04/2025

INFO Eduard is a monthly scale model-historical magazine published in Czech and English by Eduard Model Accessories since 2010. The magazine is available for free on the Triobo platform and can be downloaded in PDF format. Eduard is a manufacturer of plastic models and accessories with over 30 years of tradition. Throughout its history in the plastic modeling industry, Eduard has become one of the world's leaders. Further details about the company and its product range can be found at www.eduard.com. You can subscribe to the INFO magazine and receive product information for free at: https://www.eduard.com/cs/info-eduard/

• Strana 1

  INFO Eduard

  e-magazine FREE Vol 24 April 2025

  # 182

• Strana 2

  INFO Eduard

  e-magazine FREE Vol 24 April 2025

  # 182

  © Eduard - Model Accessories, 2025

  FREE FOR DOWNLOAD, FREE FOR DISTRIBUTION!

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• Strana 3

  eduard

  eduard

  APRIL 2025

  CONTENTS

  Published by Eduard-Model Accessories, spol. s.r.o.

  Mírová 170, Obrnice 435 21

  support@eduard.com www.eduard.com

  EDITORIAL

  KITS

  BRASSIN

  PHOTO

  -

  ETCHED SETS

  SPACE

  BUILT

  ON APPROACH

  –

  May 2025

  TAIL END CHARLIE

  ARTICLES

  BOXART STORY

  KAMIKAZE TOKKÔTAI Limited 1/48

  Spitfire Mk.IIa Weekend 1/48

  P-51D-5 Weekend 1/72

  Allied Airfield with PSP cover 1/48

  KAMIKAZE TOKKÔTAI 1/48

  P-40E Warhawk 1/48

  B-26K Invader 1/48

  KAMIKAZE TOKKŌTAI

  Dekelia Greek Air Force Museum

  Aerial War in Ukraine

  -

  The First Mirage 2000s

  Have Arrived

  July Stirlings

  Like a Painting on Canvas

  4

  8

  32

  34

  50

  64

  70

  82

  90

  106

• Editorial

  Good day, Dear Friends After the February premiere and the March sequel of the P-40E, it's time for what was probably the most significant foe of the Warhawks, the Japanese Zero. The last new release of a member of the Zero family, the Rufe float version, was exactly two years ago, in April 2023.

  Good day, Dear Friends

  After the February premiere and the March

  sequel of the P-40E, it's time for what was

  probably the most significant foe of the

  Warhawks, the Japanese Zero. The last new

  release of a member of the Zero family, the

  Rufe float version, was exactly two years ago, in

  April 2023. Two years offer enough time to take

  a break from the A6M line and develop a taste for

  new additions, and if this is case, we present the

  opportunity to get acquainted with our two new

  Zero kits in one package. That kit is ‘Kamikaze

  Tokkōtai’, dedicated to Kamikaze units. This is

  definitely not a boring topic. On the contrary,

  it is a very action-packed and also a mystical

  subject, because the story of the Kamikaze pilots

  is still surrounded by a certain mysterious aura.

  That's why we decided to tackle this topic and

  present its story in our style, through the kit and

  accompanying features, such as articles in the

  newsletter, lectures, posts on Facebook, and the

  like. So, ideologically speaking, we offer some

  opportunities to learn a lot about the history

  of Kamikaze pilots. For example, in this issue

  of the newsletter, you will find an article by our

  colleagues Honza Bobek and Martin Ferkl, based

  on the introductory text in the kit, Honza Bobek

  has already given two lectures on this topic,

  one live and the other last Friday in the Plastic

  Modelling stream. Sometime this week, we will

  release our podcast Eduard On Air, in which

  I will discuss the topic with Honza Bobek again,

  and if you follow us on social networks, we will

  continue to post on this topic on Facebook and

  Instagram.

  Technically, the kit is conceptualized as a Dual

  Combo release, a kit with two sets of plastic, from

  which it is possible to build two complete models.

  In this case, there are actually two different sets

  of moldings, and therefore the possibility of

  building two different versions of the Zero. These

  are the A6M5 Zero model 52 fighter, and the

  A6M2-K Zero Model 11 trainer. The Zero Model 52

  represents the pinnacle of the Zero's technical

  development. The installation of a more powerful

  Nakajima Sakae 21 engine made it possible

  to strengthen the armament and gradually

  implement passive protection elements,

  cockpit armor and fuel tanks. These, including

  the introduction of heavier armament, were

  introduced gradually, which led to the creation

  and introduction into service of four versions

  of the Zero Model 52, namely 52, 52a, 52b and

  52c. The most famous of them is undoubtedly the

  Zero 52c, which will be worth a separate boxing

  of its own. However, there is a bit of a problem

  with the other three versions

  in that only a few modelers can

  safely distinguish them from

  each other and know how they

  differed. On the other hand,

  the differences are significant

  enough to require them to be

  reflected in the model, which

  is, to be honest, a nightmare for

  every kit manufacturer. In such

  cases, manufacturers usually

  resort to sophisticated cutting of

  the fuselage and wings in such

  a way that it allows these

  different parts to be exchanged.

  This is the Japanese school.

  For the manufacturer, it is

  a profitable solution because it saves on mold

  production costs. For the customer, it gets worse,

  because the savings on the manufacturer's side

  are at least paid for with additional work by the

  modeller. We have our own Czech school, where

  we don't demand cutting so much, and we prefer

  to make molds with a whole new fuselages

  and wings, or even some of the small parts.

  This means a total of seven new molds for all

  versions of the A6M5, and two more molds for

  the two-seat A6M2-K Zero trainer.

  The two-seat A6M2-KModel 11 Zero was

  primarily a training aircraft, produced from 1944

  as a conversion from the A6M2 Model 21. Don't be

  confused by the eleven in the model designation,

  it is correct, because it refers to the training

  version of the Zero, and from this point of view

  it is a training machine with the first wing

  configuration and the first engine configuration

  of the Zero in this category of aircraft. I believe

  that this is clear to all of you. In training units,

  this Zero was used both for advanced pilot

  training and for other roles, for example, for

  target towing for gunnery practise. You can

  recognize such machines by the two towing

  sleeves under the wing, and the rope stretched

  from the container to the rear of the aircraft.

  We also have one of these in the Kamikaze

  Tokkōtai kit, the other four are combat-used

  machines. The reason why one of the two sets

  of moldings in the kit is for the Zero training

  aircraft is twofold. First, Kamikaze pilots trained

  on them, and secondly, the two-seat Zero was

  used in combat during Kamikaze attacks. This

  was related to the approaching end of the war

  and the decline in quantities of combat aircraft

  due to intensive deployment, especially during

  the battles for Okinawa, but also to the distance

  to the target that the attacking units had to

  cover during those battles. Then a second crew

  member came in handy to help with navigation.

  In those days, navigation was not as simple as

  it is today, neither GPS nor Starlink were turned

  on at that time.

  Then there is a third reason for including the

  A6M2-K in this kit. It is an amazing machine, far

  from the usual appearance of a WWII fighter.

  In fact, it looks like some post-catastrophic

  creation from the movie Mad Max. And the two-

  seat Zeros are also unusually colorful for IJN

  fighters from the second half of the war. Judge

  for yourself, all the versions of the coloring

  from Kamikaze Tokkōtai can be found in this

  issue of the Newsletter. In addition to the kit, we

  are also releasing several small accessories,

  T-face masks for both types, as well as Look

  and Space sets. Don't be confused by the several

  sets of photoetched, masks and Space and Look

  sets for other Model 52 Zeros for the new 48th

  scale kit from Fine Molds. Yes, we also produce

  accessories for competing kits. We pamper our

  competition, because what would we be without

  competition, right?

  You can also learn more about the Kamikaze

  units in today's article by Martin Ferkl and Jan

  Bobek titled Kamikaze Tokkōtai, Special Attack

  Units of the Imperial Japanese Navy flying the

  Zero. A podcast is also in preparation in the

  Eduard On Air series, in which I discuss the

  units and the issues faced by Kamikaze pilots

  with Jan Bobek, whose complete lecture on

  the same topic can be heard on You Tube in the

  aforementioned Plastic Modelling stream from

  Friday, March 28th. We don't end there with

  the Kamikaze theme, and in the next issue of

  our newsletter we will offer a peek behind the

  curtain of the kit preparation and introduce

  you to the graphic designer of the boxart of

  EDITORIAL

  INFO Eduard4

  April 2025

• Strana 5

  the Kamikaze Tokkōtai kit, Mrs. Mari Kučera.

  The boxart proper, which modelers really like,

  was created by Piotr Forkasziewicz, and is also

  being published as a print in the EduArt series

  today. And finally, two more notes, if you don't

  want to buy a kit in Dual Combo mode and you

  only need one Zero, the A6M2-K Zero Model 11

  will be released in the Profipack range in August.

  We aren’t counting on the Zero Model 52 to be in

  the Profipack series yet, but the A6M5 Zero Model

  52a/52b kit is tentatively planned for January

  next year in the Profipack line. However, what is

  absolutely crucial information is the availability

  of the Kamikaze Tokkōtai. At this moment, the

  kits should be available at all retailers selling

  our kits. In our own e-shop www.eduard.cz,

  we have about 300 pieces left, which is not many.

  If you want this kit, don't hesitate and buy it now.

  They won't be available later. A wise man once

  said ‘he who hesitates, doesn’t get to glue’.

  In addition to the Zero, we are releasing two

  Weekend Edition kits in April, a 48th scale Spitfire

  Mk.IIa with Douglas Bader on the box and a 72nd

  scale P-51D-5 Mustang. In addition, the PSP

  surface makes a return to our catalog, the large

  one measuring 300x400 mm. You can also find

  a number of interesting things in aftermarket

  accessories, such as two types of bombs and

  a gun bay for our P-40E, several sets for the

  F4F-4 Wildcat from Academy and an etched

  bomb bay for the 48th scale B-24 from Hobby

  Bose. As usual, there are a lot of new items,

  a complete overview of which can be found in

  today's issue of the newsletter below.

  There will be several events in April. For

  example, on Friday, April 4th, we will launch

  a unique sale of the remaining stocks of GSi

  Acrysion and MMP paints, and also seventy

  Overtrees items. This is something we have

  never done before and we will not do it again

  for a long time. The main reason for this is that

  we need to free up space in the warehouse for

  more new products, and the Overtrees section

  is already completely full. We currently have

  over 140 items in the OT assortment, and we

  have decided to reduce this amount by half.

  This event will run until April 26th, what is left

  will be taken to Moson in Hungary, and what we

  may not sell there either, we will unpack and

  take out of circulation, and the moldings will

  be placed in the model components warehouse.

  So, if you are interested in these discounted OTs,

  do not hesitate. They will not be available and

  I would like to point out that the return of the

  discontinued items to our catalog is not expected

  for several years. The only exceptions are cases

  where a new kit is created with the same set of

  moldings. There will be a few of these, but this

  will not happen with most of the discontinued

  items.

  Speaking of discontinued items, some of

  you may be pleased with our March decision.

  It concerns discontinued items in the

  photoetched and Brassin lines. Modelers often

  ask about them on the modelling forums or

  request them from customer support. In the case

  of support requests, we usually accommodate

  those interested in paying a higher amount for

  the individual production of a set and accept the

  conditions of this production. However, there

  is a kind of public pressure to reintroduce

  discontinued sets into the catalog. Therefore,

  we decided to accommodate these requests and

  return several sets to production under specific

  conditions. By these specific conditions, I mean

  that it will be for a limited-time and limited

  quantity. We will start with this in May and I will

  tell you more about it in the May newsletter

  As every year, we will have a stand at the

  exhibition in Mosonmagyaróvar on April 26th

  and 27th. The MiG-21bis in 1/72 scale, which

  we are currently finishing up, will have its

  sales premiere there. It is a nice kit, created

  in the same style and with the participation of

  the same experts as the previous 72nd scale

  MiG-21s.

  In addition to the bis, the fourth-generation

  Fw 190 A-6 in the Profipack series will also make

  its debut in Moson. The set of color options also

  includes two night fighters with radar, which,

  I hope, will fulfill the wishes of modelers who

  have been calling for the release of nightfighter

  Focke-Wulf Fw190 for a long time. The third

  premiere kit is the P-39K/L Airacobra in the

  1:48th scale Weekend line, and a small PSP

  base for 1:48 scale models will also return to

  production.

  If you would like to see what the venue

  where E-day will be held this year, you can go

  to Litoměřice between April 9th and 13th, when

  the Zahrada Čech (Czech Gardens) spring

  exhibition is taking place at the Zahrada Čech

  exhibition center. All the halls where E-day

  will be held will probably be open, so you can

  experience the halls in full operation. Instead

  of models, there will be flowers, vegetables

  and other agricultural products on the tables,

  but I don't think that matters. In principle, flowers

  and models are more or less the same. I will go

  there on Saturday, April 12th, via the Švestková

  rail from Most. In the year I was born, Yuri

  Gagarin flew into space in Vostok 1 on April 12th,

  so I will take an old train to Litoměřice in his

  honor. The timing will be more or less the same,

  and we will see how it will be with comfort and

  prospects for returning. I wish you a pleasant

  reading of today's newsletter and an enjoyable

  spring!

  Happy Modelling!

  Vladimir Sulc

  EDITORIAL

  INFO Eduard

  5

  April 2025

• Strana 6

  Highlights EMD 03/2025

  Luck’s a Fortune

  HISTORY / Douglas Norrie

  Fighter pilots rely on a slice of luck to survive the deadly game of aerial combat, and some of them enjoy much more luck than others.

  Australian Kittyhawk pilot E.P. ‘Ted’ Oakley was definitely one of the lucky ones. Ted was amongst the hundreds of Australian pilots to

  serve with distinction in the Middle East during the Second World War. Some are well known for their exploits, but most remain anonymous

  to all except family and friends, historians and enthusiasts. Ted Oakley is one airman who falls into the latter category. Flying operations

  with No. 450 Squadron RAAF over the Western Desert, Ted survived many near-death experiences, all while others around him sadly

  perished. Throughout his time in the Middle East, battle-hardened German fighter aces and anti-aircraft gunners had Ted in their sights on

  numerous occasions, but he emerged from the conflict unscathed.

  THE LORIENT SUBMARINE BASE

  HISTORY / Vladimír Šulc

  The city of Lorient dates back to the latter half of the 17th century, when in 1664,

  Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the first minister under King Louis XIV, founded the French

  East India Company. By order of the King, the company was allocated land in Port-

  Louis in the Morbihan Departement, an administrative region of Brittany along

  its south coast. One of the directors of the East India Company, Denis Langlois,

  purchased land at the junction of the Scorff and Blavet rivers north of Port-Louis

  and founded a shipyard there. The first ship built there in 1669, Le Soleil d‘Orient,

  gave its name to the emerging settlement and this long form of it was first

  shortened by the workers to L‘Orient, and this later evolved into Lorient.

  A French Royal Navy base was established there in 1690.

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• Strana 7

  Lt. Col. Gabby Gabreski and his HV

  -

  A

  MODEL & STORY / Zdeněk Šebesta and Vladimír Šulc

  On the morning of July 20th, 1944, the day of the failed assassination attempt

  on Hitler in the Wolf’s Lair in far-off East Prussia, two pilots were waiting

  at Boxted Airfield near Colchester in Essex to fly to the United States. They

  were Captain Jim Carter and Lieutenant Colonel Francis Gabreski. Gabreski’s

  fiance, Kay Cochran, was at the same time preparing for their wedding in Oil

  City, Pennsylvania, scheduled for the following week. Gabreski’s hometown

  had raised $2,000 to buy a wedding present for their hero, the most success-

  ful fighter ace of the European theatre. But the expected event did not occur.

  Francis Gabreski, an excellent but somewhat impulsive fighter pilot, decided

  to shorten his wait and let his successor as commander, Dave Schilling,

  entice him with one more farewell sortie over Germany. It wasn‘t as short

  a flight as Gabby Gabreski had expected. He didn‘t return until 10 months

  later, on May 15th, 1945. The wedding would have to wait.

  March 1939

  HISTORICAL REFLECTION / Jan Bobek

  In mid-March, the Czech Republic commemorated a dark events from 1939.

  At that time, Hitler‘s forces occupied the remaining territory of Bohemia and

  Moravia practically without resistance. This land was a barely defensible

  remnant of the historic lands of the Czech Crown. The reduction of Czecho-

  slovakia’s territory had already begun six months earlier, in September 1938.

  Without firing a single shot, Hitler annexed the border regions in the wes-

  tern part of Czechoslovakia into the Reich. With the exception of very small

  areas, these regions with German-speaking populations had never been part

  of Germany or any of its former kingdoms. Hitler’s strategic goal was the

  dismantling of democratic Czechoslovakia and the subjugation of its Czech-

  -speaking population, industrial capacity, and natural resources.

  Bankers and Arms Producers

  CURRENT AFFAIRS / Jan Bobek

  NATO‘s European member states are currently emerging from years of

  lethargy regarding investments in their military armaments. Over the

  past decade, many states have invested less than 2% of their GDP in

  this area. This threshold was established in 2014, and its insufficient

  fulfillment has repeatedly and justifiably been criticized by some member

  states, particularly the United States. However, over the past decade,

  European allies and Canada have gradually increased their collective

  defense investments. From 1.43% of their combined GDP in 2014 to 2.02%

  in 2024, when they were expected to invest over $430 billion in defense.

  Yet, the often-cited 2% GDP target now seems insufficient given current

  developments in Russia. Despite facing numerous demographic and

  economic challenges, the Russian Federation has shifted to a wartime

  economy, whether we like it or not.

• KAMIKAZE TOKKŌTAI

  One of the most well-known words from the field of aviation, recognized even by those with no interest in the subject, is kamikaze. It is associated with the predominantly aerial campaign that began in October 1944 and lasted until the end of the war in the Pacific. During this period, hundreds of airmen sacrificed their lives in service of the Japanese Empire.

  HISTORY

  In Western civilization, these attacks are

  often referred to as suicide attacks, but this

  term is actually a misnomer. The primary

  objective of these troops was not suicide but

  self-sacrifice for the benefit of the Japanese

  Empire. Therefore, the more accurate term

  is special attack unit (tokubetsu kōgekitai, or

  tokkōtai for short), which better reflects the

  nature of these military operations.

  Special attack units were organized within

  standard military formations. Various texts

  and sources published in Western countries

  often claim that Japanese airmen were forced

  to participate in these units. However, this is

  not true — they volunteered. In fact, especially

  during the first months of these units' existence,

  there were more volunteers than available seats

  in the planes designated for attacks. As a result,

  commanders had to be selective, prioritizing

  young, single men with no family commitments,

  often college students. However, from the

  outset, volunteers from elite naval families were

  also recruited into these units. The voluntary

  nature of participation is further evidenced by

  cases where airmen survived multiple special

  attack missions, either due to their planes

  being shot down or experiencing mechanical

  failures, and subsequently reapplied to join

  other units. Additionally, in multi-seat aircraft,

  all crew members were present, not just the

  pilot. A common misconception is the belief

  that airmen undertook these combat missions

  under the influence of drugs. An airman was

  only considered a member of a special attack

  unit if he successfully carried out an attack on

  an enemy target with his aircraft. He did not

  become a member at the time of enlistment

  or even upon take off for an attack. Those who

  were unable to strike Allied ships, whether due

  to technical malfunctions or being shot down,

  are not officially counted among the kamikazes.

  There are also documented cases where an

  aircraft en route to attack American vessels

  was shot down, resulting in the death of one

  crew member. After an emergency landing,

  the aircraft was repaired and took off again for

  its final attack, with the deceased airman still

  on board. Due to his “physical presence” in the

  aircraft, he was also listed as a member of the

  special attack unit.

  One of the most well-known words from the field of aviation, recognized even by those

  with no interest in the subject, is kamikaze. It is associated with the predominantly

  aerial campaign that began in October 1944 and lasted until the end of the war in the

  Pacific. During this period, hundreds of airmen sacrificed their lives in service of the

  Japanese Empire.

  Jan Bobek

  Martin Ferkl

  IJN ZERO FIGHTER SPECIAL ATTACK UNITS

  Aircraft A6M2 and A6M5 from the Shikishima-tai unit, armed with bombs, are taking off with a fighter escort

  from Mabalacat airfield on October 25, 1944. Behind the Model 21 aircraft numbered 02-888, a Model 52 aircraft

  with the marking 02-112 is visible, likely piloted by Lt. Yukio Seki. The pilot with a cast on his leg standing at the

  front right is Cdr. Sakae Yamamoto, commander of Kōkūtai 201, who was involved in organizing the first Kamika

  -

  ze pilot unit. He was injured on October 19 during an emergency landing as a passenger in the fuselage of

  a single-seat Zero, piloted by Lt. Cdr. Tadashi Nakajima, a former Hikōtaichō of the Tainan Kōkūtai.

