manufacturing techniques and features exceptionally crisp panel lines and near-seamless construction. The large bird-cage canopy is removable, providing an unobstructed view of the pad printed dials and gauges, control stick and pilot and gunner seats. Two machine gun ports and the radial engine's cylinder head can be seen behind the thin, three-bladed propeller. The center-mounted 250kg bomb with delicate fins and swing arms, engine exhaust and tail hook are separately attached. The wing has diecast metal spatted wheels, dive breaks, and (on some releases) an under-wing mounted 60kg bomb.
© Copyright 2003-2018 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The SkyMax "Flying Heroes" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. SkyMax offer the more price-sensitive collector a cheaper alternative to models from leading manufacturers like Corgi and Century Wings.
SkyMax"Flying Heroes" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
