1/48 Aichi B7A2 Ryusei-kai (Grace)

Featuring a distinctive inverted-gull wing design (for exactly the same reasons the F4U Corsair had one), the Aichi B7A2 Ryusei-kai was the last Japanese carrier attack plane to see production in WWII. Meant to be able to carry out both the torpedo and bombing missions that the IJN had previously split between different aircraft, the Grace could carry up to 500kg of bombs in an internal bay, or one 800kg torpedo externally. Its unique wing was also equipped with dive brakes and "drooping" ailerons, which could act as auxiliary flaps.

This big new Hasegawa kit (measures 24cm long and 30cm wide when complete!) displays all the crispness that we've come to expect from the company of late. In particular, the cockpit is extremely detailed, with radios, antennas, side panels, rear armament, flight controls and other goodies all being crammed into the plane's two-man crew compartment. This is the torpedo-armed version (bomb-armed version also available) and the instructions direct you to complete the bomb-bay door with the one-piece closed version, though the kit comes with four parts to assemble the folding bay doors in the open position as well. Also includes a tailhook, though the instructions direct you to cut it off as Ryusei's only ever operated from land bases.

Decals are well-printed and include markings for both of the units that flew the Ryusei-kai -- the 752nd Kokutai, and the Yokosuka Kokutai.