  INFO Eduard8

  April 2025

• Strana 9

  HISTORY

  On their final missions, special attack units

  flew with escort aircraft to ensure that the

  bomb-laden planes reached enemy ships and to

  assess the outcome of their attacks. It was not

  uncommon for escort pilots to refuse to return

  to base and instead join the attack themselves.

  The Japanese developed several escort tactics,

  with two being the most commonly used.

  In the first tactic, each special attack aircraft

  was assigned its own escort (or lead) aircraft,

  effectively serving as its wingman. Behind

  them, at a higher altitude, another group of

  escort fighters provided additional support.

  In the second tactic, the entire formation was

  led by a single reconnaissance aircraft. Behind

  it, at the same altitude, flew the first group

  of escort fighters, followed by special attack

  aircraft arranged in four-plane V formations.

  Behind them, at higher altitudes, two additional

  formations of escort fighters provided cover.

  The Japanese Naval Air Force established

  these special attack units and ordered airmen

  to crash into enemy vessels under specific

  circumstances during the Allied invasion of

  the Philippines in October 1944. The concept of

  employing this tactic on a large scale had been

  advocated by some combat unit commanders

  since 1943. Such an order was unprecedented

  in the history of the modern Japanese armed

  forces, and it faced opposition from figures

  including Emperor Hirohito, Prime Minister Tōjō,

  and Vice Admiral Takijirō Ōnishi — who was

  regarded as Admiral Yamamoto’s successor

  in naval aviation strategy. However, the

  Japanese air forces struggled against the highly

  sophisticated defenses of American carrier task

  forces. This challenge became evident during

  the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944,

  where Japanese forces suffered devastating

  losses at an approximate 6:1 ratio, managing

  to damage only a single battleship. This battle,

  along with previous combat missions, led many

  Japanese naval aviators to believe that their

  chances of returning from a combat flight were

  Pilots of the Óka rocket-powered aircraft from Kōkūtai 721 as-

  sembling on March 21, 1945, before a combat mission from which

  none of them returned. In the foreground stands Lt. Kentarō

  Mitsuhashi, carrying the ashes of Lieutenant Tsutomu Kariya,

  who died during the first deployment of the Óka aircraft. Kōkūtai

  721 contributed the second-largest number of kamikaze pilots

  using Zero aircraft, including pilots who were originally assigned

  to missions with the Óka. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  The first aircraft carrier to be sunk by a kamikaze attack was USS St. Lo (CVE-63) on October 25, 1944.

  The ship was hit probably by plane of Lt. Yukio Seki. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  INFO Eduard

  9

  April 2025

• Strana 10

  slim and that conventional bomber attacks had

  little likelihood of successfully hitting enemy

  targets.

  Divine Wind in Leyte Gulf

  American air raids on Formosa (Taiwan)

  and the Philippines in the fall of 1944 cost

  the Japanese Naval and Army Air Forces an

  additional 500 to 600 aircraft. In October, Vice

  Admiral Ōnishi was appointed commander of the

  1st Air Fleet (1st Kōkū Kantai) in the Philippines.

  However, due to prior American strikes on

  Japanese bases, he had only about 100 aircraft

  of various types available on the eve of the

  Battle of Leyte Gulf and the anticipated Allied

  landing. Although Ōnishi initially opposed the

  idea of sacrificing airmen, he was ultimately

  forced to adopt this strategy. He sked command

  of Kōkūtai 201 — a unit stationed in the

  Philippines and equipped with Zeros, which

  had been training for months in “skip” bombing

  attacks against enemy vessels — to carry out

  these missions.

  Admiral Ōnishi, together with the command of

  Kōkūtai 201, invited pilots to volunteer for the

  special attack group but feared how they might

  react. However, a large number of unit members

  eagerly signed up for this type of combat

  mission, and disputes arose when someone

  was not selected. The unit was named Kamikaze

  (Divine Wind), inspired by the typhoon that had

  helped destroy the Mongol naval forces during

  their attempted invasion of Japan in the 13th

  century. Officially, the group was designated

  Dai 1 Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, and within

  it, nine units were formed, each bearing battle

  names derived from Japanese historical and

  cultural traditions. (Note 1)

  The most experienced pilot in Kōkūtai 201

  was Lieutenant Naoshi Kanno, who had 25 aerial

  victories. At the time, he was in Japan preparing

  to transfer new aircraft to the Philippines.

  For months, Kanno had expressed a strong

  desire to organize and lead special attack

  missions. He even had a note attached to his

  personal bag stating that he was already dead,

  with his rank listed two steps higher, as if he

  had been posthumously promoted. However,

  to his disappointment, he was instead assigned

  to lead the fighter escorts for the special attack

  units.

  The deployment tactics were developed by

  former bomber pilot Lieutenant Yukio Seki.

  The approach to the target was planned at

  two different flight levels, depending on cloud

  cover. Even when flying low over the water, the

  aircraft was instructed to gain altitude just

  before reaching the target, ideally drop a bomb,

  and then crash into the damaged section of the

  ship. This would compound the destruction with

  the additional impact of the aircraft and the

  explosion of its fuel. For attacks on aircraft

  carriers, the primary targets were forward or

  midship elevators. The Japanese did not expect

  to easily sink the carriers, but their goal was

  to disable them and render them inoperable

  in battle. In the case of battleships, cruisers,

  and destroyers, the designated target was the

  bridge.

  The Shikishima Tai is often considered the

  first special attack unit. Led by Lieutenant Yukio

  HISTORY

  The destroyer USS Kidd (DD-661) is currently stationed in Baton Rouge, serving

  as a museum. As part of its display, visitors can see the wreckage of a Japane

  -

  se aircraft that crashed into the ship on April 11, 1945. The aircraft was believed

  to be a Mitsubishi Zero, piloted by Lt. Yaguchi of Kōkūtai 721. He engaged the

  enemy as a member of the special attack unit Tenmu No. 5 and sent a message

  to launch the attack at 2:10 p.m. His Zero struck the forward boiler room, but

  the 500 kg bomb passed through the fuselage and detonated in the water.

  Despite this, Yaguchi’s attack resulted in 38 American sailors killed and

  55 wounded. The USS Kidd sustained serious damage, requiring repairs

  in the United States, and never returned to combat. Photo: Martin Ferkl

  The aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-16) is moored as a museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. Also on display

  are the remnants of a Mitsubishi Zero that was intended to strike the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6)

  on May 14, 1945. The aircraft was piloted by Lt. Shunsuke Tomiyasu of Kōkūtai 721. On that day, Kōkūtai 721

  dispatched the special attack unit Kenmu No. 11 (five Zeroes) along with Tsukuba No. 6 (14 Zeroes), to which

  Lt. Tomiyasu belonged. The Japanese aviator managed to crash through the flight deck at the bow of the

  Enterprise, triggering an explosion below. The blast sent parts of the forward elevator flying tens of meters

  into the air. Fourteen sailors were killed, and 68 were wounded. Eight crew members were blown overboard

  by the 500 kg bomb’s detonation but were rescued from the water by a nearby destroyer. The attack

  left Enterprise severely damaged, rendering it inoperable for the remainder of the war. Photo: Martin Ferkl

  Japanese kamikaze Zero about to crash into the USS Kidd, off Okinawa

  on April 11, 1945. Photographed from the ship. Note escorting destroyer

  in the background. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

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  Seki, the unit took off to engage the enemy

  on October 25, 1944, from Mabalacat Airfield

  in the Philippines. Its members are credited

  with sinking the escort carrier USS St. Lo

  (CVE-63). Several other escort carriers were

  also damaged that day, including USS Santee

  (CVE-20), USS Suwanee (CVE-27), USS Kitkun

  Bay (CVE-71), USS White Plains (CVE-66), and

  USS Kalinin Bay (CVE-68). Most of the attacking

  aircraft were Zeros, as nearly all available

  aircraft assigned to special attack missions that

  day were of this type — except for two Suisei

  bombers. In total, 17 aircraft (15 Zeros and

  2 Suisei), carrying 19 pilots, participated in the

  attack. On the American side, 182 sailors were

  killed, with at least 168 wounded. However,

  the number of additional casualties on the USS

  St. Lo remains unknown, meaning the true

  number of wounded was likely much higher.

  Despite its reputation, Shikishima Tai was

  not actually the first unit of this kind. Earlier,

  on October 21 and 23, 1944, two Zero pilots

  launched special attacks from Cebu Airfield.

  The first was Lieutenant Tōfu Kunō, and the

  HISTORY

  Lt. Shunsuke Tomiyasu of Kōkūtai 721 with his Zero in the final phase of the attack on USS Enterprise

  on May 14, 1945. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  The damaged area in front of the USS Enterprise's forward elevator after Lt. Tomiyasu’s attack. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  INFO Eduard

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  second was Chief Petty Officer Satō. Like the

  members of Shikishima Tai, they were part of

  Kōkūtai 201, but their special attack unit was

  called Yamato Tai.

  Battle for the Philippines

  The Japanese Army Air Force engaged its

  special assault units in the defense of the

  Philippines to a lesser extent about two weeks

  later. Unlike their Navy Air Force counterparts,

  these units were composed largely of training

  personnel. Concurrently, both Japanese air

  forces continued to conduct conventional

  attacks on land and naval targets.

  For the defenders aboard Allied vessels, this

  marked an extraordinary shift in enemy tactics,

  initially perceived by some commanders

  as desperate to the point of folly. However,

  the kamikaze attacks were immediately

  censored for the Allied press, and an objective

  assessment of the strategy soon emerged. The

  Allied command recognized that these were

  well-coordinated operations executed with

  clear intent to strike critical parts of ships.

  Furthermore, due to the one-way nature of

  the flights, the special attack aircraft had a

  greater operational range. If a pilot located the

  target early, the damage was amplified by more

  fuel ignited upon impact after the detonation

  of the aircraft's bomb. During the Philippine

  campaign, Zeros comprised the vast majority of

  aircraft used by the Japanese Naval Air Force's

  special attack units. From October 21, 1944, to

  January 9, 1945, Kōkūtai 201 deployed more than

  200 Zeros in over 60 special attacks, with

  only a few failing to reach their targets due to

  unfavorable weather. Starting in late October,

  units in the Philippines were reinforced by

  Kōkūtai 221, which was equipped not only with

  Zeros but also with Tenzan and Suisei aircraft.

  This Kōkūtai also designated Zeros for special

  HISTORY

  A fire on the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) near the

  island structure after Ensign Kiyoshi Ogawa's attack on May 11, 1945.

  Among other damage, the bomb hit the ready room with

  VF-84 pilots, killing 22 of them. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  A Zero piloted by PO2c Setsuo Ishino in the final moments before crashing into the side of USS Missouri

  on April 11, 1945. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  INFO Eduard12

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  HISTORY

  Flight deck of USS Langley (CVL-27) under repair after being hit by a kamikaze, off Formosa, 21 January 1945. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  Lieutenant Yukio Seki with his aircraft approaching low over the water toward the stern of the aircraft carrier USS St. Lo. After crashing onto the deck, he caused

  damage that led to the ship’s subsequent sinking. This attack occurred on October 25, 1944, and was the first air raid in which a kamikaze pilot sank an enemy vessel.

  Author: Piotr Forkasiewicz

  INFO Eduard

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  HISTORY

  Destroyer USS

  Laffey after the

  battle of special

  attack planes

  on April 16, 1945,

  north of Okinawa.

  Shown here is

  a starboard side

  view abreast of

  No. 3 5 inch gun

  mount. Landing

  craft LST 677

  is alongside.

  Photo: US Naval

  Heritage

  Command

  Fifteen radar

  picket stations

  are shown in the

  Okinawa area.

  Radar picket

  destroyers were

  ordered to operate

  within a radius

  of 5,000 yards

  from the center

  of each station.

  The center of

  each radar picket

  station is indicated

  by latitude and

  longitude, as well

  as by range and

  bearing from Point

  BOLO. Destroy

  -

  ers such as the

  USS Laffey were

  frequent targets of

  large-scale bom

  -

  bing and kamikaze

  attacks.

  Photo: US Naval

  Heritage

  Command

  INFO Eduard14

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• Strana 15

  attack missions and integrated into its ranks

  pilots from sunken carriers in the Battle of

  Leyte Gulf, as well as pilots from carrier units

  previously assigned to land-based operations.

  During the campaign in the Philippines, the

  Japanese Navy deployed a total of 421 aircraft

  in kamikaze attacks, 43 of which returned

  for various reasons. Additionally, 239 fighter

  aircraft were assigned as escorts, with

  102 lost in action. During these operations, naval

  aviators claimed to have sunk 37 ships, including

  five aircraft carriers, and were credited with

  damaging 68 other vessels, including nine

  aircraft carriers.

  However, actual losses inflicted by Army and

  Navy airmen in these special attack operations

  amounted to 20 ships destroyed or scuttled,

  including two aircraft carriers and four

  destroyers. Another 87 ships sustained damage,

  including 22 aircraft carriers.

  Battle of Iwo Jima and Operation

  Kikusui

  During the raids on Formosa in January 1945

  and the Iwo Jima landings, only a few special

  attacks were conducted. However, in preparation

  for the anticipated invasion of Okinawa, the

  Japanese Navy Air Force developed Operation

  Kikusui, which was launched in coordination

  with the Army Air Forces on April 6, 1945 — five

  days after the American landing. To ensure and

  protect the landing, Allied forces, including

  the British Navy, deployed 18 battleships,

  27 cruisers, 177 destroyers, 39 aircraft carriers,

  and hundreds of support vessels. Around the

  island, the Americans stationed destroyers at

  15 pre-designated Picket Stations to assist in

  directing defensive fighter operations against

  Japanese attacks using their radar systems.

  Many Allied vessels had limited maneuverability

  during these attacks, as they were providing fire

  support to the invading forces, supplying troops,

  or evacuating the wounded in the immediate

  vicinity of the island.

  Unlike the fighting in the Philippines, Allied

  vessels were positioned at a considerable

  distance from Japanese bases on Formosa

  and Kyushu. In both cases, the approach route

  was approximately 1,000 km long. During

  special attacks, Japanese airmen gradually

  refined their tactics, optimizing flight paths

  based on changing weather conditions and

  using the islands around Okinawa as obstacles

  to American radar detection. The only naval

  fighter capable of escorting kamikaze aircraft

  all the way to their targets was the Zero. Shiden

  and Shiden-Kai aircraft participated in escort

  missions but only for part of the journey.

  Ōka planes and Zero pilots

  During the battle for Okinawa, the variety of

  naval aircraft used in special attack operations

  was more diverse compared to the Philippine

  campaign. Among the most well-known were

  Ōka aircraft, which were carried to their targets

  by G4M2e Betty bombers. These slow and highly

  vulnerable bombers were escorted by Zeros

  HISTORY

  The British aircraft carrier HMS Formidable in May 1945 after a kamikaze attack. The armored decks of British aircraft carriers withstood enemy attacks much better than

  the decks of American carriers. Photo: IWM

  The A6M5 Type 52c aircraft taking off on a special attack mission. A 500kg bomb is mounted under the fuselage,

  and the cannons have been removed to reduce weight. Only two machine guns were left in the wings.

  Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

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• Strana 16

  from the same unit, Kōkūtai 721. However, the

  Zeros were not just escorts — they were also

  used as special attack aircraft, armed with 500

  kg bomb. Many of these were A6M5c models,

  modified to reduce weight by removing their

  20mm wing-mounted cannons.

  The formation of these units, named Tenmu,

  stemmed from the fact that a considerable

  number of pilots had been trained to fly Ōka

  aircraft but, due to a shortage of Betty bombers,

  had no way to carry out their final missions.

  In addition to several Tenmu units, in May these

  pilots were reassigned to other special attack

  units known as Shōwa, Shinken, and Shichisei,

  which had previously included pilots from the

  Yatabe, Genzan (II), and Omura Kōkūtai training

  units.

  A member of Tenmu Unit No. 5, PO2c Setsuo

  Ishino, received special military honors — albeit

  from an adversary he likely never expected.

  On April 11, 1945, he took off from Kanoya

  Base shortly after noon in a Zero Model 52c.

  His original target was the aircraft carrier

  USS Intrepid (CV-11), but accurate anti-aircraft

  fire forced him to change course and head for

  the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) instead.

  He aimed his Zero at the starboard side of the

  ship, but the 500 kg bomb he was carrying failed

  to detonate. As a result, the battleship sustained

  only minimal damage, and no American sailors

  were killed. Ishino’s remains were found aboard

  the ship. Despite objections from his crew, USS

  Missouri’s captain, William M. Callahan, decided

  to bury the Japanese aviator at sea with full

  honors, including the use of a hastily made

  Japanese flag. (Note 2)

  A month later, on May 11, 1945, two members

  of Shōwa Unit No. 7 successfully struck the

  aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), causing

  severe damage. The attack is credited to Seizō

  Yasunori and Kiyoshi Ogawa, both members

  of Hikōtai 306, a fighter squadron assigned to

  Kōkūtai 721. They took off on their final mission

  at 06:40 from Kanoya Base in southern Kyūshū.

  Their Zeros hit Bunker Hill just after 10:00 AM,

  resulting in 396 sailors killed and 264 wounded

  —the highest number of U.S. casualties on

  a single vessel caused by this type of attack.

  The carrier was forced to return to the United

  States for repairs and did not return to combat.

  (Note 3)

  Zero trainers in Okinawa battle

  The two-seat A6M2-K Zero trainer was also

  used in special attack operations. These aircraft

  came from training units that also organized

  special attack units, including Tsukuba Kōkūtai,

  Yatabe Kōkūtai, Genzan (II) Kōkūtai, Ōmura

  Kōkūtai, and Kasumigaura Kōkūtai. As these

  were based on the Zero Type 21, they were

  equipped with weaker engines and carried

  250 kg bomb mounted under the fuselage.

  Assessment of the special attacks at Okinawa

  During the battle for Okinawa, from early

  April to late June 1945, the Japanese Naval and

  Army Air Forces deployed approximately 1,800

  aircraft in special attack operations, resulting

  in the deaths of around 3,000 airmen. By the

  spring of 1945, some airmen were no longer

  volunteering for these missions and were

  HISTORY

  A Japanese airman helps tie a hachimaki headband on his comrade, symbolizing courage.

  It was often worn by kamikaze pilots, but it was also used on other occasions, even

  outside of military settings. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force used various types of aircraft for

  kamikaze attacks; this photo shows D3A Val dive bombers during the defense

  of the Philippines. Both the Army and Navy air forces carried out standard

  bombing attacks on enemy vessels alongside kamikaze missions.

  Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  Wearing flight jackets with the VF-9 insignia, Hellcat pilots pose with a sign commemorating their fifty victories

  over Japanese aircraft. From left to right: Lieutenant Harris E. Mitchell (9 victories at Okinawa, 10 total), Lieutenant

  Junior Grade Clinton L. Smith (5 victories at Okinawa, 6 total), Lieutenant Junior Grade James B. French (10 victo

  -

  ries at Okinawa, 11 total), and Lieutenant Eugene A. Valencia (12 victories, including 5 at Okinawa, 23 total). Valencia

  was ranked as the top Allied ace in combat against kamikaze aircraft. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  INFO Eduard16

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• Strana 17

  instead forced into special attack operations,

  a practice that sparked protests within parts

  of the Japanese command. Some pilots even

  refused to carry out these missions, repeatedly

  returning to base from bombing flights.

  In this operation, Zero aircraft piloted by

  kamikaze pilots were deployed not only by

  the previously mentioned Kōkūtai 721 and

  training units but also by Kōkūtai 601, 252, and

  210. Fighter escort missions using Zero aircraft

  were provided by Kōkūtai 352 and 131, with the

  latter also conducting night flights against

  Allied night fighters along the route between

  Kyūshū and Okinawa.

  Special attack units were not limited to

  aircraft; they also utilized boats, Kaiten manned

  torpedoes, and other combat assets. On the

  Allied side, an average of 1.5 vessels were

  struck daily off Okinawa, and the relentless

  attacks, combined with constant high-alert

  conditions, led to severe mental and moral

  exhaustion among many crew members.

  During the campaign, approximately 40

  Allied vessels were either sunk or damaged

  beyond repair, with three-quarters of them

  being destroyers patrolling the Picket Stations.

  Perhaps the most famous destroyer on this

  mission was the USS Laffey, which, on April

  16, 1945, withstood an attack by approximately

  50 (presumably Army) special attack aircraft.

  About half of these attackers were shot down

  by U.S. Navy and USMC fighters, while others

  were destroyed by the destroyer's anti-aircraft

  defenses. However, the vessel was struck by

  four bombs and rammed by eight Japanese

  aircraft. During the battles off Okinawa, nearly

  200 additional vessels were damaged by special

  attack units, including twelve U.S. aircraft

  carriers, among them the USS Enterprise.

  The British aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious was

  also damaged.

  Nearly 5,000 crew members aboard

  American ships were killed, with approximately

  the same number wounded in Japanese attacks.

