{"product_id":"hasegawa-plastic-model-kit-shinmeiwa-ps-1-1-72","title":"Hasegawa Plastic Model Kit Shinmeiwa PS-1 — 1:72","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer and kit history\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHasegawa 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit provides the components needed to construct the unusual four-engine Japanese flying boat, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage\/hull\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Large high-mounted wing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Four turboprop engine nacelles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Propellers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Cockpit and crew area\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Clear cabin windows\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Retractable beaching\/landing equipment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    STOL boundary-layer-control system components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Movable STOL flaps\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew figures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    External weapons pods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Torpedoes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Decals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThree Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force aircraft markings are provided in the reviewed boxing: 5801\/01, 5802\/02 and 5803\/03.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe full-size Shinmeiwa PS-1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShin 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDevelopment 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eSTOL technology\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most remarkable feature of the PS-1 was its boundary-layer-control system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis enabled the enormous flying boat to operate from comparatively short stretches of water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe PS-1 therefore combined:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    A large flying-boat hull\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Four turboprop engines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    A fifth turbine for boundary-layer control\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Special STOL flaps\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Powerful water-handling capability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe concept was exceptionally sophisticated for its period.\n\u003cbr\u003eAnti-submarine warfare role\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe PS-1 was developed primarily as an anti-submarine warfare aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt could operate from the sea rather than requiring a conventional runway and carried equipment for detecting and attacking submarines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts large fuselage and low-speed handling characteristics were advantageous for maritime patrol, while the aircraft could remain airborne over large areas of ocean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe PS-1 carried weapons including torpedoes and other anti-submarine equipment.\n\u003cbr\u003eService with the JMSDF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe PS-1 entered production in 1969.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\n\u003cbr\u003ePS-1 versus US-1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe PS-1 should not be confused with the closely related Shinmeiwa US-1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe two aircraft shared the basic hull and unusual STOL technology, but their missions differed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe PS-1 was primarily an anti-submarine patrol aircraft, whereas the US-1 was developed for air-sea rescue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\n\u003cbr\u003ePerformance and dimensions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentative PS-1 characteristics include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: approximately 12, depending upon mission\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Power: four turboprop engines plus a separate turbine for boundary-layer control\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Wingspan: approximately 33.15 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Length: approximately 33.46 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Role: Anti-submarine warfare \/ maritime patrol\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Operating environment: water and prepared shore facilities\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    STOL capability: specially developed for water operations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistorical significance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe PS-1 is particularly significant because it represents one of the most sophisticated attempts to combine flying-boat technology with STOL performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRather 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was also one of the last major military flying-boat designs to enter regular production.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hasagawa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504170049916,"sku":"Hasagawa-04008","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0432\/8584\/0033\/files\/B674676A-E3B8-4541-A19B-64BBB543F022.jpg?v=1790402393","url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/hasegawa-plastic-model-kit-shinmeiwa-ps-1-1-72","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}