{"product_id":"icm-72242-u-2-po-2ws-wwii-soviet-multi-purpose-aircraft-1-72-plastic-model-aircraft-kit","title":"ICM 72242 U-2 \/ Po-2WS WWII Soviet Multi-Purpose Aircraft — 1:72 Plastic model aircraft kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer: ICM\n\u003cbr\u003eKit number: 72242\n\u003cbr\u003eAircraft: Polikarpov U-2\/Po-2WS\n\u003cbr\u003eScale: 1:72\n\u003cbr\u003eBarcode \/ EAN: 4823044402694\n\u003cbr\u003eKit type: Injection-moulded plastic aircraft kit\n\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue release: 2012\n\u003cbr\u003eStatus: Discontinued \/ out of stock\n\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer and kit details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eICM 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit includes the principal components required for the armed Po-2 configuration:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Injection-moulded plastic parts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage halves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Upper and lower wings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Interplane and cabane struts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Open cockpits\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Seats and cockpit fittings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Shvetsov M-11 radial engine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine cowling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Propeller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fixed landing gear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Wheels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Tailplane and rudder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Machine-gun installation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Bomb-carrying equipment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Underwing stores\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Windscreen\/clear parts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Decals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe catalogue lists the kit at approximately 110 g, making it a very small box and a relatively inexpensive kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eWhat makes the 72242 different\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe important distinction is the WS wartime configuration. This isn't simply a generic civil or training Po-2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit therefore has more military equipment than the basic trainer versions.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe full-size Polikarpov U-2 \/ Po-2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Polikarpov U-2, later renamed Po-2, was designed by Nikolai Polikarpov and first flew in 1928.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProduction continued from the late 1920s into the 1950s, with the type being adapted for numerous military and civilian purposes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic aircraft used the Shvetsov M-11 radial engine, initially producing about 100 hp, with later versions developing considerably more power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts relatively slow performance was actually useful for liaison, training and low-level operations.\n\u003cbr\u003eWWII night-bomber service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Po-2 became particularly famous as a night harassment bomber during WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe best-known operators were the Soviet women's 588th Night Bomber Regiment, later redesignated the 46th Guards Night Bomber Regiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft was also extensively used for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Liaison\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Reconnaissance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Partisan support\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Supply work\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Medical evacuation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Training\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Light attack\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Night bombing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Po-2 continued to demonstrate its versatility long after it had become technologically obsolete.\n\u003cbr\u003eAircraft specifications\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the basic U-2\/Po-2 configuration, published figures include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: 2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine: Shvetsov M-11 radial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Power: approximately 100–150 hp depending on version\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Length: 8.17 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Wingspan: 11.4 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Height: 3.1 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Maximum speed: approximately 152 km\/h\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Maximum range: approximately 630 km\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Armament: depending on version, machine gun and up to approximately 240 kg of bombs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 1:72 scale, the aircraft works out at approximately 11.3 cm long with a 15.8 cm wingspan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57509849661820,"sku":"ICM-72242","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/icm-72242-u-2-po-2ws-wwii-soviet-multi-purpose-aircraft-1-72-plastic-model-aircraft-kit","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}