  Hundreds of casualties also occurred aboard

  British and Dutch vessels as a result of these

  attacks.

  Between March 18 and June 22, 1945, U.S.

  forces engaged in intense aerial battles with

  Japanese airmen. U.S. Navy (USN) fighters

  claimed 1,594 aerial victories, while U.S. Marine

  Corps (USMC) pilots scored 631 kills, and U.S.

  Army Air Forces (USAAF) pilots shot down

  101 enemy aircraft. A significant portion of these

  victories were achieved while defending Allied

  vessels from kamikaze raids.

  The legacy of kamikaze pilots

  The effectiveness of special attack operations

  has long been debated. While it is undeniable

  that these tactics did not prevent Japan’s

  defeat, Japanese airmen nonetheless managed

  to strike, damage, or sink a significant number

  of American vessels, including aircraft carriers.

  The threat they posed was so severe that the

  Americans were forced to implement numerous

  defensive measures, such as deploying

  forward-positioned destroyers equipped with

  radar and establishing an air patrol system.

  The fear of these attacks during the planned

  invasion of Japan was one of the factors that

  contributed to the decision to drop the atomic

  bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

  Shortly after Japan’s surrender and the lifting

  of wartime censorship, the Japanese military

  command, particularly those responsible for

  the special attack units, became the target of

  criticism from religious leaders, intellectuals

  and scholars. Many former special attack unit

  pilots, if recognized in public, even faced insults

  and hostility.

  Gradually, however, public opinion began to

  shift. Farewell letters from kamikaze pilots

  were published, surviving veterans shared their

  testimonies, and with the opening of the Chiran

  Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, numerous

  other memorials dedicated to these pilots

  were established, including approximately

  200 websites.

  The names of 5,843 members of the special

  attack units are inscribed at Yasukuni Shrine,

  which honors those who gave their lives for

  their country — a distinction considered a great

  honor. The aforementioned Setsuo Ishino also

  referenced Yasukuni in his farewell letter to his

  mother, writing: “[…] The day when we meet next

  will be under the splendid flowers at Yasukuni

  Shrine. […]”

  HISTORY

  A kamikaze pilot in an A6M5 Type 52c crashes near the USS Essex (CV-9) off

  Okinawa on May 14, 1945. Note the aircraft’s broken tail and the hole in its wing.

  The plane’s cannons had been removed prior to the kamikaze mission, leaving

  only the wing-mounted machine guns. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  This bronze statue of a kamikaze pilot stands to the left of the main en

  -

  trance to the Yūshūkan, founded in 1882 as the museum of the Yasukuni

  Jinja (Shrine). In 2005, a plaque was placed to the left of the statue,

  commemorating 5,843 members of the Imperial Japanese Navy and

  Army Special Attack Units. Representing the 2,514 men of the Naval

  Kamikaze units, Lieutenant Seki is mentioned as their leader.

  Photo: Yasuyuki Hirata

  INFO Eduard

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  April 2025

• Strana 18

  In preparing the article and the model

  kit, we were assisted by Mr. Muranishi,

  Mr. Yoshino, Voytek Kubacki, and Royan Toews.

  The calligraphy of the inscription 'Kamikaze

  Tokkōtai' was created by Mrs. Mari Kučera.

  We would like to thank all of them.

  Notes:

  1) An interesting issue is the transcription of

  the term “divine wind,” for which “kamikaze”

  has become the established term, particularly

  in reference to Japanese aviators, including

  in contemporary Japanese media. The name

  consists of two characters (神風), pronounced

  “kamikaze” in Japanese transcription and

  “shinpū” in Sino-Japanese transcription. Both

  variants are correct, but their usage depends

  on context. For example, the Japanese Navy

  had two classes of Kamikaze destroyers in

  the first half of the 20th century. Veterans of

  Kōkūtai 201, in a memoir published in 1958 in

  collaboration with American historians, stated

  that the term "Kamikaze" should be used

  exclusively for naval aviators in special attack

  units. This name was commonly used in the

  designation of many IJN special attack units.

  After the war, the word “kamikaze” took on

  a slightly pejorative connotation in Japan and

  was sometimes used to describe reckless

  or foolish actions. For instance, a taxi driver

  engaging in risky driving might be described as

  operating a “kamikaze taxi.” Notably, in the Army

  Air Force special attack units, the term “divine

  wind” was never used. Instead, the Japanese

  6th Air Army employed the term Shinbu-tai

  (振武隊) for special attack units during the

  defense of Okinawa. The term “shinbu” can be

  loosely translated as “military might,” though

  it carries additional combat-related meanings.

  Occasionally, the terms shinpū and shinbu

  are mistakenly used interchangeably when

  referring to naval and army special attack units.

  2) The identification of Ishino as the pilot of

  the Zero that struck the USS Missouri is not

  definitive. Another possible, though less likely,

  candidate is Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenkishi

  (Kanekichi) Ishii, who was a member of the

  same special attack unit as Ishino. However,

  Ishii is credited with an unsuccessful attack on

  the USS Wisconsin (BB-64).

  3) Several sources list the Seizō/Ogawa pair

  as the pilots responsible for damaging the

  USS Bunker Hill. However, Dan King, author

  of a publication on Kōkūtai 721, attributes the

  damage to other pilots. He identifies Seizō as

  the pilot of the Zero that was shot down during

  the attack and places him in Tenmu Unit No. 10.

  4) The “(II)” in Genzan (II) Kōkūtai indicates that

  it was the second unit with the same name

  in sequence. The first Genzan Kōkūtai was

  equipped with G3M Nell and G4M Betty bombers

  and saw combat during the early phase of the

  Pacific War. In November 1942, it was renamed

  Kōkūtai 755. It is also possible to encounter

  the designation “(2)” in the unit’s name. In such

  cases, this indicates that two units with the

  same name existed simultaneously, with the

  numeral “2” used to distinguish them.

  Main sources:

  BOBEK, Jan: various articles published in magazines

  REVI and INFO Eduard

  FERKL, Martin: various articles published in

  magazine REVI

  HATA, Ikuhiko, YASUHO, Izawa, SHORES, Christopher:

  Japanese Naval Air Force Fighter Units and Their

  Aces, 1932–1945

  HATA, Ikuhiko, YASUHO, Izawa, SHORES, Christopher:

  Japanese Army Air Force Units and Their Aces, 1931–

  1945

  INOGUCHI, Capt. Rikihei, NAKAJIMA, Cdr. Tadashi with

  PINEAU, Roger: The Divine Wind, Japan´s Kamikaze

  Force in World War II

  KING, Dan: Blossoms from the Sky

  Model Art 458: Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force

  Suicide Attack Unit “Kamikaze”

  RIELLY, Robin L.: Kamikaze Attacks of World War II

  STERN, Robert C.: Fire from the Sky, Surviving the

  Kamikaze Threat

  WARNER, Denis, WARNER, Peggy with SENO, Cdr. (ret.)

  Sadao: The Sacred Warriors: Japan´s Suicide Legions

  YOUNG, Edward M.: American Aces Against the

  Kamikaze

  https://www.kamikazeimages.net/

  HISTORY

  A Japanese Yokosuka MXY7 Óka ("Baka") piloted flying bomb, captured intact by Marines on Okinawa, photographed on June 26, 1945, while being studied by experts

  at the Navy Air Material Unit (N.A.M.). Several dozen launching platforms for Óka aircraft were under construction in the Japanese mountains. The large number of various

  aircraft prepared by Japanese forces for the defense of the home islands indicated the potential for significant losses among Allied ships and their crews during invasion.

  This formidable threat was one of the factors contributing to the decision to deploy atomic bombs. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  INFO Eduard18

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• Strana 19

• Dekelia Greek Air Force Museum

  The Hellenic Air Force Museum is a relatively young institution, having existed in its current form since 1986. However, it certainly has a lot to build on, as its aviation collections were previously part of the Hellenic War Museum. The museum is organisationally under the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) administration and its mission is not only historical research, collection, preservation and access to exhibits, but also the retrieval, conservation and restoration of artefacts related to Greek aviation history.

  REPORT

  Petr Uzsák

  Dekelia Greek

  Air Force Museum

  The Hellenic Air Force Museum

  is a relatively young institution,

  having existed in its current form

  since 1986. However, it certainly

  has a lot to build on, as its aviation

  collections were previously part of the

  Hellenic War Museum. The museum

  is organisationally under the Hellenic

  Air Force (HAF) administration and

  its mission is not only historical

  research, collection, preservation

  and access to exhibits, but also the

  retrieval, conservation and restoration

  of artefacts related to Greek aviation

  history.

  Address:

  HAF Museum, Dekelia Air Base, 13671, Tatoi

  Web:

  https://www.haf.gr/en/history/museum/7

  Exhibitions Office:

  +30 210-8195250, +30210-8195255, +30 210-8195275

  E-mail: museum@haf.gr

  GPS Coordinates: 38.1002204 – 23.7803797,375

  Access

  The central gate of Dekelia Air Base is located on Tatoiou str.

  (Acharnes, Attica), and it can be accessed through:

  The Railway Station “DEKELIA”, in a 50 meters distance from the

  central gate.

  The 537 Bus line, at the stop “AER. VASI DEKELIA”.

  Athens – Thessaloniki Highway (E75). Take the “Thrakomakedo

  -

  nes – Olympic Village” exit, follow Kimi’s Avenue. Take “Acharnes

  – Varimbombi” exit and the central gate is at 300 meters towards

  Varimbombi.

  Opening Hours

  Every Saturday and Sunday, excluding coinciding National Holi

  -

  days, 09:30 until 16:30

  Exhibits at the base entrance are Cessna

  T-41D and Republic F-84F

  INFO Eduard20

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• Strana 21

  REPORT

  Greek military aviation has a tradition of

  more than 110 years. The first six Greek officers

  went to France for flight training as early as 1911

  and the air force was officially established the

  following year. Immediately afterwards, Greek

  military aircraft participated in the 1st and 2nd

  Balkan Wars, followed by the Great War, which

  we now call World War I. At the time of their

  creation, the air units were under the command

  of the Navy, and their independence occurred in

  1930, making them the third major component

  of the armed forces. The Dekelia base, also

  known as Tatoi, was already used for civilian

  and military air operations before World War II.

  During the fighting for Greece between 1940 and

  1941, British RAF aircraft were stationed here.

  Right at the entrance we are greeted by

  a pair of Gateguardians - a Cessna T-41D and

  a Republic F-84F. The main object of the museum

  is a large hangar of Italian origin, which was

  first built on the island of Leros and later

  transferred to the mainland. Most of the exhibits

  are concentrated there. The hangar also houses

  the shop and other related facilities. Around it

  are placed the aircraft, rockets and vehicles

  forming part of the collections, which together

  comprise around fifty complete aircraft.

  The three-dimensional exhibits primarily

  represent the post-war period, although

  there are also references to earlier eras and

  aircraft types on panels and in display cases

  along the hangar walls. Also of interest is the

  extensive collection of uniforms, instruments,

  weapons and documents. I personally was very

  interested in the circular mechanical computer

  for F-104G pilots.

  Among the oldest exhibits one can mention

  the fighter Spitfire Mk.IXC, one of the classics

  of aviation. We can also admire the Curtiss

  Helldiver SB2C-5, a bomber rarely seen in

  Europe. Only five aircraft of this type are said

  to have survived in the whole world. This

  particular aircraft is from post-war deliveries,

  has been restored in an exemplary manner

  and carries the traditional naval all-blue livery.

  Other aircraft to be seen include the F-84G,

  F-84F, RF-84F, F-86D, F-104G, A-7E, F-5A,

  RF-4E and the Mirage F.1CG, some of them in

  multiple examples. The machines often carry

  anniversary livery or other unusual finishes.

  However, contemporary jet fighters such as

  the F-16 or Mirage 2000 are not yet available

  in the museum. These will probably enter

  the collections when the air force is fully re-

  equipped with the latest Rafale or F-35 types.

  The larger aircraft are represented by

  the naval Grumman HU-16B Albatross or the

  transport Dornier Do 28D. Both types are

  represented twice in the collections. Another

  Grumman is also unique, this time a G.159

  Gulfstream I with Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop

  engines, which was used exclusively for

  Freshly restored Sikorsky UH-19B rescue helicopter

  A moody morning photo. School Cessna T-37 in the company of a combat LTV A-7

  Unusually shaped training version of the Convair TF-102A Delta Dagger

  INFO Eduard

  21

  April 2025

• Strana 22

  transporting members of the Helenic royal

  family. Later, when Greece became a republic,

  the machine was converted for use by the Air

  Force Command, where it was used to transport

  VIP passengers. It has been housed in the

  museum since 1995.

  There are also helicopters, including

  a civilian Agusta-Bell 47J, a military Agusta-Bell

  OH-13 and another civilian AB-206A Jet Ranger.

  Outside on the tarmac is a recently restored

  Sikorsky UH-19B in a search and rescue version.

  School and training machines are represented

  by DH.82 Tiger Moth, Cessna T-41D Mescalero

  (which is similar to the well-known civilian

  C-172) or also Cessna T-37, for a change with jet

  propulsion. The Lockheed T-33A, TF-104G or the

  unusually shaped Convair TF-102A with side-

  by-side seats cannot be missed either.

  The museum also commemorates the

  memory of Lieutenant Dimitrios Kamberos,

  the Greek pilot who made the first military

  flight on 13 May 1912 in a Farman aircraft. Little

  known is the involvement of Greek pilots in the

  Korean War, where they provided transport,

  supply or reconnaissance missions with seven

  Dakotas on the side of the UN Command. This

  too is commemorated here and the collection

  includes two examples of this legendary

  transport aircraft. Also highlighted is the role

  of the air force in protecting the airspace over

  the Greek islands from infiltration by aircraft

  from neighbouring Turkey.

  A great attraction of the air museum is the

  underground headquarters of the Nazi Luftwaffe,

  from the time of the occupation, which is located

  under the current base. Although it is almost

  80 years since the end of the war, many of the

  underground areas are still inaccessible due to

  the need to carry out extensive pyrotechnical

  research. One of the entrances to the complex

  is located directly inside the hangar. According

  to the museum staff, only two rooms of the vast

  space are safe for the time being.

  In addition to the aircraft and their equipment,

  the collections include air and anti-aircraft

  missiles, bombs, target missiles, service

  equipment such as Mercedes Unimog or

  Dodge trucks, power sources and anti-aircraft

  searchlights. There are also smaller artefacts,

  such as the BMW 801 engine from the German

  Dornier Do 217.

  It is also a little known fact that Greece

  developed its own unmanned aerial vehicles.

  These were propeller-driven machines named

  Pegasus I and Pegasus II, but their development

  was discontinued in the early 1990s. Both

  versions are represented in the collections.

  The museum includes restoration workshops

  that do a very good job. Examples include the

  North American T-6G Texan or the Canadair

  CL-13 Mk.2 Sabre, as well as the aforementioned

  Helldiver. The work of the workshops is closely

  Brightly colored Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter

  Larger machines in the outdoor display - a naval Grumman HU-16B Albatross and a Douglas C-47 transport

  Camouflaged Convair TF-102A Delta Dagger trainer

  REPORT

  INFO Eduard22

  April 2025

• Strana 23

  Bow section with cameras of the tactical reconnaissance Republic

  RF-84F Thunderflash

  View of part of the indoor display, with AB-206A Jet Ranger in the foreground

  A-7 Corsair II battle LVT in attractive tiger camo. In front of it are the under

  development Pegasus I and II drones of indigenous origin

  A reminder of the air war in the Greek sky - preserved parts

  of a British Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV bomber recovered from the sea

  One of the museum's

  unique items -

  a Curtiss Helldiver

  SB2C-5 naval

  bomber after

  a complete

  restoration

  associated with the Air Force Special Diving

  Command (KOSYTHE) unit used in search and

  rescue. One example of their efforts is the

  Bristol Blenheim Mk. IV of the British 203rd

  Squadron, which was recovered from the sea

  off the Cretan town of Rethymno. The wing and

  engine are still on display. Another is a German

  Junkers Ju 52/3m transport aircraft recovered

  off the island of Leros, whose refurbishment

  is still in progress. There are even plans to

  bring some of the exhibits to flying condition,

  specifically the unique Helldiver and Spitfire

  have been mentioned.

  Entrance to the museum is free, and the

  website describes access well, both by rail

  (from Athens Larissa station) and by bus or

  car. At the gate of the base, foreigners have to

  show their passport, EU citizens do not have to

  show anything else. The only drawback I could

  discover is that the descriptions are only in

  Greek. However, this too is to be changed and

  each exhibit is to have a QR code that will refer

  not only to the general characteristics of the

  item, but also to the details of its service in the

  Greek Air Force.

  The staff of the museum, i.e. the air force

  soldiers, are helpful and experienced and can

  assist and answer most questions. And the

  conclusion? If you are thinking of visiting Athens

  and are an aviation fan, definitely don't hesitate

  to take a tour.

  REPORT

  INFO Eduard

  23

  April 2025

• Strana 24

  Current classic, North American F-86D Sabre Dog

  Lockheed F-104G Starfighter pilot's ejection seat and flying gear

  A mechanical computer for the F-104G pilot helped with flight time

  or fuel consumption data

  Various types of target aircraft that were used for fighter pilot

  and air defense training

  The entrance to the underground area of the former Luftwaffe regional

  Headquarters is located in the middle of the hangar

  Grumman G.159 Gulfstream I. originally belonged to the royal family,

  then used by the Hellenic Air Command

  REPORT

  INFO Eduard24

  April 2025

• Strana 25

  REVI č.146/2025 54 REVI č.146/2025

  va. „Vúter ý 20.č ervence t.r. p o 16. hodi ně bylo nu ceno pro por uchu

  motoru n ouzově přistáti na polích blíže okresní sil nice ke Krchlebům

  dopravní létadlo německé Lufth ansy linky Mnichov– Praha– Vratislav,

  zn. Siberfuchs (si c.) D- UBIQ apře sto, že vtě chto mís tech je vel mi nepř í-

  znivý teren, přistálo bez nejmenší neho dy. Vlétadle se nalézali 2 letci

  a2 pa sažéři, kteří ovšem museli další cestu nastoupit r ychlíkem. Oba

  letci, jakož ilétadlo bylo ihn ed podrobeno prohlídce zdejšího četnict va.

  Přistání bylo zřejmě senzací nejen pro Staňkováky, ale lidi ze širokého

  okolí, kteří se sbíhali na místo přistání až do večerních hodin ai ve

  středu ave čtvrtek, kdy kovový pták byl rozebrán avlakem odveze n do

  Mnichova. Letecké přistání nenatropilo na polích tolik škod, jako sami

  zvěda vci, jak už při podo bných ne hodách bývá. Vkr átké dob ě po přist á-

  ní se dostavili na místo zástu pci vojenského iokresního úřadu .“

  Zfotografií vyplývá, že stroj byl na m ístě demontován azřejmě po

  železnici vrácen do Něme cka. Vkvětnu 1940 přešel kLuf twaffe azpo-

  čátku sloužil uJagdfliegerschule 3 vGrove, později slouž il ke kurýrním

  letům u štábu Jagdgeschwader 27 vRusku. Pro nedostatek ná hradních

  dílů byl odstaven na letišti Ljuban uLening radu vzáří1941, kde byl za-

  nechán při ústupu na jaře 1942.

  Náhradní stroj odstartoval zMnichova o dva dny později v6.15 ráno

  22.července1936. Stroj Ju 160 D-0 W.Nr. 4246 měl instalovaný motor

  BMW Hor net 132E-2 W.Nr. 59570. Společností Lufthansa byl letoun

  převzat teprve 24. dubna1936 a nesl pojmenování „Hyäne“. V 7.30

  přistál na let išti Praha-Kb ely, kde vystoupili 4 cestující. V7.50 pok račo-

  val vdalším letu do Vratislavi. Na palubě zů stala jen dvoučlenná osádka.

  Další okolnosti zachycuje v yšetřovací spis č.j. 333/63 založený

  5. srpna 1936 referentem Ing. Františ kem Chváta lem z oddělen í Bb

  odboru letecké skupiny Ministerst va veřejných prací.

