ICM 72242 U-2 / Po-2WS WWII Soviet Multi-Purpose Aircraft — 1:72 Plastic model aircraft kit

Manufacturer: ICM
Kit number: 72242
Aircraft: Polikarpov U-2/Po-2WS
Scale: 1:72
Barcode / EAN: 4823044402694
Kit type: Injection-moulded plastic aircraft kit
Catalogue release: 2012
Status: Discontinued / out of stock
Manufacturer and kit details

ICM is a Ukrainian model manufacturer based in Kyiv, with a particularly strong catalogue of Soviet and Eastern European aircraft. The 72242 was added to the catalogue in 2012 and is now an older/discontinued boxing.

This kit is more specialised than the standard trainer/utility Po-2 because it represents the U-2/Po-2WS wartime multi-purpose configuration, associated with armed and night-bombing duties.

The kit is a relatively compact 1:72 biplane, but the Po-2's open cockpits, extensive wing bracing and fixed undercarriage provide plenty of visible detail once assembled.
Kit contents

The kit includes the principal components required for the armed Po-2 configuration:

Injection-moulded plastic parts

Fuselage halves

Upper and lower wings

Interplane and cabane struts

Open cockpits

Seats and cockpit fittings

Shvetsov M-11 radial engine

Engine cowling

Propeller

Fixed landing gear

Wheels

Tailplane and rudder

Machine-gun installation

Bomb-carrying equipment

Underwing stores

Windscreen/clear parts

Decals

Assembly instructions

The catalogue lists the kit at approximately 110 g, making it a very small box and a relatively inexpensive kit.

The principal modelling challenge is the biplane structure. The thin interplane struts need careful alignment, and adding fine rigging will make a significant difference to the finished model.

For a used example, I'd pay particular attention to the struts, propeller, landing gear, clear parts and armament, as these are the easiest pieces to lose or damage.
What makes the 72242 different

The important distinction is the WS wartime configuration. This isn't simply a generic civil or training Po-2.

The U-2/Po-2 family was adapted into several armed versions. The U-2VS/WS could carry a machine gun, bombs and other stores, while the dedicated U-2LNB was used as a light night bomber.

The kit therefore has more military equipment than the basic trainer versions.
The full-size Polikarpov U-2 / Po-2

The Polikarpov U-2, later renamed Po-2, was designed by Nikolai Polikarpov and first flew in 1928.

It was originally conceived as a simple, inexpensive aircraft for pilot training, but its rugged construction and exceptionally forgiving low-speed characteristics allowed it to remain useful for decades.

Production continued from the late 1920s into the 1950s, with the type being adapted for numerous military and civilian purposes.

The basic aircraft used the Shvetsov M-11 radial engine, initially producing about 100 hp, with later versions developing considerably more power.

Its relatively slow performance was actually useful for liaison, training and low-level operations.
WWII night-bomber service

The Po-2 became particularly famous as a night harassment bomber during WWII.

The best-known operators were the Soviet women's 588th Night Bomber Regiment, later redesignated the 46th Guards Night Bomber Regiment.

The aircraft could approach targets at very low altitude and release small bombs against German positions. Its low speed, while making it unsuitable as a conventional fighter, made it surprisingly difficult for faster night fighters to engage effectively.

The aircraft was also extensively used for:

Liaison

Reconnaissance

Partisan support

Supply work

Medical evacuation

Training

Light attack

Night bombing

The Po-2 continued to demonstrate its versatility long after it had become technologically obsolete.
Aircraft specifications

For the basic U-2/Po-2 configuration, published figures include:

Crew: 2

Engine: Shvetsov M-11 radial

Power: approximately 100–150 hp depending on version

Length: 8.17 m

Wingspan: 11.4 m

Height: 3.1 m

Maximum speed: approximately 152 km/h

Maximum range: approximately 630 km

Armament: depending on version, machine gun and up to approximately 240 kg of bombs.

At 1:72 scale, the aircraft works out at approximately 11.3 cm long with a 15.8 cm wingspan.