Hasegawa Plastic Model Kit Shinmeiwa PS-1 — 1:72

Manufacturer and kit history

Hasegawa is a Japanese manufacturer well known for aircraft scale models. Kit 04008 belongs to its K/King Size series, reflecting the unusually large finished dimensions of the subject. The model measures approximately 465 mm long with a 460 mm wingspan despite being only 1:72 scale.

The tooling is an old-school Hasegawa design, with raised surface detail rather than modern recessed panel lines. Cybermodeler describes the kit as one of Hasegawa's earlier toolings but notes that the moulds remain in good condition.
Kit contents

The kit provides the components needed to construct the unusual four-engine Japanese flying boat, including:

Fuselage/hull

Large high-mounted wing

Four turboprop engine nacelles

Propellers

Cockpit and crew area

Clear cabin windows

Retractable beaching/landing equipment

STOL boundary-layer-control system components

Movable STOL flaps

Crew figures

External weapons pods

Torpedoes

Decals

Assembly instructions

A particularly useful feature is the choice between retractable landing gear for the PS-1 and beaching gear representing the related US-1 configuration. The kit also includes movable STOL flaps and external weapons pods with torpedoes.

Three Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force aircraft markings are provided in the reviewed boxing: 5801/01, 5802/02 and 5803/03.
The full-size Shinmeiwa PS-1

The Shinmeiwa PS-1 was one of the most technically unusual post-war Japanese aircraft. Developed by Shin Meiwa Industries, it was a large amphibious flying boat designed principally for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Shin Meiwa's expertise had roots in the pre-war Kawanishi Aircraft Company, which had produced numerous Japanese flying boats and floatplanes. After the Second World War, the company eventually became Shin Meiwa and returned to aircraft development.

Development of the PS-1 began in 1960 with the experimental UF-XS. The prototype investigated a combination of a large flying-boat hull, powered-lift technology and boundary-layer control intended to provide exceptionally short take-off and landing capability.
STOL technology

The most remarkable feature of the PS-1 was its boundary-layer-control system.

In addition to the aircraft's four main turboprop engines, a fifth turbine engine was installed inside the fuselage. Its purpose was not to propel the aircraft directly. Instead, compressed air was ducted and expelled over the wing surfaces to improve airflow and maintain lift at very low speeds.

This enabled the enormous flying boat to operate from comparatively short stretches of water.

The PS-1 therefore combined:

A large flying-boat hull

Four turboprop engines

A fifth turbine for boundary-layer control

Special STOL flaps

Powerful water-handling capability

The concept was exceptionally sophisticated for its period.
Anti-submarine warfare role

The PS-1 was developed primarily as an anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

It could operate from the sea rather than requiring a conventional runway and carried equipment for detecting and attacking submarines.

Its large fuselage and low-speed handling characteristics were advantageous for maritime patrol, while the aircraft could remain airborne over large areas of ocean.

The PS-1 carried weapons including torpedoes and other anti-submarine equipment.
Service with the JMSDF

The PS-1 entered production in 1969.

A total of 21 PS-1 aircraft were built. A further 19 aircraft were procured without the full anti-submarine equipment, forming the basis of the related US-1 search-and-rescue aircraft.

The PS-1 remained the JMSDF's principal flying-boat anti-submarine platform until 1989, when it was replaced by the land-based Lockheed P-3 Orion.
PS-1 versus US-1

The PS-1 should not be confused with the closely related Shinmeiwa US-1.

The two aircraft shared the basic hull and unusual STOL technology, but their missions differed.

The PS-1 was primarily an anti-submarine patrol aircraft, whereas the US-1 was developed for air-sea rescue.

The US-1 was subsequently upgraded with newer engines and evolved into the US-1A, while the technology ultimately led to the modern ShinMaywa US-2.
Performance and dimensions

Representative PS-1 characteristics include:

Crew: approximately 12, depending upon mission

Power: four turboprop engines plus a separate turbine for boundary-layer control

Wingspan: approximately 33.15 m

Length: approximately 33.46 m

Role: Anti-submarine warfare / maritime patrol

Operating environment: water and prepared shore facilities

STOL capability: specially developed for water operations

The Hasegawa model's enormous size for 1:72 scale reflects the substantial dimensions of the real aircraft. The finished kit is approximately 465 mm long and 460 mm wide.
Historical significance

The PS-1 is particularly significant because it represents one of the most sophisticated attempts to combine flying-boat technology with STOL performance.

Rather than simply accepting the limitations of a conventional flying boat, Shin Meiwa engineers developed an elaborate powered-lift system that allowed a very large aircraft to operate at remarkably low speeds.

It was also one of the last major military flying-boat designs to enter regular production.