  Spis začíná rukou psaným dokumentem: „Dne 22.července t.r. sdě lilo

  do odd Bb, asi o 11 h., ředitelství st. leti ště „Praha“, že uHořic vPod-

  krkonoší havarovalo dopravní letadlo něm. spole čnosti Luf thansa při

  letu zPrahy d o Vratislavy. Při ha várii zahynuli oba letci… Odd Bb po

  dohodě s přednostou letecké sk upiny k místu nehody vyslalo ihned

  komisi za účelem vyšetření ka tastrofy. Komise sestávala: vrch. techn .

  komisař Ing. F. Chvátal, pře dseda, v.t. kom. Ing. V. Verner azkuš. pilot

  Jar. Mareš.“ Brzy odpoledne ve 13.15 ob drželi voddělení Bb ještě tele-

  fonát Dr. Dočkala zMinisterstva vnitra sdalšími detaily: „Dn es 22.čer-

  vence1936 startovalo německé letadlo zn . „DULUR“ v7.50 hod. ze

  Gbel do Breslau . Pilotoval Neubrand , telegrafista Haupt – bez cestují-

  cích. V8.14 hod. zachytily Gbely volá ní SOS tohoto letadla… V11 hod.

  hlásilo četnictvo zHra dce Král., že letadlo se zřítil o na kotě 463 uobce

  Chlomek. Obě dvě osob y byly zabity, letadlo úplně roztří štěno.“

  Spis byl uzavřen a založen

  4.září1936. Obsahoval samostatný

  vyšetřovací spis z 3. sr pna 1936

  vypracovaný Ministerstvem pošt

  a telegrafů, pod které spadala

  pražská zaměřovací stanice. Dále

  hlášení Velitelství četnické letecké

  hlídky v Hradci Králové z 23.čer-

  vence 1936, pri márně adresované

  nadřízenému Min isterstvu vnitr a,

  azápis z výslechu svědků havárie,

  který provedla četnická stanice

  v Cerekvicích, a fotografickou

  přílohu. Závěrečný třístránkový

  protokol podepsaný techniky Ing. F. Chvátalem a Ing. V. Vernerem

  shrnuj e: „Komis e ministers tva veřejný ch prací pro vyšetření havárie

  letadla dostavila se na místo nehody 22 .července v 15. hod . Trosky

  letadla nebyly již ve stavu, ja k letadlo dopadlo na zem, nýbr ž byly– prý

  zrozkazu nějakého pána zokresního úřadu– shrnuty na několik hromad

  amotor svrtulí byl ze země vykop án.“

  Další text obsahuje popis místa havárie: „Místo nehody je mladš í les

  zvaný Buk ovina… Letad lo vlétlo do lesa asi 200 m od již ního okraje.

  Směr vlétnutí je jihovýcho dní. Prvá stopa je na 10 m vysoké borovici jíž

  je uražena kor una. Dále ve směru vlétnutí jsou přeráženy st romy stále

  níže a asi 12m od zmíněné borovice je vzemi asi 1,5m hluboká jáma

  široká asi 2,5m. Zní byly vykopány trosky motor u avrtule přeražená na

  dva kusy. Dále ve směr u vlétnutí d o vzdálenosti asi 30m od jámy jsou

  stromy p řeráženy u země, jiné jen odřeny aohn uty a mezi nimi jsou

  trosky leta dla– spleť zohýbaných a pomačkaných plechů propletená

  zbytky různých ve dení a armatur. Rozbité části předku trupu, kabiny

  apodvozku nacházejí se úplně vpředu , části nosného systému aocas-

  ních ploch po celé délce místa dopadu… Roztříš těná těla pilota ateleg-

  rafisty byla nalezena m ezi troskami vpředku trupu abyl o velmi obtížno

  určit kolik a osobá m náleže jí. Pal ubní př ístroj e byly úp lně zni čeny. Na le-

  zeny byly zmačklé hodink y pilota atelegrafisty. Ručičky prvých hod inek

  Celkem je známo 47 vyrobených kusů, ale objevují se ta ké

  neurčité údaje o pokračování výroby upravené vojenské

  verze Ju 160 C-0.

  Osudy dvou strojů zpředposlední, dubnové dodávky se

  na lince Mnichov – Pra ha – Vratislav fatálně proťaly

  sčeskou historií. Ráno 20.července1936 odstartoval zMnichova dopravn í Junkers

  Ju 160 Silberfuchs společnosti Deutsche Lufthansa kpravidelnému letu přes Prahu

  do Vratislav i. Pro techn ickou závadu byl al e nucen nouzově př istát vpol i uStaňko-

  Nouzové přistání 20. července 1936 u Staňkova v západních

  Čechách zachycuje série fotografií.

  V květnu 1940 převzala „Silberfuchs“ Luftwaffe a obdržel kmenové označení

  RC + KO. Jak snímek kuriózně prokazuje, tradiční pojmenování „Silberfuchs“

  bylo ponecháno i v období vojenské služby.

  Na starém drážďanském letišti Heller vznikla

  série reklamních fotografií čerstvě dodaného

  stroje D-UVOX „Rotfuchs“.

  20 REVI č.146/2025

  20 REVI č.146/2025

  REVI č.146/2025 21

  REVI č.146/2025 21

  Ing. Pavel Vančata

  Sestřelen u Arrasu

  Jedním z novousedlíků voblasti kanadských prér ijních provincií se

  vlétě 1906 stal Fran k Pawlitza narozený 31.července1886 ve slezské

  obci Šumbark, která je dnes jednou změstských čá stí Havířova. Vroce

  1910 získal kanadské občanství a17. května1915 se ve městě Swift

  Current oženil sA nnou Tucek (* 20.srpna1889 ve Zruči nad Sázavou).

  Vlétě 1916 spolu se synem Albertem (* 4.února1916) žil i na vlastn í

  farmě v katastru obc e Pittville vprovincii Saskat chewan. Vnásledují-

  cích letech do rodiny přibyli ještě tři potomci: Vera Rose (* 1.l istopa-

  du 1917), Elvyn Joseph (* 30. září 1921) a Francis Harold

  (* 30.ledna1924).

  Nás budou zajímat osudy syna Elvyna, který v letech 1927 až 1935

  navštěvoval základní školu v Baxterv ille a další tři roky studoval

  zdomova formou distančn í výuky. To již rodina vlastnila farmu v obci

  Abbey, stále vprovincii Saskatchewan, na k teré po ukončení školní do-

  cházky zůstal pomáhat .

  Dne 6. února1942 si tento dvacetiletý mladík modrých očí asvětle

  hnědých vlasů měřící 180 cm podal př ihlášku do Royal Canad ian Air

  Force (RCAF). Přísahu složil 1.května1942 vNo. 5 Recruiting Centre

  ve městě Regina vprovinci i Saskatchewan, odkud ještě t éhož dne odjel

  kNo. 2 Manning Depot sídlícímu v Brandonu vsousední provincii Ma-

  nitoba. Zde se zněj stal nováček se služebním číslem R163640 vhodnos-

  ti Aircraftman 2

  nd

  Class (AC2) a byl zař azen do skupiny určené do

  výcviku na pilota s alternativou na navigátora. Od 29. srpna dostal

  měsíční neplacené volno, aby mohl pomoci skl idit úrodu na rodinné

  farmě. Následně 23. října odjel do Edmontonu v provincii Alberta, kde

  tři dny nat o zahájil základ ní výcvik u No. 4 Initia l Traini ng School

  vrámci kurz u č. 65, který končil 1.ledna1943, kdy byl povýšen do hod-

  nosti Leadi ng Aircraft man (LAC). S výsledným hodnoc ením 74 % se

  umístil až na 90. m ístě mezi 105 nováčky: „Než narukoval, pracoval na

  otcově farmě. Jeho bratr slouží jako rotmistr uarmády. Prů měrný spor-

  tovec. Český půvo d– 2. generace. Mlad ík zfarmy– amb iciózní– bude

  se hodně snažit. Pom alu se učí– upravený. Doporučen na po ddůstojní-

  ka. Alternat ivně radiotelegrafista-střelec.“ Jeho sen stát se pilotem se

  rozplynul, neboť nehledě na uvedené doporuče ní byl př eřazen do výcviku

  na bombometčíka.

  Na zařazení do další fáze výcviku vyčkával v Edmontonu, a než

  kněmu stačilo dojít, byl 30.ledna hospital izován vnemocnici na základ-

  ně a26. února nastoupil dvoutýdenní zdravotní dovolenou. Na několik

  dnů se vrátil kNo. 4 ITS, odkud 21.března odjel na řádnou dovolenou.

  Zní se 3.dubna hl ásil uNo. 7 Bombing & Gunner y School (B & GS) na

  základně Paulson vprovincii Ma nitoba.

  Kurz pro bombometčí ky č. 79 zde probíha l mezi 5. dubnem až

  25. červnem 1943. Během prakt ického bombardování na létal na dvou-

  motorových letounech Avro Anson 46 h 50 min ve dne a4 h 30 min

  vnoci a shodil celkem 121 pum ve dne a 16 vnoci. P ři bombardování

  zmalé v ýšky dosahoval prů měrné odchylky 61 ya rdů (56 m) az velké

  výšky 167 yardů (153 m). Vrámci střeleckého výcviku strávil 16 h mani-

  pulací se střeleckými věžemi na zemi apoté dalších 15 h 5 min nalétal na

  letounech Bristol Fairchild Bolingbroke, přičemž vyst řílel 3 700 ran

  a dosáhl průměrné úspěšnost i 10 % zásahů. S hod nocením 77,5 %

  skončil na 9. místě mezi 38 kadety. Podle i nstruktorů byl průměrným

  bombometčíkem astřelcem apo dokončení výcvik u ho doporučili ke

  jmenování do důstojnické hodnosti.

  ZPaulsonu odjel vden ukončení kurzu a druhý den se h lásil uNo. 1

  Air Observer School vMaltonu, Onta rio. Vtamní m navigačním kurz u

  č. 79 probíhajícím od 28. června do 6.srpna 1943 si vedl velm i dobře

  (obdržený počet bodů/maximá lní možný počet bodů): základy letecké

  navigac e (161/200), rozpoz návání let ounů (211/250), pr aktick á signali za-

  ce (250 /250), te orie let eckého průzk umu (113/150) , teori e leteck ého foto -

  graf ování (111/150) , prakt ická nav igace ve dne (219/30 0), prak tická na vi-

  gace v no ci (140/200), bombardování (215/300), praktické let ecké

  fotografování (133/200). Zpozemních předmětů obdržel známku 84,6 %

  spolu shodnocením: „ Nadprůměrný. Jasně chápe vše, co se od něj vy-

  žaduje . Navigac e dobrá.“ Jeho práci ve vzduchu po odlétání 26 h 45 min

  ve dne a17 h 20 min vnoci na Ansonech instruktoři ohodnoti li známkou

  70,7 % s doplňujícím komentář em: „Nadpr ůměrný. Dobrý navigátor

  vnoci. Pracoval velmi d obře.“ Slavnostní předán í odznaků novopeče-

  ným bombometčíkům proběhlo 5. srpna az dvaatřiceti absolventů jich

  dvanáct dostalo doporučení ke jmenování do důstojnické hodnost i. LAC

  Pawlitza byl podle svého služebního záz namu dnem 6. srpna 1943

  zařazen do odbornosti Air Bomber a ke stejnému dni byl povýšen do

  hodnosti Sergeant (Sgt). Nicméně 30.srpna byl se zpětnou platností o d

  6.srpna jmenován do důstojnické hodnosti P ilot Officer (P/O) aobdržel

  nové důstojnické služební číslo J28966.

  Ve dnech 7. až 20. srpna čerpal dovolenou p řed odjezdem do zámo ří

  apoté zamí řil kNo. 1 „Y“ Depot do př ístavu Halifax. Zde se 26.srpna

  nalo dil aub ritsk ých břeh ů přist ál oše st dnů poz ději. Od 2.zář í se nac há-

  zel ve stavu No. 3 (RCAF) Personnel Reception Cent re vjihoanglickém

  Bournemouthu.

  Mezi 2. listopadem a20. prosi ncem 1943 prodělal P/OPawlitza dopl-

  ňující výcvik na letounech Anson u No. 1 (Observer) Advanced F lying

  Unit na letišti Wigtown ve Skotsku. Následujícího dne se hlásil do kurzu

  č. 13 uNo. 82 Operational Training Unit (OTU) na základ ně Ossington,

  kde operační výcvik probíhal na dvoumotorových bombardérech Vickers

  Wellington B Mk.III a Mk.X. Z de se stal členem šestičlenné osádky

  složené zpříslušníků RCAF, kteří se sice všichn i narodili vKanadě, a le

  většina znich měla kořeny vEvropě:

  pilot P/O William Wallace Proudfoot (J27626) – rodiče pochá zeli ze

  Skotska;

  navigátor P/OJoseph Art hur Murph y (J28035)– rodi če byli rodi lí Kana-

  ďané;

  bombometčík P/OElvyn Joseph Pawlitza (J28966)– rodiče měli český

  původ;

  radiotelegrafista Sgt Enrico Joseph Simonato (R183691) – rodič e emi-

  grovali zItálie;

  střelec P/OAlbert Edward Hall (J37151)– otec pocházel zAnglie, matka

  zNizozemska;

  střelec P/O Peter Koleda (J37149) – rodiče se naro dili v západní část i

  Uk raji ny.

  Během cvičných letů osádku P/OProudfoota potkala d robná nehoda.

  Vsobotu 18.března1944 ve 20.25 Wellington B M k.X LN543 utrp ěl

  lehké poškozen í během pojíždění ke startu knoční mu cvičnému letu,

  osádka vyvázla nezraněn a: „Letoun zahájil pojíždění stlakem 140 liber

  vbrzdá ch a vyjel ze stojánky (č. 33). Po přejetí vzletové a přistávací

  dráhy zastavil . Poté pokračoval po pojezdové dráze vedoucí p aralelně

  se vzletovou apřistávací dráhou 22 , kde opět zastavil, aby dal př ednost

  jinému letounu. Dále jel směrem kmístu pro kontrolu podvozku, kde se

  mu nepodař ilo zastavit a pokračoval v jízdě zm írného svahu ještě asi

  70 yardů přímým směrem, dokud jed no kolo podvozku nenarazilo d o

  4 stopy vysoké zídk y, okterou se zastavil. Po in cidentu bylo zjištěno, že

  tlak v brzdách klesl na 10 liber.“ Velitel Training Wing No. 82 OTU

  W/Cdr W. D. Ferris označil za viníka nehody P/OProudfoota, který měl

  nalétáno sa mostatně 207 h, z toho 66 h na Wellingtonech: „Pilot e vi-

  dentně běhe m pojíždění příliš použ íval brzdy a neko ntroloval tlak

  vbrzdách. Spotřeba vzduchu byla normální , tj. 7 lb/sq. in. Lze se dom ní-

  vat, že pilot při po užívání brzd a kontrole tlak u nebyl dosta tečně obe-

  zřetný, zvláště když pojezdová dráha vtomto místě kles á, apojížděl moc

  rychle.“ Současně doporuči l vepsat do jeho zápisníku letů pokárání za

  „hrubou nedbalost“.

  Zbývající část operačního výcviku do 2.dubna proběhla už bez mimo-

  řádných událostí. P/OPawlitza na Wellingtonech nalétal 56 h 10 min ve

  dne a40 h 5 min vnoci a během té doby provedl: sedm cvičných bom-

  bardování ve dne (28 pum) adalších osm cvičení za t my (28 pum); čtyři

  cvičné střelby ve dne (jedna na terč tažený za dru hým letounem atři na

  cíl vm oři, cel kem 1 200 ra n) atři cvičné střelby za tmy na cí l vmoři (600

  Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada, PL-31182

  Library and Archives Canada

  Chris McLean collection

  Library and Archives Canada

  ▲ Na snímku pořízeném v roce 1944 na letecké základně „kdesi v Anglii“ je

  zachycen LAC Frank Thompson, motospojka od No. 427 Squadron RCAF, ve

  společnosti tří sličných příslušnic umělecké jednotky „RCAF Blackouts“ pořáda-

  jící představení pro spojenecké vojáky. V pozadí stojí bombardér Handley Page

  Halifax jedné z kanadských perutí spadající pod velení No. 6 (RCAF) Group.

  ◀ Vyrovnaná řada letounů Avro Anson

  zachycená pravděpodobně na letišti

  Malton, kde sídlila No. 1 AOS. Vpo-

  předí parkuje Anson sériového čísla

  RCAF 6044 sindividuálním písmenem

  „D“, dříve sloužil vRAF pod sériovým

  číslem R3470. No. 1 AOS jej obdržela

  21.května 1940, mezi 15. červencem

  a25. zářím 1942 prošel generální opra-

  vou u firmy de Havilland Canada, po

  níž se vrátil zpět kjednotce. V násle-

  dujících letech ho kvýcviku používaly

  ještě No. 4 AOS aNo. 31 B & GS. Na

  konci války měl nalétáno 3 359 h 45 min.

  Druhý Anson vřadě za ním nese na pří-

  di individuální písmeno „A“ spolu se

  znakem No. 1 AOS.

  Elvyn Joseph Pawlitza na oficiálních portrétech RCAF, vlevo jako nováček, vpravo

  v důstojnické hodnosti P/O po dokončení výcviku bombometčíka v Kanadě.

  32 REVI č.146/2025

  Martin Pospíšil

  REVI č.146/2025 33

  Mustangy na konci světa

  Mustangy na konci světa

  - 311. Fighter Group v Barmě a Číně

  - 311. Fighter Group v Barmě a Číně

  1. cást

  1. cást

  Jedinou stíhací sk upinou USAAF, která během 2. světové války ope-

  račně používala většinu verzí letounu North American Mustang, byla

  311. Fighter Bomber Group později přejmenovaná na 311. Fighter Group.

  Vjejí výzbroji se postupně vyst řídaly verze A-36A aP-51A s motory

  Allison, P-51B/C/D/Kiprůzkumné F-6C/D/Ksmotory Merlin. Vnašich

  končinách nepříliš známá skupina působila bě hem války vjihovýchodní

  Asii vprostoru nazývaném CBI (China Bur ma India).

  Skupina byla založena k28. lednu 1942 na zá kladně Will Rogers Field

  vOklahomě jako 311. Bomb Group (Light) anásledně včervenci přezna-

  čena na 311. Bomb Group (Dive). Orok později 30.září1943 přišla další

  změna označen í tentokrát na 311. Fighter Bomber Group. Nový název

  odpovídal novému určení skupiny ijejí výzbroji, kterou od prosince1942

  tvořily letouny A-36A doplněné v červnu 1943 o P-51A. Podobnou

  změnou názvu prošly itř i ze čtyř podřízených perut í, unichž se navíc

  měnilo také číselné označení, t akže z382. BS se od září stala 528. FBS,

  z383. BS se stala 529. FBS az384. BS se stala 530. FBS. Poslední –

  čtvrtá 385. BS byla 30.září1943 zr ušena ajejí personál byl kompletně

  převeden kčerstvě vzniklé 459. FS spadající pod 80. FG.

  Výcvik skupiny vUSA probíhal zpočátku na dvoumíst ných střemhla-

  vých bombardérech Vultee Vengeance, proto bylo vnáz vu skupiny slovo

  Dive. Jednalo se o dosti neoblíbené letouny, na nichž došlo během

  výcviku k několika smr telným nehodám aani velení sjejich bojovým

  nasazením nepočítalo. Proto se stěmito letouny na bojiště skupina nikdy

  nevydala apřešla na daleko bojeschopnější Mustangy.

  Jako první vprosinci 1942 obdržela střemhlavé bombardéry A-36A

  1)

  .

  Jednalo se oprvní sériovou verzi stavěnou pro USAAF, protože předtím

  se vyráběly pouze Mustangy IaIA

  2)

  určené pro br itskou RAF. Celkem

  bylo vyrobeno adodáno 500 letounů A-36A, tovární označení NA-97.

  Mimo motoru Allison V1710-87 je cha rakterizovaly výklopné aerodyna-

  mické brzdy vkřídle určené ke snížení r ychlosti ve střemh lavém letu.

  Výzbroj byla tvořena dvojicí kulometů vpřídi adalšími čt yřmi vkřídle.

  Jednalo se první verzi Mustangu vyráběnou se závěsníky pro pumy nebo

  přídavné nádrže. Do výzbroje ji zařa dily 86. FBG (l istopad 1942)

  a27. F BG (první polovina roku 1943), obě působící vseverní Africe,

  aprávě 311. FBG. Posledně jmenovaná jednotka použila vbojích celkem

  40 kusů této verze.

  Druhou verzí Mustangu použ ívanou u 311. FBG byla ve stejném

  období verze P-51A (továr ní označení NA-99). To byla posled ní, nyní již

  čistě stíhací, verze Mustangu s motorem Allison (varia nta V1710-81)

  původně objed naná v počtu 1 200 kusů. Nakonec jich bylo vyrobeno

  pouze 310, protože se mezitím začaly vy rábět Mustangy verze P-51B

  smotory Merlin. P-51A měl výzbroj čtyř kulometů vkřídle azávěsníky

  již byly standardní výbavou. V r ámci USAAF je obdržela nejprve

  311. FBG anásledně 23. FG a1. Air Com mando Group. Tedy všechny

  uUSAAF operačně používané Mustangy verze P-51A sloužily voblasti

  CBI.

