1/48 IJN Interceptor Raiden Type 21: Base Air Defense Fighter with Figures & Markings!

Speaking of Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft during World War II, many people might recall the Zero Fighter. However, what we want to pay attention to this time is the interceptor “Raiden Type 21,” born from a design philosophy completely different from the Zero Fighter! This airframe is a fighter developed during the Pacific War by the Imperial Japanese Navy for the purpose of air defense for land bases, and deployment to combat units began in September 1944 (Showah 19). Especially, deployed to missions intercepting the US military's large bomber B-29, it holds a history of fighting as an interceptor equipped with powerful armaments. Reproducing such Raiden Type 21 in 1/48 scale is the plastic model assembly kit introduced this time. Not to mention people who like aircraft models, it is an item we want people who are interested in Japanese aviation history to know by all means.

When looking at Raiden Type 21 for the first time, some might be surprised saying “Is this really a Japanese fighter?” That is no wonder, in contrast to the Zero Fighter holding a slender and light impression, Raiden holds an extremely characteristic figure with a thick and powerful fuselage standing out. The major reason creating this unique exterior is mounting a large-diameter engine. In this time's kit, the silhouette continuing from that voluminous nose to fuselage is expressed three-dimensionally. Gazing at the entire airframe, a power different from general Imperial Japanese Navy fighters seems to be conveyed. Not only flowing beauty, but being able to feel powerful design toward intercept missions is the interest of the aircraft known as Raiden, isn't it?

Speaking of the fun of plastic models, the time thinking of in what figure to display after completion cannot be left out either, can it? In this Raiden Type 21, it is a specification where main landing gear and tail wheel can be selected from flying state or landing state to assemble. If in a state housing wheels, you can enjoy a tightened figure typical of fighters racing through the sky, and if in a state deploying gear, you can appreciate while imagining scenes parked at bases. Furthermore, because drop tanks attached to the airframe are attached as well, being able to taste the atmosphere of the airframe including equipment is a delightful point too. Impressions after completion changing depending on in which state it is finished is the real pleasure unique to models. You come to want to advance production while imagining your favorite figure of Raiden.

While aircraft alone hold sufficient presence, when people are added there, the world of models expands further. In this kit, 2 pilot figures are set, and by combining with the airframe, you can enjoy while imagining the atmosphere of air bases of those days or before sorties. A size of 1/48 scale is an attractive scale even for producing while thoroughly observing features of the airframe. Not only displaying the completed Raiden, but challenging diorama production imagining runways or hangars seems interesting as well. Whether to taste the sculpting of the airframe itself, or add scenery to express one scene. Being able to enjoy with such free ideas is also an unmissable charm of this product.

If reproducing historical aircraft with models, you want to commit even to markings of affiliated units drawn on the airframe. In this product, 3 types of slide marks are prepared, and among them markings of aircraft belonging to the 302nd Air Group known for home defense missions are included. Being able to reproduce airframes matching preferences by using slide marks properly is the charm. The process adding unit identification markings to painted airframes is one of the fun unique to aircraft models. Looking into units and airframes of those days while gazing at materials seems likely to make production time even more fulfilling. It can be called a kit that becomes an opportunity to deepen understanding of history, not merely assembling shapes.

Powerful fuselage, unique nose housing a large-size engine, and history carrying the mission of home defense. In Raiden Type 21, highlights different from other Imperial Japanese Navy fighters are packed. This time's 1/48 scale model is an assembly kit where you can aim for your favorite completed form while enjoying its unique airframe shape. For those who have already produced Japanese planes like the Zero Fighter, arranging and displaying them seems to give birth to the fun of comparing design differences too. Raiden Type 21 we want people interested in fighter structures as well as people wanting to collect models where history can be felt to pay attention to. A single plane built spending time thoroughly should surely become a work with affection!