Hasegawa 02481 Kugisho P1Y1-S/P1Y2 Ginga (Frances) Type11/Type16 "Night Fighter" 1/72 – plastic model kit

Hasegawa 02481 Kugisho P1Y1-S/P1Y2 Ginga (Frances) Type 11/Type 16 "Night Fighter" 1/72 is an advanced model kit for World War II aviation enthusiasts and fans of Japanese military designs. This high-quality 1/72 scale plastic model kit features two variants of the legendary night fighter of the Imperial Japanese Navy: the P1Y1-S Type 11 and the P1Y2 Type 16.

Technical data and kit contents

• Scale: 1/72 – ideal proportions for collectors and diorama builders.
• Country of service: Japan, Imperial Navy.
• Period of use: World War II (1943–1945).
• Material: high-quality injection-molded plastic, ensuring precision of detail.
• The kit includes decals for both variants – P1Y1-S Type 11 and P1Y2 Type 16.
• Optional configuration elements – the model can be displayed with landing gear, canopy, and control surfaces in open or closed positions.
• Realistically reproduced cockpit and armament details – including the obliquely mounted 20 mm cannon designed to combat Allied bombers.
• This is a kit that requires assembly and painting (glue and paints sold separately).
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa – a renowned model brand famous for attention to detail.
• Length of finished model: approx. 19 cm; wingspan: 25 cm.

Historical background of the model

The Kugisho P1Y Ginga, known to the Allies as "Frances", was designed at the Yokosuka Naval Air Arsenal as a fast maritime bomber. This aircraft was primarily used during the Pacific campaign between 1943 and 1945. As the threat from heavy B-29 bombers increased, the P1Y was converted into a night fighter (P1Y1-S, and later P1Y2 Type 16 with more efficient Mitsubishi Kasei engines). It fought mainly over the Japanese home islands, effectively countering Allied strategic bombing raids.

Who do we recommend this model for?

Hasegawa 02481 Kugisho P1Y1-S/P1Y2 Ginga "Night Fighter" is recommended for intermediate and advanced modelers (difficulty level 4/5) due to its complexity and rich detail. It is a challenge both for fans of historic combat aircraft and collectors specializing in Asian World War II aviation. An excellent choice for enthusiasts of realistic details and unique aircraft profiles!