  Přechod na A-36A na konci roku 1942 zn amenal, že od 311. BG odešli

  všichni palubní střelci apiloti zahájili intenz ivní výcvik na nových jed-

  nomístných strojích. Na konci ledna1943 se skupina zúčast nila prvního

  velkého cvičení na území USA akoncem února byla prohlášena za boje-

  schopnou. Nicméně vzápětí přišel rozkaz převést co nejvíce personálu ke

  skupinám na africkém bojišti. Proto například u382. BS zbyli na začátk u

  dubna pouze dva piloti. Skupina byla doplněna nováčky, výcvik začal

  vpodstatě od nuly atrva l až do léta. Přesun skupiny na bojiště tak byl

  zahájen až na konci července1943, kdy přes Austr álii dorazila koncem

  září do Indie na zákla dnu Nawadihj.

  Zde byla 30.září přejmenov ána na 311. FBG apo té násled ovalo rozd ě-

  lení skupiny mezi několi k základen vúdolí Assam (oblast podél ř eky

  Brahmaputry známá především pěstováním čaje) na východě Indie. Ve-

  litelství a 530. FBS se počátkem října přesunuly na zákla dnu Dinjan,

  528. FBS na základnu Sookerating a529. FBS na základnu Mohannbarj.

  Letouny byly mezi perutěmi rozděleny tak, že 528. FBS měla všechny

  A-36A a529. spolu s530. FBS pak P-51A. Nicméně piloti často létali na

  strojích jiných perutí. 530. FBS sloužila především jako stíhací, ato jak

  kochraně vlastních A-36A/P-51A, tak ijako doprovodná pro bombardé-

  ry. Proto také její piloti dosáh li největšího počtu sestřelů vrámc i skupiny.

  Navíc Musta ngům s Allisony hrálo do karet i to, že stíhací operace

  v oblasti CBI probíhaly ve výrazně menších výškách než vz ápadní

  Evropě nebo Středomoří, aproto se z nich na tomto bojišti postupem

  času stala smrtící zbraň.

  Vté době byla fronta vBar mě stabilizovaná, především proto, že z de

  od července do října panovalo období

  monzunů, které výr azně omezilo

  většinu bojových operací. Nicméně

  obě strany se intenzivně připravovaly

  na další kolo bojů. V rámci USAA F

  odpovídala za letecké ope race

  voblasti Indie aBarmy 10. Air Force.

  Byla založena vúnoru 1942 aa ž do

  března 1943 odpovídala za celou

  oblast CBI. Založen ím 14. Air Force

  vČíně vbř eznu 1943 došlo kr ozděle-

  ní odpovědnosti. Většina skupin

  původní 10. AF zůstala v Číně abyla

  převedena ke 14. AF. Ztoho důvodu

  se 10. AF musela začít budovat vpod-

  statě od nuly.

  Stíhací složka 10. A F se od

  podzimu 1943 sklá dala z311. F BG

  s Mustang y a 80. FG vyzbrojené

  P-40N (88., 89. a90. FS) aP-38 (459.

  FS, ta byla 80. FG sice administrativ-

  ně podřízená, ale operovala samo-

  statně). Bombardovací skupiny

  zastupovaly 7. a308. BG(H) s B-24

  (ta dr uhá byla dočasně zapůjčena od 14. AF) a 341. BG(M) s B-25.

  Pozadu sdoplňováním nezůstali ani Britové, jejichž squadrony spadající

  pod South East Asia Com mand byly přezbrojovány na Spitfiry Mk.Vc,

  Mosquita aBeaufightery.

  Hlavním ajed iným protivníkem spojeneckého let ectva voblasti bylo

  japonské a rmádní letectvo, jehož standa rdní st íhačkou v Barmě byly

  letouny Nakajima Ki-43-II Hayabusa patřící 50. a64. Sentai. Koncem

  roku je doplnily ještě 33. a204. Sentai. Lehké avelmi obratné Ki-43 byly

  vté době již z a zenitem své největší slávy asvým i výkony aslabou vý-

  zbrojí se nemohly měřit s novými spojeneckými letouny. Nicméně dí ky

  zkušeným pilotů m byly ještě stále nebezpečnými protivníky. Japonské

  bombardovací útvary byly vyzbrojeny typy Mitsubishi Ki-21 aKawasaki

  Ki-48. Také japonské armádní lete ctvo využilo přestávky vbojích kdo-

  plnění stavů, takže se voblasti objevily další typy letadel, jako stí hací

  Nakajima Ki-44 Shóki, Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryú (21. Sentai) nebo krátce

  v období cca dvou měsíců bombardér y Nakajima Ki-49 Donryú od

  62. Sentai.

  Hlavním cílem Spojenců voblasti bylo ochránit dopravní trasy mezi

  Indií aČí nou tak, aby bylo možné zásobovat čínské armády, které, byť

  nebyly b ojově příl iš efektivn í, na sebe váza ly 25 japonských divizí.

  Velká část zásob byla dopravována letecky přes Himaláje (letecký most

  známý jako The Hump, tedy Hrb), což nebylo dlouhodobě ud ržitelné,

  aproto mělo na podzim 1943 dojít k několika ofenzivním a kcím, které

  Ilustrace/colour proles: Václav Hochmuth

  Rekonstrukce barevných schémat atext: Martin Pospíšil

  ▲ Údržba P-51A (v. č. 43-6109) od 311. Fighter Bomber Group na indické

  základně Kurmitola. Stroj má podvěšené dvě 75galonové přídavné nádrže nejstar-

  šího typu s vystouplými plnícími hrdly.

  USAAF

  ▲ Osobní letoun Jamese J. Englanda P-51A č. 75 (43-6077) pojmenovaný „Jackie“ je znám v několika podobách a některé detaily změn markingu se objeví i na fotogra-

  fiích v tomto článku. Jedná se o stroj 530. FBS (později 530. FS), pro kterou byly typické žluté vrtulové kužely a evidenční čísla od 61 do 90. Mustang zpočátku neměl

  na SOP číslo 75, následně se měnila poloha a tvar sestřelů před kabinou a stejně tak měnilo polohu i jméno pilota. Bokorys představuje letoun v podobě z období někdy

  po 14. květnu 1944, kdy England dosáhl svého osmého a posledního sestřelu v kabině P-51A (zbylé dva pak na P-51C). Tento a další Mustangy, kterým jsou věnované

  bokorysy v tomto díle, si můžete postavit díky obtiskům od firmy DKdecals (aršík č. 72093 nazvaný 10

  th

  AF Mustangs).

  USAAF

  Englandův P-51A č. 75 (43-6077) „Jackie“ v péči pozemního personálu. Za

  povšimnutí stojí číslo 75 na SOP, které na rozdíl od většiny ostatních strojů

  530. FBS není perforované.

  (Pokračování z REVI č. 145)

  Vdalších dnech naopak vzlétly Brandenburgy Fliegerkompagnie 19

  kpronásledování nepřátelských letadel. Napří klad 20. dubna 1917 letěl

  Lt.i.d.Res. Pürer za pozorovatelským kulometem letounu Hansa Bran-

  denburg C.I (Ph) 129.03 a o den později seděl vkokpitu prot otypu 20.09.

  Oba tyto lety však ambiciózní Pürer označil jako neúspěšné a ani je mezi

  bojové lety nepočítal, stejně tak jako start kpr ůzkumu na tr ase Görz –

  Merna 24. dubna 1917 sBrandenburgem 129.10, jelikož průzkumná mise

  nemohla být pro nízkou oblačnost uskutečněna, ačkoli letoun byl ve

  vzduchu 40 minut a uletěl 90 kilomet rů. Týž den se stejným letadlem se

  již podařilo průzkum provést, takže tento posled ní bojový let vdubno -

  vém výkazu bojových letů nesl teprve číslo 16.

  Do boje spř esilou italských stíhaček se BO Pürer do stal 3. června

  1917. Osádky tří Brandenburg ů C.I Flik 19 protivníka identifikovaly jako

  šest Nieuportů a jeden Spad. Společně se podař ilo jeden Nieuport poslat

  k zemi za nepřátelskými liniem i poblíž Sober-Savogna. Josef Pü rer

  (4. vítězství) letěl ve stroji neznámého čísla s pilotem FP Zugsf. Karlem

  Reithoferem (2. sestřel), Brandenbu rg C.I (öAlb) 29.64 pilotoval

  FP Hptm. Adolf Heyrowsky (10. vítězství; pozorovatel BO Oblt. László

  Hauser, jeho 2. sestřel) a ve třetím blíže neident ifikovaném Brandenbur-

  gu seděli FF Korp. Eduard Szajkovits (1. vítězst ví) a d alší budoucí

  letecké eso BO Lt. Sándor Tahy (4. potvrzený sestřel).

  Průzkumný úkol pro 14. Infanteried ivision plnila letecká setnina č. 19

  také 19. června dopoledne. Formace tří Bra ndenburgů C.I sice neučinila

  nad f rontou žádná zásadní pozorování, nicméně byla napadena pěticí

  stíhaček Nieuport. Lt.i.d.Res. Püre r tehdy sdílel kokpit letounu 29.63

  společně sFP Zugs. Istvánem Fejésem, osádku Hansa Brandenburgu C.I

  (Ph) 129.42 tvořili FF Korp. Josef Schantl a BO Lt.i.d.Res. Michael

  Sawczuk, se strojem vojenského čísla 129.60 letěli FF Korp. E duard

  Szajkovits a BO Lt.i.d.Res. Friedrich Dechant. Po střetu se jeden zpro-

  tivníků zřítil za ita lskými pozicemi u Sober (Vertojba), podíl na sestřelu

  Podoba stroje Hansa Brandenburg C.I (öAlb) 29.64, s nímž získal BO Lt.i.d.Res. Josef Pürer 17. dubna 1917

  u Flik 19 své třetí vítězství. Během tohoto letu jej pilotoval FP Hptm. Adolf Heyrowsky, který v jeho kokpitu

  zaznamenal od dubna do června 1917 celkem pět potvrzených sestřelů, čímž z něj učinil nejen nejúspěšnější stroj

  své jednotky, ale podle dosavadních zjištění zřejmě vůbec nejúspěšnější Hansa Brandenburg C.I. Letoun dodaný

  k Flik 19 počátkem roku 1917 zaznamenal u setniny v průběhu služby několik úprav. Ještě v zimě létal stroj

  s držákem dynama pod vrtulí, bez stojanu pro hlaveň kulometu pozorovatele, který měl perforovaný plášť původně vodního chladiče hlavně, zatímco na pozdějších sním-

  cích je kulomet již zcela bez vodního chladiče, letoun má doplněný stojan kulometu a stejně jako 29.63 na horním křídle upravenou schránku pro dva kulomety, nikoli

  však identickou. V čelním krytu motoru také přibyly dva podélné výřezy pro lepší chlazení motoru, který tentokráte poháněla vrtule značky Germania. Stroj po většinu

  své bojové kariéry u Flik 19 létal také v původní barvě materiálu se zřetelným logem Albatros na kýlovce. Brandenburg 29.64 se ve stavu Flik 19/D nacházel ještě v říjnu

  1917. V březnu 1918 byl letoun zničen při havárii během školního letu u Flik 69/D, to však již nesl kamufláž na části povrchu.

  38 REVI č.146/2025 REVI č.146/2025 39

  Ilustrace/colour proles: Václav Hochmuth

  Rekonstrukce barevných schémat atext: Petr Aharon Tesař

  Josef Pürer, zapomenutý hrdina z Bad Schönau

  Josef Pürer, zapomenutý hrdina z Bad Schönau

  Esa k.u.k. LFT známá neznámá

  Petr Aharon Tesar

  ˇ

  Italský Nieuport 17, zachycený počátkem roku 1917 nad horským terénem. Právě

  nad stíhačkami typu Nieuport zaznamenal Josef Pürer od dubna do června 1917 tři

  potvrzená a jedno nepotvrzené vítězství.

  A stíhačkami Nieuport byl 19. června 1917 spolu s FP Zugsf. Fejésem donucen

  v Brandenburgu 29.63 k nouzovému přistání u Schönpass… Jedním z vítězů tohoto

  souboje bylo italské eso od 81ª Squadriglia sottotenente Flavio Torello Baracchini

  (na fotografii). Šlo o jeho 7. vítězství z celkem 21+11 a je velmi pravděpodobné, že

  toho dne letěl právě v kokpitu tohoto stroje Nieuport 17 s černým štítem na trupu.

  Dobový tisk přinášel zprávy zfron-

  ty, letectvo nevyjímaje, jednak

  o hrdinských činech a udělených

  vyznamenáních, jednak o ztrátách

  v boji. Celou půlstranu (s výjim-

  kou reklamy na cigaretový papír)

  věnoval vídeňský týdeník Das In-

  teressante Blatt z28. června1917

  letcům Fliegerkompagnie 19, sa-

  mozřejmě bez uvedení čísla setni-

  ny. Vlevé části můžeme pod por-

  tréty šesti příslušníků jednotky číst:

  „1. Leutn. Alexander Tahy, sestřelil

  tři letouny, vyznamenán Stříbrnou

  medailí za udatnost 1. třídy aSig-

  num laudis; 2. Hauptmann Adolf

  Heyrowsky, porazil čtyři nepřá-

  telské letouny, Řád železné koruny

  3. třídy, Vojenský záslužný kříž atři-

  krát Signum laudis; 3. Oberleutn.

  Artur Klose-Kuschel, sestřelil jeden

  Nieuport, Signum laudis; 4. Ober-

  leutn. Oskar Zeisberger, sestřelil

  jedno letadlo, Řád železné koruny

  3. třídy, Vojenský záslužný kříž 3. tř.

  advakrát Signum laudis; 5. Ober-

  leutn. Ladislaus Hauser, porazil

  dva nepřátelské aparáty, Vojenský

  záslužný kříž s válečnou dekorací

  a Signum laudis; 6. Leutn. Josef

  Pürer, sestřelil dva italské stroje,

  Signum laudis.

  Letecká setnina Hauptmanna Adolfa

  Heyrowskyho, která obzvláště vy-

  nikla během desáté Bitvy oSoču; letci útočili na nastupující Italy tím, že sestoupili na nejnižší možnou výšku aostřelovali nepřátelské řady kulometnou palbou.“

  Vpravé části se pak pod větším portrétem dozvídáme, že syn generála pěchoty von Langa, Oberleutnant Karl von Lang zletecké setniny Hauptm. Heyrowskyho sestřelil

  během Bitvy na Soči jedno nepřátelské letadlo aneporažen padl hrdinskou smrtí. Zdostupných zdrojů pak můžeme doplnit podrobnější informace, že pozorovatel Oblt.

  Karl Eugen von Lang získal svůj jediný potvrzený sestřel vkokpitu Brandenburgu 29.63, když 20.května1917 snejvětší pravděpodobností zasáhl stíhačku Spad 7 č. 4703

  italského esa tenente Fulco Ruffo di Calabria. Pilot letounu 29.63 FP Zugsf. István Fejés získal při téže příležitosti již svůj 3. sestřel. Oblt. von Lang zahynul ošest dní

  později. Během bombardovacího letu došlo ksamovznícení jedné zleteckých pum na palubě a osádka Brandenburgu 129.10 se zřítila na nepřátelské území poblíž Ver-

  tojba. Spolu svon Langem zahynul 26.května1917 ipilot FP Zugsf. Gyula Schmidt (3 potvrzená vítězství).

  „Type 29.64, Kontrollflug, Oblt. Laný, Oblt. v. Loeser, Flugfeld Aspern, 1917,“ uvádí popiska na zadní straně jedné z kopií této fotografie. Kontrolní let při převzetí

  Brandenburgu 29.64 uskutečnili důstojníci Fliegerarsenalu (Flars) pilot Oblt. Antal Lányi-Lanczendorfer a pozorovatel Oblt. Ewald von Loeser. Nový letoun byl stan-

  dardně vybaven dynamem pod vrtulí.

  sbírka Petr Aharon Tesař

  sbírka Petr Aharon Tesař

  sbírka Petr Aharon Tesař

  Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

  16 REVI č.146/2025 REVI č.146/2025 17

  Chukar II amožná i BQM-74C Chukar III. Osvědčily se nejen jako

  návnady, ale ijako průzkumné. Vjejich prospěch hovořila především

  cena, Chukar totiž stál výr azně méně než Firebee. Také vyžadoval méně

  obslužného personálu. Malé rozměr y ztěžovaly jejich případný sestřel,

  proto byly používány nad zvláště nebezpečnými oblastmi. Na straně

  druhé právě malé r ozměry omezovaly možnosti zástavby dodatečného

  vybavení anavíc měly Chuka ry poměrně malý dolet – cca 265 km. P ro

  lepší ří zení Chuka rů vyv inula firm a Elta naváděcí po čítač, který měl

  větší přesnost a spolehlivost než st arší systém, a navíc byl navržen pro

  nové činnosti, jako byl právě průzkum.

  Po zbytek se dmdesátých let Chu kary i nadále prováděly pr ůzkumné

  lety, ale byly používány ive své původní roli cvičných cílů. Ve cvičných

  scénářích byly jejich hlavní mi protivníky iz raelské baterie protiletadlo -

  vých systémů Hawk. Dále fungovaly jako rušičky elektron ických

  systémů protivníka, ale ani otét o činnosti nejsou známy podrobnosti.

  Podruhé byly Chukary masivněji pou žity vroce 1982 během První li-

  banonské vál ky. Známá je př edevším jejich účast na potlačení syrské

  protivzdušné obrany nad libanonským údolím Bikáa. Tentokrát byly

  před hlavn ími útočným i vlnami stí hacích bombar dérů nejprve zPh anto-

  mů aSkyhawků vypuštěny klam né cíle IMI Samson

  5)

  , po nich následo-

  valy Firebee a Chuka ry. Na rozdíl od Války Jom-Kippur izr aelské

  letouny nyní přilétly hned po vlně kla mných cílů apodařilo se jim zcela

  rozvrátit syrskou PVO vLibanonu.

  Význam Chukarů pro Cheyl Ha’Avir začal klesat spříchodem nové ge-

  nerace malých bezpilotn ích prostředků, kt eré vroce 1990 zc ela převzaly

  jejich průzkumnou roli. Vroli cvičných cílů pak dosloužily vroce 1995.

  Jako zajímavost na závěr je třeba uvést, že na zá kladě Chuka ru byla

  vyvinuta izraelská střela s plochou drá hou letu IMI Delilah. Střela je

  schopna vyčkávat vcílovém prostoru před potvrzením cíle. Její navádění

  je možné přes GPS ainerciální navigační systém. Do služ by byla zavedena

  vroce 1995 apoprvé byla bojově použita včervnu 2006 nad Libanonem.

  Bojové použití vUSA

  Druhým letectvem, které použilo Chukary

  v b oji bylo t rochu překvapivě USAF. To

  použilo jako návnady verzi BQM-74C během

  Války vPerském zálivu vroce 1991 při úvod-

  ních leteckých útocích na Irák. Celý z načně

  improvizovaný projekt inspirovaný používá-

  ním Chukarů vIzra eli dostal kódové označení

  „Project Scathe Mean“.

  Chukary provozovalo pouze US Navy avté

  době k jejich vypouštění používalo několi k

  málo letounů DC-130 a dále lodní odpa lovací

  zařízení. Proč nebyly poskyt nuty Herculesy

  nebo proč US Navy nepoužilo lodě ke start u

  dronů, není z e zdrojů příliš jasné, ale pravdě-

  podobně nebylo možné do oblasti ty to pr o-

  středky dostat včas. Pro to US Navy poskytlo

  letectvu 44 BQM-74C, dvanáct provozuschop-

  ných pozemních odpalovacích zař ízení arake -

  tové startovací motory byly získány zBelgie.

  Čtyřicetičlenný tým specialistů USAF pro

  obsluhu dronů pocházel zpřed nedávnem rozpuštěných jednotek odpalo-

  vaných řízených střel (pře devším z 868. Tactical M issile Training

  Group). Během několika dní pak vznik la jednotka označená 4468. TRG

  (Tactical Reconnaissance Group). Vybavení útvaru se t aké řešilo tak ří-

  kajíc „ na koleně“, protože byla vybavena 26 upravenými n ákladními

  vozy získanými od ka lifornské komerční přepravní fi rmy, sady nář adí

  byly zakoupeny vhobbymarkete ch apoln í vybavení pocházelo zobchodu

  sválečnými p řebytky. Týmy prošly rychlým výcvikem a jednot ka byla

  vybavena upravenými BQM-74C, kter é lépe si mulovaly pilotovaný

  letoun.

  Skupina byla naložena do tří C-5 advou C-141, které ji včetně komplet-

  ního vybavení přepravily na saúdskoarabskou zá kladnu K ing Kha lid.

  Odtud se přemístila ki ráckým hranicím , kde 7.listopadu 1990 zaujala

  pozice. Byla rozdělena na dva tý my, ten severní byl u místěn tak , aby

  ◀ ▲ ▶ Čtveřice fotografií BQM-74E nesených letounem DC-130A

  (BuNo 570497) na této a protější straně byla pořízena v roce 1992 během zkou-

  šek u Missile Targets Division of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division

  (základna NAS Point Mugu). (NARA a Northrop Grumman)

  ▲ ▶ Během operace Pouštní bouře v roce 1991 operovalo s BQM-74C jako klam-

  nými cíli poněkud netradičně USAF. Dvojice fotografií z operace ukazuje postave-

  ní 4468. TFG v poušti a odpal BQM-74C.

  Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman

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  REVI – BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE ABOUT AIRCRAFT AND PILOTS has been published since 1994.

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  Bf 110 obalka.indd 1 1.4.09 13:26

• Aerial War in Ukraine - The First Mirage 2000s Have Arrived

  The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began three years ago, on February 24, 2022. This continuation of the series does not only cover the most recent period from February 1, 2025, to February 28, 2025, but also recaps events from the past year. However, we will start with the most significant updates—developments on the global political scene.

  Miro Barič

  The First Mirage 2000s Have Arrived

  The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began three years ago, on February 24,

  2022. This continuation of the series does not only cover the most recent period

  from February 1, 2025, to February 28, 2025, but also recaps events from the past

  year. However, we will start with the most significant updates—developments on

  the global political scene.

  Aerial War in Ukraine

  Following the inauguration of President

  Trump, the United States began distancing itself

  from its allies. On the one hand, they are correct

  in stating that Europe has long relied on the U.S.

  for defense, and it is about the time for Europe

  to take responsibility for its own security.

  On the other hand, it is strange, at the very least,

  that the U.S. treats long-standing allies worse

  than open adversaries. This applies not only to

  Europe but also to Canada and Greenland.

  Ukraine felt this shift the most. President

  Volodymyr Zelensky was invited to the White

  House only for Vice President Vance to publicly

  argue with him, after which President Trump

  dismissed him. Subsequently, U.S. military

  aid and intelligence support for Ukraine were

  temporarily suspended. As a result, Kyiv

  agreed to a ceasefire without any conditions.

  Currently, Moscow is taking their time, setting

  one condition after another during negotiations.

  Now, let’s take a look at what has happened

  in Ukraine over the past year.

  February 2024

  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

  dismissed the popular General Valerii

  Zaluzhnyi from his position as the supreme

  commander of Ukraine’s armed forces.

  He was replaced by Oleksandr Syrskyi, who

  has not proven very effective. Despite heavy

  losses, Russian forces captured the city of

  Avdiivka, which had long resisted. Its fall was

  facilitated by the interruption of U.S. arms

  and ammunition supplies and Russian aerial

  bombing using glide bombs. Ukrainian air

  defenses attempted to counter these attacks,

  reporting a series of successes, including the

  confirmed destruction of at least two Su-35s

  and one Beriev A-50, damage to one Su-34, and

  the probable destruction of six Su-34s. In naval

  operations, Ukraine sank the missile corvette

  Ivanovets and the landing ship César Kunikov.

  March 2024

  Republicans in the U.S. Congress continued

  blocking military aid to Ukraine. A positive

  development, however, was the launch of

  the Czech initiative to purchase artillery

  ammunition for Ukraine. Ukrainian forces began

  running out of air defense missiles, leading

  to increased losses in ground equipment,

  MiG-29 from the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade,

  this time in the typical digital camouflage.

  UKRAINE

  INFO Eduard26

  April 2025

• Strana 27

  as Russian reconnaissance drones were able

  to operate freely. Loss of the first Ukrainian

  HIMARS launcher was confirmed. Notably, the

  Russian Defense Ministry had claimed back

  in summer 2022 that it had already destroyed

  40 of them—despite only 20 having been

  delivered. A significant loss for Ukraine was

  the partial destruction of a Patriot missile

  battery. In terms of aircraft losses, Ukraine

  lost one MiG-29, three Mi-8s, and one

  Mi-24, while Russia lost one Su-27 and one Il-76.

  The Black Sea Fleet continued to suffer losses,

  with the patrol ship Sergei Kotov sunk. A missile

  strike using Storm Shadow/Scalp-EG missiles

  hit an occupied area of Crimea, destroying the

  communication center of the Russian Black Sea

  Fleet and damaging three ships in Sevastopol

  harbor.

  April 2024

  Republicans finally ceased blocking aid

  to Ukraine. While the Slovak government

  refused to provide assistance, Slovak civil

  activists launched the "Ammunition for

  Ukraine" campaign, raising 4 million euros

  in three weeks. However, due to the ongoing

  shortage of air defense missiles, Ukrainian

  civilians continued to suffer. For example,

  during an attack on the Trypilska Thermal

  Power Plant, Ukrainian defenses intercepted

  7 out of 11 Russian missiles, but the remaining

  four, which could not be stopped, struck the

  facility directly. Despite challenges, Ukraine

  had some successes, particularly in targeting

  Russian airfields. A major milestone was the

  first confirmed downing of a Russian Tu-22M3

  bomber since the start of the war.

  May 2024

  Ukrainian attacks on airfields, refineries, and

  fuel depots intensified. At least two Russian

  ships were sunk in Crimea. Russia attempted

  an offensive on Kharkiv, but it was quickly

  repelled, with Russian forces advancing no

  further than two border villages. In response to

  the attack, the West permitted Ukraine to use

  Western-supplied weapons in limited strikes

  on Russian territory. Prior to the assault,

  Ukrainian intelligence had detected the buildup

  of Russian forces but had been unable to act

  against them.

  June 2024

  During an attack on the Akhtubinsk airbase,

  600 km from the front line, Ukrainian drones

  damaged at least one of Russia’s latest Su-57

  fighter jets. Russia escalated its airstrikes on

  Ukrainian airfields, anticipating the arrival of

  F-16 fighters. At the 80th anniversary of the

  D

  -

  Day landings in Normandy, French President

  Emmanuel Macron announced that Ukraine

  would receive Mirage 2000 fighter jets, marking

  a significant shift in military aid.

  July 2024

  The most important event of the month

  was the delivery of the first F-16 fighters to

  Ukraine. Russia continued its tactics of large-

  scale terrorist attacks on civilian targets

  coinciding with major events. The day before

  a NATO summit, which Ukraine attended,

  missile strikes on multiple cities killed

  47 people and injured 189. Among the targets

  was the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv.

  Russia also continued targeting Ukrainian

  airfields but suffered significant aircraft

  losses, including two Mi-28 helicopters,

  two Mi-8s, one Ka-27, one Su-25, one

  Su-34, and one Su-30. Three additional Russian

  aircraft and one helicopter were damaged.

  August 2024

  Ukrainian forces launched a surprise and

  successful raid into Russia’s Kursk region,

  seizing a large area, capturing many Russian

  soldiers, and destroying entire convoys

  of reinforcements initially sent in chaos.

  Ukrainian troops managed to hold onto the

  captured territory for several months despite

  Russian counteroffensives. During these

  battles, Russia lost at least five helicopters.

  However, Ukraine also suffered a significant

  aviation loss—an F-16 was destroyed during

  its first combat deployment while repelling

  a Russian missile and drone attack. The pilot

  was killed, and it is believed the aircraft was

  mistakenly shot down by friendly air defense

  fire.

  September 2024

  Two major Russian airstrikes stood out.

  In Lviv, western Ukraine, Russian missiles

  struck around 50 residential buildings in the

  The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense released this image selection of an F-16 and Mirage 2000 without markings.

  Full images of the Mirage in Ukrainian colors have not yet been published.

  A video footage of Ukrainian pilots training in France.

  A photograph of a Mirage 2000 tail with a Ukrainian

  insignia appeared on the Telegram network.

  UKRAINE

  INFO Eduard

  27

  April 2025

• Strana 28

  UKRAINE

  historic city center. In one home, a Kinzhal

  missile killed seven people, including three

  young children. In Poltava, an Iskander missile

  strike hit a military academy where Ukrainian

  forces had unfortunately gathered a large

  number of personnel, resulting in 59 deaths

  and 329 injuries. Meanwhile, Ukraine struck

  several large Russian ammunition depots.

  In a notable incident, Russia itself contributed

  to a massive explosion—during a test launch at

  the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, an RS-28 Sarmat

  intercontinental ballistic missile exploded,

  leaving a crater over 60 meters in diameter.

  October 2024

  Russia unintentionally provided Ukraine

  and its Western allies with a gift—the newest

  Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik combat drone.

  The aircraft escorted the Su-57 Fighter

  but lost control.As it approached the front

  line, the fighter shot it down with a missile.

  However, the debris fell on the other side of the

  line and was recovered by Ukrainian soldiers.

  Additionally, Russian aviation lost five aircraft

  and one helicopter this month. On the Ukrainian

  side, photos of a downed MiG-29AS fighter,

  previously delivered from Slovakia, surfaced.

  It was likely an aircraft with the original Slovak

  number 2123.

  November 2024

  Ukraine received permission to use long-

  range ATACMS missiles against targets on

  Russian territory. However, Ukraine had only

  a few of these missiles, and the permission

  came too late. In retaliation, Russia

  demonstrated its strength by using a prototype

  of the new medium-range ballistic missile

  "Oreshnik." It hit an industrial facility in Dnipro

  but did not cause significant damage.

  December 2024

  Russian air defense shot down an Embraer

  190AR civilian aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan

  Airlines, which was flying from Baku to Grozny.

  A missile exploded near its tail, damaging the

  hydraulic system. Despite the crew's struggles

  to control the aircraft, Russian air traffic

  controllers refused to allow it to land at other

  airports and redirected it over the Caspian

  Sea to Kazakhstan. The crew barely managed

  to keep it in the air, but during an attempt to

  land in Aktau, the aircraft crashed. Of the

  67 people on board, 38 did not survive, including

  both pilots. Russia has so far refused to take

  responsibility.

  From the Ukrainian side, the first confirmed

  downing of an aircraft using naval drones

  occurred. Ukraine mounted R-73 missiles on

  Magura V5 boats and shot down two Russian

  Mi-8 helicopters on the last day of the year.

  Each helicopter had an eight-member crew,

  and no one survived the shootdown.

  January 2025

  Following the inauguration of President

  Trump, the United States began shifting its

  stance away from Ukraine and towards Putin’s

  regime. Not much happened in the air (apart

  from nightly Russian drone and missile attacks),

  but several older losses were confirmed by

  court rulings, particularly on the Russian side.

  February 2025

  Good News First. Ukraine received its first

  Mirage 2000 aircraft from France. These are

  Mirage 2000-5F variants, originally designed

  purely for air combat, developed from the

  Mirage 2000C. The French Air Force had 37 of

  these, with 26 remaining in service. It is unclear

  how many Ukraine has received so far—reports

  suggest three, with more to follow.

  Ukraine's 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade released new footage of a well-known MiG-29 in black livery. The reason for this camouflage is unknown.

  Older photos of the black MiG-29, still without the yellow-blue quick identification markings.

  Its fuselage number remains unknown.

  INFO Eduard28

  April 2025

• Strana 29

  The Mirage 2000-5F features new cockpit

  displays, powerful radars, and the ability to

  carry MICA air-to-air missiles with a range

  of 60-80 km, making them excellent fighters.

  As previously mentioned, President Macron

  announced their delivery in June 2024. While

  Ukrainian pilots were in training, the French

  modified these aircraft to carry a wide range

  of air-to-ground weapons, including Storm

  Shadow/SCALP

  -

  EG cruise missiles, which

  Ukraine has already used successfully.

  Previously, only Ukraine’s aging Soviet-era

  Su-24 strike aircraft could carry these missiles,

  but their numbers were dwindling due to

  a lack of spare parts. The Mirage 2000s will be

  a significant reinforcement. Additionally, they

  can carry ASM-250 HAMMER guided bombs,

  which Ukraine has also used effectively—each

  Mirage can carry up to eight of these bombs.

  For now, Ukraine is expected to use the

  Mirage 2000 similarly to the F-16s—initially

  deploying them against incoming Russian

  cruise missile attacks. As pilots gain more

  experience, they will also engage in ground

  attack missions at the front and other combat

  operations. A similar transition is happening

  with the F-16s, which initially only countered

  Russian nighttime air raids but in February

  2025, they were spotted carrying guided bombs.

  Speaking of the F-16, on Thursday, February

  6, the same day French Defense Minister

  Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the delivery of

  Mirage 2000-5Fs, Ukrainian Defense Minister

  Rustem Umerov announced that another batch

  of F-16s had arrived from the Netherlands. With

  previous deliveries from Denmark, Ukraine now

  has over 20 F-16s in active service. Additional

  F-16s had been sent earlier to Romania, where

  Ukrainian pilots are training on them.

  Escalation of Russian Attacks

  The bad news is that Russian attacks on

  Ukrainian cities have continued and intensified.

  On Sunday, February 23, a day before the war’s

  anniversary, Russia launched its largest drone

  attack to date, deploying 267 kamikaze drones.

  Ukrainian defenses shot down 138, while 119

  crashed due to electronic warfare disruptions

  or were decoys meant to overwhelm Ukrainian

  UKRAINE

  Symbols of guided bomb attacks on the nose of the

  MiG-29. Its fuselage number is still unknown.

  One of 14 MiG-29 fighter jets donated to Ukraine by Poland.

  Captain Ivan Bolotov from Ukraine’s 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade, who was killed

  on February 2 during a combat mission.

  A Ukrainian Air Force Su-27UB1M carrying the fuselage number "Blue 69."

  INFO Eduard

  29

  April 2025

• Strana 30

  UKRAJINA

  air defenses. The following night, Russia

  launched 185 kamikaze drones, and on Tuesday,

  February 25, another 213 drones and seven

  cruise missiles.

  Ukraine has made progress in countering

  Russian guided bombs, which had been causing

  significant problems at the front. Ukrainian

  electronic warfare measures have successfully

  started disrupting their guidance systems.

  Air Losses

  During the reporting period, each side

  suffered one operational aircraft loss.

  On Sunday, February 2, Ukraine lost a Su-27

  fighter jet. According to The Military Watch,

  it was a Su-27P1M with tail number "Blue

  59" from the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade.

  The aircraft was returning from a combat

  mission near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region

  when it was reportedly hit by an R-37M missile

  from a Russian Su-30SM2 fighter. The Ukrainian

  pilot, Captain Ivan Bolotov, was killed.

  On Saturday, February 8, the Russian Air

  Force lost a Su-25 attack aircraft. It was shot

  down near Zaitseve in the Bakhmut district

  of the Donetsk region by a portable missile

  fired by Ukrainian soldiers from the 28th

  Independent Mechanized Brigade. The strike

  and the aircraft's crash were captured on video.

  The Russian pilot managed to eject.

  A Russian Mi-8 rescue helicopter was

  dispatched to retrieve the downed pilot. It was

  attacked by several FPV drones but managed

  to escape.

  There was also an unrelated loss of

  a Russian civilian aircraft. A Tecnam P2002JF

  Sierra light sports aircraft, registered as

  RA-01808 and belonging to Aero Region

  Training, crashed near Myachkovo Airport in the

  Moscow region on Thursday, February 6. The

  crash and subsequent fire killed both people

  on board, one of whom was Vitaly Kiyashko,

  a retired Russian Air Force major and former

  Su-25 attack pilot.

  Captain Ivan Bolotov was reportedly killed in a Su-27P1M fighter jet with fuselage number "Blue 59."

  The downing of a Russian Su-25 on February 8 was captured on video.

  A rescue Mi-8

  helicopter flew on

  February 8 to pick up

  the downed Su-25 pilot.

  A parachute is visible

  in a tree to the left of

  the helicopter.

  The Mi-8 became

  a target for FPV

  drone attacks but

  managed to escape.

  The Tecnam P2002JF Sierra crash resulted in the death of a retired Russian Air Force Major Vitaly Kiyashko.

  On February 8, a civilian Tecnam P2002JF Sierra aircraft crashed in the Moscow region.

  INFO Eduard30

  April 2025

• Strana 31

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• Strana 32

  #84206BOXART STORY

  By the summer of 1941, when the RAF’s daily air

  offensive over the occupied European coast had

  reached its peak, British command was already

  aware that this strategy was resulting in heavy

  losses, significantly higher than those suffered by

  the Luftwaffe. The RAF aimed to engage the enemy

  primarily through Operations Sweep and Circus.

  While the former involved deploying only fighter

  squadrons, the latter featured large-scale fighter

  escorts for a small group of Blenheim bombers.

  However, within the range of these formations,

  there were few targets of real strategic value to the

  German occupiers.

  Following the German invasion of the Soviet

  Union, RAF command intensified daylight

  operations over the continent, assuming that this

  would compel the Luftwaffe to retain more units

  in France, thereby easing pressure on the Soviets.

  This assumption, however, proved incorrect.

  The Germans were advancing rapidly into Soviet

  territory and performing well on the African front.

  By the second half of 1941, only JG 2 "Richthofen"

  and JG 26 "Schlageter" remained in France. Both

  were seasoned units that, working closely with

  ground controllers, effectively employed hit-and-

  run tactics.

  At the beginning of July 1941, RAF command

  decided to involve in Circus operations the four-

  engine Short Stirling bombers of No. 7 and No. 15

  Squadrons of No. 3 Group under the command of Air

  Vice-Marshal Jack Baldwin. However, no more than

  eight Stirling bombers were deployed on any given

  day, and no more than six participated in a single

  Circus operation. In early July, RAF command also

  received intelligence, revealing that German fighter

  units had been ordered to engage only if bombers

  were present in the British formation. This led the

  RAF, in some cases, to adopt a tactic of sending

  bombers only as far as the coast to provoke

  a German response. Under the right conditions,

  the bombers would then be quickly withdrawn back.

  One of the units that took part in Operations

  Sweep and Circus was the Tangmere Wing,

  commanded by the renowned Douglas Bader.

  In the first half of 1941, RAF fighter pilots were still

  flying in formations of three aircraft consisting of

  a leader and two wingmen. In contrast, their

  German opponents had been using a more flexible

  four-aircraft formation since the Spanish Civil War.

  The British three-aircraft formation posed

  several challenges. It increased the risk of

  collisions between wingmen, who had to remain

  close together, often at the expense of situational

  awareness. Additionally, the tight formation

  required frequent engine adjustments, and the

  wingmen typically consumed more fuel than the

  leader, who could fly more efficiently. As a result,

  formations were often forced to return from

  enemy territory earlier than necessary due to fuel

  concerns.

  Douglas Bader himself remarked, he could have

  shot down far more "Huns" if his wingmen hadn’t

  frequently reported low fuel. The "Finger Four"

  formation, which addressed many of these issues,

  wasn’t adopted by the Tangmere Wing and other

  RAF units until mid-1941.

  Bader was also notably stubborn about aircraft

  armament. He firmly believed that eight machine

  guns were more effective than the two cannons and

  four machine guns. For this reason, he preferred

  the Spitfire Mk.IIa variant over the newer Mk.V.

  He later admitted, however, that he had been wrong

  in this regard.

  During July, Wing Commander Bader destroyed

  seven Bf 109s, claimed four as probables and

  damaged seven. This was roughly comparable

  in number of victories to his score during the

  Battle of Britain. And by the summer of 1941 his

  subordinates were showing exhaustion similar to

  that experienced by RAF fighters in the summer and

  autumn of 1940. Bader relentlessly led his men into

  further action, leading some of his subordinates to

  the brink of mutiny.

  Douglas Bader was also present during the

  last deployment of Stirling bombers as part of

  Operation Circus. During the morning raid on Lille

  on 21 July 1941 (Circus 54), the formation of three

  Stirlings was an easy target for German flak.

  One of the bombers made an emergency landing at

  Manston with two engines out. The downing of the

  bomber was somewhat optimistically credited to

  the commander of I./JG 26, Hptm. Seifert. His unit,

  engaged in dogfights with escorts, reported four

  Spitfires as shot down. Three more were claimed

  by III./JG 2. RAF fighters managed to shoot down

  one Bf 109 E-7 from II./JG 26 and one Bf 109 F, with

  another another badly damaged, from II./JG 2.

  Bader scored a 0,5 kill during the morning action

  and damaged one more Bf 109 during the afternoon

  (Circus 55). During the afternoon sortie, however,

  three Stirlings were recalled back to base and

  this brought the deployment of this type in Circus

  operations to a close. Douglas Bader was down to

  the last three weeks of his combat career.

  July Stirlings

  Text: Jan Bobek

  Illustration: Piotr Forkasiewicz

  INFO Eduard32

  April 2025

• Like a Painting on Canvas

  Market Garden was the largest Allied airborne operation of World War II, launched on 17 September 1944 in the Netherlands. Its objective was to use paratroopers (the "Market" component) and the rapid advance of ground forces (the "Garden" component) to seize key bridges over rivers and canals, thereby creating a corridor for an attack into Germany. However, the operation ultimately failed due to strong German resistance, poor coordination, and delays in the Allied advance, particularly at Arnhem, where British paratroopers were unable to hold a crucial bridge.

  #7476

  BOXART STORY

  Market Garden was the largest Allied

  airborne operation of World War II, launched

  on 17 September 1944 in the Netherlands.

  Its objective was to use paratroopers (the "Market"

  component) and the rapid advance of ground

  forces (the "Garden" component) to seize key

  bridges over rivers and canals, thereby creating

  a corridor for an attack into Germany. However,

  the operation ultimately failed due to strong

  German resistance, poor coordination, and delays

  in the Allied advance, particularly at Arnhem,

  where British paratroopers were unable to hold

  a crucial bridge.

  Air power played a vital role in the operation,

  providing support for airborne troops, supply

  drops, and ground forces. The first aircraft to

  patrol the drop zone on 17 September were

  Mustang IIIs from No. 122 Wing of the RAF.

  On the Luftwaffe side, II./JG 6, flying Focke-Wulf

  Fw 190s, was the first to reach the target area.

  In an engagement, presumably with No. 65

  Squadron RAF, the German unit lost four aircraft

  and had one damaged. All three Gruppen of JG 26

  also joined the battle. Despite losing two aircraft

  and their pilots, they claimed 11 victories in combat

  with various British and American air force units.

  On 17 and 18 September, the Luftwaffe committed

  two Geschwader Stabs and eight fighter Gruppen

  over the airborne area, diverting from defending

  against American bombers. Attacks focused on

  transport aircraft and gliders, though reaching

  them proved difficult under heavy Allied cover.

  On 18 September, poor weather limited

  operations to about 200 Luftwaffe aircraft, while

  Allied pilots also struggled with flying conditions.

  Canadian units from No. 125 and 126 Wings RCAF

  saw combat, but the day’s biggest achievement

  came from the U.S. 357th Fighter Group flying

  P-51s. They downed 22 enemy aircraft, mostly

  Bf 109s and Fw 190s from JG 6 and JG 300.

  On 19 September, weather grounded British

  2nd TAF fighters, but clearer skies on the German

  side allowed about 150 Luftwaffe fighters to

  operate over the battlefield. Though they failed to

  reach the Allied transports, the Luftwaffe briefly

  gained air superiority. That advantage was quickly

  challenged by nearly 130 Spitfires from Air

  Defense of Great Britain (RAF Fighter Command,

  ADGB) and over 180 P-51 Mustangs from the

  U.S. 8th Air Force. German fighters from II./JG 6,

  II./JG 11, II./JG 26, III./JG 26, and III./JG 27 claimed

  11 victories but lost 16 of their own.

  One dramatic moment from the day is depicted

  in a box art illustration by Antonis Karydis,

  capturing 1st Lt. Arval James Roberson of the

  362nd Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group,

  scoring his fifth victory. His unit arrived over

  the target area around 5 p.m. In front of him, he

  saw a sunlit wall of high cloud stretching to the

  coast, with an intense aerial battle unfolding

  beneath it, like a scene from a painter’s canvas or

  a Hollywood film. His firsthand account can be

  read in an article by Merle C. Olmsted here.

  Roberson’s unit managed to attack a group of

  Messerschmitt Bf 109s, likely from II./JG 11, as they

  attempted to disengage from the combat zone. In

  the ensuing engagement, American pilots claimed

  twenty victories over Bf 109s and an additional

  five over Fw 190s. Roberson’s first target was

  a Bf 109, his guns struck directly the cockpit, which

  immediately burst into flames, the pilot did not bail

  out. He then pursued a second Bf 109, hitting it first

  in the tail section and then in the engine. Smoke

  and coolant streamed from the damaged aircraft.

  Although he lost sight of it in the final seconds of

  the chase, his wingman, Charles Goss, confirmed

  the kill after landing. Their adversaries from

  II./JG 11 lost four aircraft in the skirmish, and one

  pilot was killed while descending by parachute.

  However, the 357th Fighter Group also paid

  a price. Five of their pilots failed to return from

  the mission. At least four were shot down by

  Focke-Wulfs from 5./JG 26, led by Lt. Vogt. Among

  those lost was Maj. Edward Hiro, commander of

  the 363rd Fighter Squadron, who was flying his

  final mission before returning to the United States.

  Capt. Bruce McIntyre of the 364th FS and his two

  wingmen also did not return. Fortunately, they

  survived and were taken as prisoners of war.

  One of them had been flying as a replacement

  and wore his dress uniform, as he had originally

  planned to spend the day on a date with a lovely

  young woman in London. The last pilot from

  the 357th FG shot down that day was James

  Blanchard of the 362nd FS, most likely downed by

  a Bf 109 pilot from II./JG 11.

  In the days that followed, the 357th FG continued

  to fly combat missions over the Netherlands, but

  no further enemy contact was made. This was

  partly due to unfavorable weather, both over the

  Dutch front and at their home bases in England.

  Fierce aerial battles over the drop zone continued

  until the end of Operation Market Garden on

  September 25, 1944.

  Like a Painting on Canvas

  Illustration: Antonis Karydis

  Text: Jan Bobek

  INFO Eduard

  33

  April 2025

• Strana 34

  #11184

  KAMIKAZE TOKKÔTAI

  1/48

  The Limited edition kit of the Japanese WWII naval fighter aircraft

  A6M5 Zero Type 52 & two seat trainer A6M2-K in 1/48 scale.

  The kit offers markings for 10 aircraft used in attacks

  of kamikaze airmen against Allied ships.

  plastic parts: Eduard

  marking options: 10

  decals: Eduard

  PE parts: yes, pre-painted

  painting mask: yes

  resin parts: no

  KITS 04/2025

  Dual Combo

  Product page

  INFO Eduard34

  April 2025

• Strana 35

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, probably c/n 4271, Lt. Yukio Seki, 1st Kamikaze Tokubetsu

  Kōgekitai, Shikishima-tai, Mabalacat airfield,

  Phillipines, October 1944

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, Hikōtai 165, Kōkūtai 653, IJN Zuihō,

  Ōita base, Japan, September 1944

  In October 1944, as part of the 1st Kamikaze

  Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, the first nine groups of

  kamikaze pilots were organized, mostly from

  Kōkūtai 201, including the Shikishima unit.

  Its CO was Lieutenant Yukio Seki. He was born in

  1921 (NA 70th class, 1941), he initially served on

  the battleship Fusō then experienced the Battle

  of Midway aboard the seaplane tender Chitose.

  In September 1944, he was assigned to Kōkūtai

  201 in the Philippines, where he helped train

  pilots in skip bombing. After suffering heavy

  losses, the unit received replacement aircraft

  from other formations at Mabalacat, including

  Hikōtai 602 (Kōkūtai 381), from which aircraft

  02-112 originated. On October 25, Seki led one

  of seven groups of Zero pilots in an attack on

  Taffy 3 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, escorted

  by fighter ace Hiroyoshi Nishizawa from Kōkūtai

  203. The aircraft, most likely piloted by Seki,

  struck the escort carrier USS St. Lo, which sank

  after 30 minutes. Of the 889 crew members,

  113 were killed or went missing, while about

  thirty others later died from their injuries. One

  of the survivors, ACOM Earl F. Roberts, found

  a A6M5 Mitsubishi Co. tail data plate no. 2968

  before abandoning the ship. From this, it is

  estimated that the aircraft's serial number

  was likely 4271 and that it was manufactured

  between late October and early November 1943.

  This Mitsubishi manufactured aircraft was

  assigned to Kōkūtai 653, which was established

  in February 1944. The division of colors on the

  fuselage is characteristic of aircraft produced

  by Mitsubishi. Kōkūtai 653 participated in the

  Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944 aboard

  the carriers Chitose, Chiyoda, and Zuihō. Most of

  its armament consisted of A6M2 Type 21 fighter-

  bombers. Out of the nine carrier squadron

  commanders, only one survived. After the battle,

  Kōkūtai 653 was reorganized into four Hikōtais.

  Lt. Kenji Nakagawa led Hikōtai 164 and 165 with

  48 A6M5 fighters each. Lt. Tetsuo Endō led

  48 A6M fighter-bombers of Hikōtai 166, while

  bombers were assigned to Hikōtai 263. In the

  fall of 1944, Kōkūtai 653 suffered 50% losses

  in the defense of Taiwan. During the defense of

  the Philippines, Hikōtai 164 operated from land

  bases. The aircraft of Hikōtai 165 were deployed

  aboard aircraft carriers during the Battle of

  Leyte Gulf, with numbers on upper part of the

  tail indicating their carrier: Zuikaku (1), Zuihō (2),

  Chitose (3), and Chiyoda (4). After the loss of all

  carriers, Kōkūtai 653 fought in the Philippines.

  Several of its pilots escorted Kamikaze

  missions as part of Reisen-tai on October 29

  and November 6. Kōkūtai 653 was disbanded

  on November 15, 1944.

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard

  35

  April 2025

• Strana 36

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, Kōkūtai 210, Meiji Base, Japan, winter 1944-1945

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, Lt. (jg) Seizō Yasunori, Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai,

  Dai 7 Shōwa-tai, Kanoya Base,

  Japan, May 1945

  This Nakajima manufactured aircraft featured

  a fuselage color scheme characteristic of

  this producer. Kōkūtai 210 was established in

  September 1944 at Meiji Base as an operational

  training unit equipped with A6M Zero and N1K1-J

  fighters, J1N night fighters, as well as bombers

  and reconnaissance aircraft. The Zero squadron,

  consisting of 48 aircraft, was commanded by

  Lt. Toshio Shiozuru. During U.S. carrier-based air

  raids on Japan on February 16–17, 1945, Kōkūtai

  210 pilots claimed 14 confirmed and 4 probable

  victories while losing one aircraft. From late

  March, 32 A6Ms and 14 N1K1-Js were transferred

  to Kokubu No. 1 Base under Kōkūtai 601. From

  April 6, Kōkūtai 210 fighters engaged in battles

  over Okinawa, achieving 6 victories at the cost

  of 10 aircraft. During the Kikusui I special attack

  operation, Kōkūtai 210 formed several Kamikaze

  units, including Dai 210 Butai Reisen-tai, which

  was armed with Zeros. On April 6, the unit

  launched 12 Zeros with 10 escorting N1K1-Js

  against enemy forces 80 nautical miles from

  Tokunoshima. On April 11, three more Zeros with

  Kamikaze pilots were deployed against enemy

  carriers east of Okinawa. In mid-April, Kōkūtai

  210 was reorganized as a pure fighter unit, and

  remained in reserve in case of an invasion of

  Japan.

  Although this aircraft bears the Yatabe Kōkūtai

  designation and was assigned to Kamikaze Unit

  Shōwa No. 7, which was formed from Yatabe

  Kōkūtai, its pilot belonged to a different unit.

  He was Lt. (jg) Seizō Yasunori from Fighter

  Hikōtai 306, which operated under Kōkūtai 721

  “Jinrai Butai” (Divine Thunder Corps), providing

  fighter escort for G4M Betty bombers modified

  to carry Yokosuka MXY-7 Ōka rocket planes.

  Seizō Yasunori had also trained for Ōka missions,

  but due to heavy losses of Betty bombers,

  he was reassigned to Kamikaze Unit Kenmu

  No. 10, one of over 20 Kamikaze units formed

  from Zero pilots of Kōkūtai 721. This unit

  launched over 200 Zero fighters in Kamikaze

  attacks – second only to Kōkūtai 201, which

  deployed the most Zero Kamikaze pilots during

  the defense of the Philippines. On May 11, 1945,

  Yasunori was one of the pilots who attacked

  the USS Bunker Hill. The ship was first hit by

  a bomb and then by the aircraft of his fellow pilot,

  Lt.(jg) Yoshiaki Shibata. Shortly after, Ensign

  Kyioshi Ogawa struck the flight deck with a bomb

  from his burning aircraft. Yasunori attempted

  to deliver the final blow to the aircraft carrier,

  but he was shot down by an anti-aircraft fire.

  The USS Bunker Hill suffered 393 crew members

  killed or missing and 264 wounded, making it

  the deadliest Kamikaze attack in history.

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard36

  April 2025

• Strana 37

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, Lt. Nao Sugisaki, Kōkūtai 352,

  Ōmura Base, Japan, March 1945

  A6M2-K, Ensign Kōzō Koizumi, Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai,

  Dai 7 Shōwa-tai, Kanoya Base, Japan, April 1945

  On aircraft manufactured by Nakajima, such as

  this one, propeller spinners were left in natural

  metal finish during final assembly until the end

  of the war. At the unit level, they were typically

  repainted in dark green or brown, left unpainted,

  or given specific identification markings.

  Kōkūtai 352 was established in August 1944 to

  provide aerial defense for the cities of Sasebo,

  Nagasaki, and Ōmura. The unit was equipped

  with Zero fighters, Raiden interceptors and

  Gekkō night fighters and escorted the Kamikaze

  airmen using their Zero fighters. An unusual

  numbering system for tail markings was used.

  Zero fighter squadron was led by Lieutenant Nao

  Sugisaki, who was born in 1920 and graduated

  from the Naval Academy (69th class) in March

  1941. From August 1944, the unit engaged B-29

  bomber formations, and during one such battle,

  Sugisaki was killed on March 31, 1945, over

  Misumi in Kumamoto Prefecture. The aircraft

  352-177 was likely assigned to him but it is not

  certain whether he flew it on his last mission.

  In April 1945, part of Kōkūtai 352, led by

  Lieutenant Manae Uematsu, relocated to Kokubu

  Air Base. There, they participated in escort

  missions to protect and observe the results

  of Kamikaze attacks during Operation Kikusui,

  the defense of Okinawa. However, Kōkūtai 352

  was not assigned to provide its own aircraft or

  pilots for Kamikaze attacks.

  The aircraft bears the designation Ya, indicating

  its affiliation with the Yatabe Kōkūtai. This

  training unit was established in 1939 and, after

  being reorganized under this name in December

  1944, continued to specialize exclusively in

  fighter training. It operated A6M Zero, N1K

  Shiden, J2M Raiden, and the two-seat A6M2-K

  aircraft. In total, the unit had 180 aircraft at

  its disposal. In early 1945, the Yatabe Kōkūtai

  participated in Japan’s defensive battles.

  In April, it formed Kamikaze Shōwa Units Nos. 1

  through 5 from a cadre of its instructors. One of

  its pilots, Kōzō Koizumi, took part in a Kamikaze

  attack on April 29, 1945, against Allied aircraft

  carriers east of Okinawa. This attack marked

  the final day of Operation Kikusui IV, which had

  been ongoing since April 21. During Operation

  Kikusui IV, Kamikaze attacks struck 18 vessels,

  sinking the minesweeper USS Swallow, Landing

  Craft Support (LCS-15), and the cargo ship

  Canada Victory, which was carrying 7,000 tons

  of explosives. On April 29 alone, the destroyers

  USS Haggard and USS Hazelwood were

  damaged, resulting in 57 deaths and 66 wounded.

  By this point, after nearly a month of relentless

  Japanese air offensive – combining conventional

  air raids with Kamikaze attacks – Allied crews

  were suffering from severe sleep deprivation

  due to constant alerts and were even unable to

  change their clothes.

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard

  37

  April 2025

• Strana 38

  A6M2-K, Kasumigaura Kōkūtai, Sentōki Tokubetsu Kōgekitai,

  Chitose Base, Japan, July 1945

  A6M2-K, Lt. (jg) Tamotsu Kaneko, Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai,

  Dai 1 Tsukuba-tai, Kanoya Base,

  Japan, April 1945

  Kasumigaura Kōkūtai was the third oldest

  aviation unit of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

  It was established in November 1922, and

  among its first aircraft types were the Avro

  504 and Sparrowhawk. This unit played a key

  role in training cadres of the Japanese naval

  air force. Among the instructors who served

  in this unit were Akio Matsuba (18 victories)

  and Kunioshi Tanaka (17 victories). One of the

  pilots who underwent training at Kasumigaura

  Kōkūtai was Wataru Nakamichi, who achieved

  15 victories and was one of the escort pilots for

  the missions with Yokosuka MXY-7 Ōka aircraft

  within the Kōkūtai 721. Towards the end of the

  war, Kasumigaura Kōkūtai allocated twenty

  A6M2-K training aircraft for Kamikaze missions,

  but the order for deployment was never issued

  before the war ended. The Japanese army and

  naval air force were conserving their reserves

  and replenishing aircraft of all categories

  for Kamikaze attacks against the anticipated

  Allied landing on the Japanese home islands.

  The Japanese planned to strike (though not

  necessarily sink) approximately 50% of enemy

  vessels due to the expected proximity of targets

  during the landing.

  The Tsukuba Kōkūtai training unit was separated

  from Kasumigaura Kōkūtai in December 1938.

  Over time, the focus of training provided by

  the unit changed. In November 1944, Tsukuba

  Kōkūtai assigned experienced instructors to

  form a fighter squadron equipped with Zero

  and Shiden aircraft. This squadron engaged in

  combat with B-29 bombers and U.S. carrier-

  based aircraft as early as January and February

  1945. At the end of March 1945, Tsukuba Kōkūtai

  was ordered to form its own Kamikaze units,

  designated Tsukuba-tai No. 1 to No. 6. However,

  the last two Kamikaze units were staffed by

  Zero pilots from Kōkūtai 721. On April 6, 1945,

  during the first day of Operation Kikusui I,

  Lt. (jg) Tamotsu Kaneko was deployed with

  aircraft Tsu-460. Along with 16 other pilots from

  his unit, he attacked convoys near Okinawa.

  On April 6, a total of 391 naval aircraft and 133

  army aircraft were dispatched from bases in

  Taiwan and Japan to the Okinawa area. Among

  them, the Navy assigned 215 and the Army

  82 aircraft for Kamikaze attacks. However,

  a relatively large number of aircraft had to return

  due to malfunctions or other issues. During the

  Kamikaze attacks, 20 American vessels were hit.

  The destroyers USS Bush, Colhoun, and Emmons

  were sunk, and the British aircraft carrier HMS

  Illustrious was also damaged.

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard38

  April 2025

• Strana 39

  A6M2-K, Tsukuba Kōkūtai, Tsukuba Base, Japan, 1944

  The design of the two-seat training aircraft,

  which was based on the A6M2 Type 21 carrier-

  based fighter, was developed by 21st Naval Air

  Arsenal at the Ōmura base. The development

  started in 1942, with the prototype completed

  in November of that year. The aircraft was

  designated A6M2-K Type 11. To reduce weight,

  the cannons were removed from the wings.

  Some sources state that only the starboard

  machine gun was retained, while others

  mention armament consisting of two machine

  guns. The front cockpit for the student pilot

  was not equipped with canopy and had folding

  doors on the sides. Two fins were added to the

  rear fuselage to improve stability. Production

  of the A6M2-K at the 21st Naval Air Arsenal

  began in January 1943 using components from

  Mitsubishi and, primarily, Nakajima. A total

  of 218 units were produced there by July 1945.

  The A6M2-K was also manufactured by Hitachi,

  which delivered 279 units between May 1944

  and July 1945. According to a painting regulation

  issued in September 1942, training aircraft were

  painted yellow-orange on all surfaces. Due to

  this, the national insignia on the underside was

  given a white border. The use of numbers on the

  undersides of A6M2-K aircraft in the Tsukuba

  Kōkūtai is not photographically confirmed due

  to the angle on which the available images

  were taken. However, three-digit numbers on

  the wings on A6M2s of this unit are confirmed

  by photographic evidence. Therefore, their use

  on the A6M2-K is also possible.

  A6M2-K, Tsukuba Kōkūtai, Tsukuba Base, Japan, 1944

  In July 1943, a regulation was issued that,

  among other things, mandated that training

  aircraft deployed in combat operations or based

  in areas where the enemy was active should be

  painted like combat aircraft. In practice, this led

  to the repainting of already-produced A6M2-K

  trainers. One such aircraft was Tsu-415, which

  is known from a photograph showing it with

  a yellow-orange coating on all surfaces.

  However, in a later photograph, it appears

  camouflaged with dark green paint on the upper

  surfaces, while the original paint and markings

  on the tail remained unchanged. A6M2-K

  aircraft were also used for target towing during

  training. In February 1945, Tsukuba Kōkūtai was

  ordered to form Kamikaze units. The training

  program for these pilots included the following

  requirements: at least eight pattern flights,

  a minimum of seven formation flights, at least

  ten instrument flights, a minimum of ten special

  attack training flights, at least six flights in

  darkness, five flights to a designated target,

  and a minimum of five navigation flights.

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard

  39

  April 2025

• Strana 40

  481076 A6M2 landing flaps (PE

  -

  Set)

  644302 A6M5 LööK (Brassin)

  648694 A6M2 engine PRINT (Brassin)

  648763 A6M2 engine complete PRINT (Brassin)

  6481093 A6M5/7 500kg bomb PRINT (Brassin)

  6481094 A6M5 seat PRINT (Brassin)

  3DL48219 A6M2-K SPACE (3D Decal Set)

  3DL48220 A6M5 Zero SPACE (3D Decal Set)

  EX1112 A6M2-K TFace (Mask)

  EX1113 A6M5 Zero TFace (Mask)

  For KAMIKAZE TOKKÔTAI 1/48

  RECOMMENDED:

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  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard40

  April 2025

• Strana 41

  Dunstable Business Centre, Office Suite No.2, Blackburn Road, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire LU5 5BQ

  Tel: +44 (0)1582 668411, Email: kim@guidelinepublications.co.uk

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  (www.guidelinepublications.co.uk) Plus postage and packing on all

  orders. Overseas readers pay postage at air mail printed paper rate.

  Warpaint on the web

  For more information and secure ordering please visit:

  www.guidelinepublications.co.uk

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  One of the great unsung fighters of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force was

  Nakajima’s Ki-43 Hayabusa (Peregrine Falcon). Codenamed ‘Oscar’ by the Allies, the

  aircraft was frequently mistaken for the Navy’s A6M2 Zero by those encountering it in

  combat, to the extent that it was widely referred to by its adversaries as the ‘Army 0’.

  Highly regarded in Japan, where it was much more widely recognised than the Zero, the

  Ki-43 was the only Japanese fighter from the Pacific War to see active service with other

  air forces, being supplied to both Thailand and Manchukuo by the Japanese, but also

  seeing use by France in Indochina, and by the air forces of Indonesia, the Republic of

  China, and North Korea, who pressed abandoned but airworthy airframes into service,

  some of which survived into the early 1950s. Author Daniel Kowalczuk has compiled a

  compelling narrative that puts the aircraft in context, describes its development and

  active service history in detail, and explains how it came to be so widely regarded by the

  Japanese – so much so that it is the aircraft of choice for producers of Anime rather than

  its better-known contemporary. With colour artwork by Sam Pearson.

  Nakajima

  KKii--4433

  HHaayyaabbuussaa//OOssccaarr

  By Daniel Kowalczuk

  Republic of China Air Force Ki-43-I P-5017,

  one of the Oscars that found its way into

  the Nationalist Air Force.

  WARPAINT SERIES No.147

  Master 12/03/2025 16:10 Page 50

  The US Navy’s experience in the Korean War showed the need for a new long-range strike

  aircraft with high subsonic performance at very low altitude that could penetrate enemy

  defences and find and destroy small targets in any weather. The Grumman A-6 Intruder was

  designed with these needs in mind and was a true bomb truck. From the jungles of Vietnam

  to the deserts of Iraq the Intruder proved its worth, able to catty a plethora of weaponry and

  pack a mighty punch. From the Intruder airframe the KA-6D tanker variant was derived, along

  with the specialised EA-6A Intruder and then the EA-6B Prowler, a sophisticated four-seat

  electronic warfare variant, packed with jamming equipment and electronics. Like the A-6, the

  Prowler was used by both the Navy and Marine Corps. After nearly thirty-seven years and

  with 693 airframes constructed, on February 28, 1997, VA-34 the Blue Blasters, retired the

  Navy’s last operational A-6E Intruders. The Navy retired its Prowlers in 2015, however, the

  Marines Corps carried on flying the EA-6B into the early months of 2019. Warpaint 146 is

  packed full of all the usual historical and reference material, with walkarounds of both

  Prowler and Intruder, colour artwork by Sam Pearson, and a well-paced narrative that places

  this essential aircraft in context and showcases its role in US naval operations over nearly sixty years.

  All these titles are available in printed format via our on demand printing service. Please contact our office for further information.

  £17.00

  Warpaint series No.147

  Orders from the world’s book

  and hobby trade are invited

  Previous Warpaint titles

  £19.00

  Warpaint series No.146

  Nakajima K

  K

  i

  i

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  4

  4

  3

  3

  H

  H

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  6

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  A

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  P

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  G

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  D

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  P

  P

  U

  U

  B

  B

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  D

  D

  Grumman

  AA--66

  IInnttrruuddeerr

  &&

  EEAA--66BB

  PPrroowwlleerr

  By Andy Evans

  Grumman A-6E Intruder Buno 155678 of VA-85

  Black Falcons based at NAS Oceana, seen

  onboard USS Am erica w hile a nchored in

  Stokes Bay, 25 September

  WARPAINT SERIES No.146

  46 Warpaint A-6 Intruder & EA-6 Prowler.qxp_Warpaint Master 22/12/2024 11:32 Page 58

  New

  release

  Warpaint 147 Ki-43 Hayabusa & 146 A-6 Intruder.qxp_Warpaint Advert 17/03/2025 15:35 Page 1

• Strana 42

  #84206

  Spitfire Mk.IIa

  1/48

  The Weekend edition kit of British fighter

  Spitfire Mk.IIa in 1/48 scale.

  plastic parts: Eduard

  marking options: 5

  decals: Eduard

  PE parts: no

  painting mask: no

  resin parts: no

  Product page

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard42

  April 2025

• Strana 43

  P7966, W/Cdr Douglas R. S. Bader, CO of Tangmere Wing, RAF Tangmere,

  United Kingdom, March - July 1941

  P7619, S/Ldr Brian J. E. Lane, CO of No. 19 Squadron, RAF Duxford/RAF Fowlmere,

  United Kingdom, January-June 1941

  The Spitfire Mk.IIa serial number P7966

  with the Manxman donation inscription was

  the first Spitfire to bear Bader’s initials as

  a fuselage code. Bader took advantage of his

  privilege when he was appointed commander

  of the Tangmere Wing in March 1941 using the

  initials D

  -

  B on the fuselage, plus the Wing

  Commander’s pennant under the windshield.

  His personal call sign was Dogsbody. After

  No. 145 Squadron commanded by Bader’s friend,

  S/Ldr Stan Turner, joined the Tangmere Wing in

  May 1941, a cartoon of Hitler kicked by a boot was

  painted on the left side of the engine cowling

  on both commanders’ personal Spitfires as

  a reminder of the emblem used by the Hurricanes

  of No. 242 Squadron, in which Bader and Turner

  had flown during the Battle of Britain. Bader’s

  Spitfire had metal ailerons and carried the

  A camouflage pattern, but with a non-standard

  layout of camouflage fields behind the fuselage

  cockpit. The rudder and both elevator surfaces

  used in the assembly of the aircraft were most

  likely from another Spitfire which carried the

  B camouflage pattern. Bader shot down

  10 aircraft with P7966, probably shot down four

  others and damaged seven. On September 9,

  1941, during a dogfight with German fighters

  over Saint Omer, he was accidentally shot down

  by his wingman. He lost one of his prostheses

  in the emergency abandonment of his Spitfire

  Mk.Va W3819, was captured and spent the rest

  of the war at Colditz Castle, where he was

  liberated in April 1945. In all, Douglas Bader

  achieved 24 kills during his career, four of which

  were shared, seven probable and 11 enemy

  aircraft damaged.

  Brian John Edward Lane DFC was a fighter ace

  and respected commander of No. 19 Squadron.

  He was born on June 18, 1917, and joined the

  RAF in 1936. After completing his training,

  he was posted to No. 66 Squadron in January

  1937 and No. 213 Squadron in June. Shortly after

  the outbreak of war he became a Flying Officer

  with No. 19 Squadron. He was awarded the DFC

  for his successes over Dunkirk in late July

  and officially became Squadron Commander

  on September 5. The Spitfires that Brian Lane

  regularly flew had his personal emblem under

  the cockpit – a swastika pierced by a yellow

  lightning bolt. Spitfire P7619, which S/Ldr Brian

  Lane flew throughout the first half of 1941, had

  the emblem of the swastika and lightning bolt

  depicted under the commander’s pennant.

  For a time, his Spitfire carried a non-standard

  rear-view mirror system with additional mirrors

  on either side of the windscreen frame, but as

  the effectiveness of such a set-up was doubtful,

  it was soon removed. In June 1941 Lane was

  assigned to No. 12 Group Headquarters and in

  November was sent on a tour of duty in the

  Middle East. In June 1942 he returned to the UK

  and took command of No. 61 OTU. On December

  9, 1942, he took command of No. 167 Squadron.

  Four days after his arrival he led three more

  Spitfires over the Dutch coast and was last

  seen in pursuit of two Fw 190s. He was most

  likely shot down over the North Sea. During his

  wartime career he scored seven confirmed kills,

  two unconfirmed, one probable and damaged

  one enemy aircraft.

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard

  43

  April 2025

• Strana 44

  P8084, F/Lt James J. O´Meara DFC, No. 64 Squadron, RAF Drem,

  United Kingdom, September - October 1941

  P7542, S/Ldr Adolph G. Malan, CO of No. 74 Squadron, RAF Biggin Hill,

  United Kingdom, December 1940-March 1941

  This Spitfire Mk.IIa from No. 64 Squadron carried

  the then new Day Fighter Scheme camouflage,

  introduced by Air Ministry order of August 19,

  1941. After this date, RAF Fighter Command’s

  day fighters were painted Dark Green and

  Ocean Grey (Mixed Grey) on the upper surfaces

  and Medium Sea Grey on the lower surfaces.

  The code letters were in Sky, and the fuselage

  belt and propeller cone were also the same color.

  The aircraft sported the donation inscription

  GARFIELD WESTON SVI on both sides of the tank

  cover. The thirteen kill symbols belonged to

  F/Lt James O’Meara, who began his combat

  career in the ranks of No. 64 Squadron over

  Dunkirk in May 1940, then served with other

  units from late August 1940 before rejoining

  No. 64 Squadron in April 1941. In October he

  was released from combat operations and

  transferred to No. 1491 Squadron, which was

  towing targets in Tain. He later commanded

  a Wing of high altitude fighter Spitfires of the

  Mk.VII version. His total wartime score was

  11 confirmed kills plus two in cooperation,

  one unconfirmed and four probable kills. To this

  he added 11 damaged aircraft alone and one in

  co-operation.

  No. 74 Squadron was among the first Fighter

  Command units rearmed in September 1940

  with the new Mk.II Spitfires. Under the command

  of Adolph “Sailor” Malan, it became one of the

  most successful RAF squadrons ever in the

  Battle of Britain. Malan himself was an elite

  fighter ace and, with eight kills, one of the

  most successful pilots flying the Mk.II version.

  His second Mk.IIa Spitfire was s/n P7542, which

  bore the standard Temperate Land Scheme

  livery with the lower surfaces in Sky, except

  for the left wing which was black underneath.

  It was a quick identification item used by the

  RAF from December 1940 to March 1941. At the

  end of March 1941, Malan took command of the

  newly established Biggin Hill Wing and took

  over the new Spitfire Mk.Vb. During the war he

  scored 34 kills, seven of which were shared,

  three probable, plus 16 enemy aircraft damaged.

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard44

  April 2025

• Strana 45

  P8088, P/O Alex S. C. Lumbsden, No. 118 Squadron, RAF Ibsley,

  United Kingdom, April - August 1941

  This Spitfire was donated in January 1941 by

  the Borough of Lambeth Spitfire Fund and saw

  operational service with Nos. 66, 118, 152 and

  19 Squadron where it was damaged during a night

  landing. After repairs it served with No. 61 OTU.

  The fate of P8088 was fulfilled on September

  16, 1944, when it crashed with its pilot, F/Sgt

  John Barry, during a training flight. In 1944/45

  and 1978, parts of P8088 were recovered by the

  Cosford salvage team and stored. The depicted

  image of Spitfire P8088 shows its four-month

  service with No. 118 Squadron, where it received

  the codename NK

  -

  K and became P/O Alec

  Lumsden’s personal Spitfire. Lumsden had

  a drawing of a character painted on his new

  Spitfire under the front plate, which was Capt.

  Reilly-Ffoull from the wartime cartoon series

  Just Jake. The word BETTE, which was his

  girlfriend’s nickname, was also painted on both

  sides of the cockpit overlay. Alex Lumbsden was

  born in 1921 and educated at Malvern College.

  After the outbreak of the Second World War,

  he volunteered for the RAF Reserve as a pilot

  in training. His wartime career varied. During

  12 months in 1941/42, he flew combat missions

  from bases in England, North Africa and Malta,

  and also took part in two Atlantic convoys as

  a Sea Hurricane pilot. He spent the rest of the

  war flying with maintenance and operational

  training units. After the war he held various

  positions, all of which were in one way or

  another connected with aviation. A distinguished

  aviation historian, he wrote countless articles

  and several books on a variety of subjects.

  648611 Spitfire Mk.IIb gun bays (Brassin)

  3DL48007 Spitfire Mk.II SPACE (3D Decal Set)

  EX1110 Spitfire Mk.II (Mask)

  EX1111 Spitfire Mk.II TFace (Mask)

  For Spitfire Mk.IIa 1/48

  RECOMMENDED:

  #648611

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard

  45

  April 2025

• Strana 46

  #7476

  P-51D-5 Mustang

  1/72

  The Weekend edition kit of US WWII fighter aircraft P-51D-5 Mustang

  in 1/72 scale. The kit is focused on aircraft without the

  dorsal fin assembly.

  plastic parts: Eduard

  marking options: 4

  decals: Eduard

  PE parts: no

  painting mask: no

  resin parts: no

  Product page

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard46

  April 2025

• Strana 47

  44-13691, Lt. Arval J. Roberson, 362nd FS, 357th FG, 8th AF, Leiston,

  United Kingdom, September 1944

  44-13737, Lt. Anton Walace, 486th FS, 352nd FG, 8th AF,

  Bodney, UK, June 1944

  Arval James Roberson was born on November

  14, 1923, at Crown Point, Lake County, Indiana,

  USA. He joined the Army Reserves on June 15,

  1942, and on May 20 of the same year as a rated

  pilot he was commissioned Second Lieutenant.

  He transferred to 362nd FS, 357th FG, where

  he flew 76 missions during his operation tour.

  He achieved six aerial victories confirmed

  plus one probable, the last two of them scored

  with the Mustang P-51D named Passion Wagon.

  Roberson later served in Korean War with 12th

  FBS, 18th FBG. He flew 100 combat missions

  there. During Vietnam War, he served as Liaison

  Officer to the VN JCS and he also flew 26 support

  missions with C-47s. He was promoted to

  Colonel on August 26, 1966, served as the last

  commander of the Otis AB and retired from Air

  Force on March 1, 1973. Arval Roberson passed

  away on December 7, 2007, (aged 84).

  The Mustang serial number 44-13737 was one of

  the first P-51Ds to be assigned to the 352nd FG in

  July 1944. This aircraft was fitted with the black

  code letters PZ

  -

  W and assigned to Lt. Anton

  J. Wallace, a member of the 486th FS, who had

  the inscription “Little Rebel” painted on the left

  side of the engine cowling, name previously

  carried by his P-47 and P-51B aircraft.

  The “Little Rebel” was initially flown in the

  original D-5 block state, i.e. without the

  additional dorsal fin of the vertical stabilizer.

  The additional installation of the fin occurred

  in the fall of 1944. In November 1944, after

  Wallace’s second operational tour, Lt. Charles

  “Buck” Pattillo, took over the “Little Rebel” and

  decided to keep the name on the aircraft.

  However, the lettering was repainted. The white

  and black design was replaced by creamy one

  with a red outline. It is not known whether the

  change occurred while the aircraft was still in

  use by Wallace or after Pattillo took over.

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard

  47

  April 2025

• Strana 48

  44-13309, Maj. Evan McCall, 380th FS, 363rd FG, 9th AF, Maupertus airfield,

  Cherbourg, France, July 1944

  P-51D-5, 44-13494, Lt. Walter J. Goehausen Jr., 308th FS,

  31st FG, 15th AF, San Severo, Italy, summer 1944

  Maj. Evan McCall named all his aircraft Fool’s

  Paradise. Those with numbers I and II were P-39

  Airacobras he flew at Hamilton Field, California.

  During the war, in addition to his role as a fighter

  pilot, he was also deployed with Patton’s 3rd

  Armoured Division as a forward air navigator

  during the fighting in France until shortly before

  the Battle of the Bulge, when he returned to his

  unit and to flying. Although he did not become

  a fighter ace, he was one of the very experienced

  pilots and tested all American and most British

  single-seat fighter aircraft during his combat

  career. His Fool’s Paradise IV already had the

  invasion stripes on the upper surfaces washed

  off in July. Instead, all that was left was the

  base Olive Drab paint, which had been eroded

  in many places by the process of washing the

  black and white stripes. There were also visible

  residue of the stripes. The same was true for the

  ridge area of the fuselage behind the canopy.

  Walter John Goehausen was born on June 20,

  1921, in St. Louis, Missouri. After his pilot training

  he was ordered to the 308th FS and while

  flying combat with it he scored ten kills of the

  enemy aircraft. After the previous deployment

  with VIII Fighter Command in Great Britain the

  308th Fighter Squadron was sent to Africa

  within the 31st FG under the 12th AF command.

  Here this unit took part in the support of the

  landings in Sicily, then at Salerno and at Anzio.

  In Great Britain its pilots flew Spitfires Mk.V but

  during the Africa fighting they converted to the

  modern Spitfires Mk.VIII and Mk.IX. In April 1944

  the 308th FS (together with the other 31st FG

  squadrons) was re-equipped with Mustangs

  which they flew within the 15th AF escorting the

  four-engined bombers over targets in occupied

  Europe and Germany as well. Besides the

  oblique red stripes, the markings of the 31st FG

  aircraft, his Mustang, nicknamed Miss Mimi II,

  also carried the yellow stripes on the wings and

  the tail surfaces introduced in March 1943 as the

  marking of the American fighters operating in

  the Mediterranean.

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard48

  April 2025

• Strana 49

  #8804

  Allied Airfield with PSP cover

  Size of display 300x400 mm.

  plastic parts: Eduard

  marking options: none

  decals: no

  PE parts: no

  painting mask: no

  resin parts: no

  1/48

  Product page

  KITS 04/2025

  INFO Eduard

  49

  April 2025

• Strana 50

  BRASSIN

  LööK set - Brassin pre-painted dashboard

  and STEEL seat belts for F4F-4 in 1/48 scale.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Academy

  Set contains:

  - resin: 1 part

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes, pre-painted

  - painting mask: no

  LööK set - Brassin pre-painted dashboard

  and STEEL seat belts for A6M5 Zero in 1/48 scale.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - resin: 4 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details:

  yes, pre-painted

  - painting mask: no

  644301

  F4F-4 LööK

  1/48 Academy

  644302

  A6M5 LööK

  1/48 Eduard

  Product page

  Product page

  INFO Eduard50

  April 2025

• Strana 51

  674030

  F4U-1A LööK

  1/72 Tamiya

  LööK set - Brassin pre-painted dashboard

  and STEEL seat belts for F4U-1A in 1/72 scale.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - resin: 1 part

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes, pre-painted

  - painting mask: no

  BRASSIN

  LööK set - Brassin pre-painted dashboard

  and STEEL seat belts for Mosquito NF Mk.II

  in 1/72 scale. Easy to assemble, replaces

  plastic parts. Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - resin: 1 part

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes, pre-painted

  - painting mask: no

  674031

  Mosquito NF Mk.II LööK

  1/72 Tamiya

  Product page

  Product page

  INFO Eduard

  51

  April 2025

• Strana 52

  BRASSIN

  674028

  Bf 109G-6 LööKplus

  1/72 Eduard

  Collection of 4 sets for Bf 109G-6 in 1/72 scale.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  - LööK set (pre-painted Brassin dashboard & Steelbelts)

  - undercarriage wheels

  - exhaust stacks

  - painting mask

  Product page

  Collection of 4 sets for P-40E in 1/48 scale.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  - LööK set (pre-painted Brassin dashboard & Steelbelts)

  - undercarriage wheels

  - exhaust stacks

  - painting mask

  Product page

  644300

  P-40E w/ fishtail exhaust stacks LööKplus

  1/48 Eduard

  INFO Eduard52

  April 2025

• Strana 53

  BRASSIN

  624007

  Spitfire Mk.VIII/Mk.IX seat PRINT

  1/24 Airfix

  Brassin set - pilot seat for Spitfire Mk.VIII or Mk.IX

  in 1/24 scale. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Airfix

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 11 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: no

  Product page

  Brassin set - the wing gun bays for P-40E

  in 1/48 scale. The set consists of both

  wings bays. Made by 3D direct print.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 30 parts

  - decals: yes

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  6481075

  P-40E gun bays PRINT

  1/48 Eduard

  Product page

  INFO Eduard

  53

  April 2025

• Strana 54

  BRASSIN

  6481083

  P-40 100lb M30 US bombs PRINT

  1/48 Eduard

  Brassin set - 100lb US bombs for P-40E in 1/48 scale.

  Set consists of 3 bombs. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 6 parts

  - decals: yes

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: no

  Product page

  Brassin set - 500lb US bombs for P-40E

  in 1/48 scale. Set consists of 3 bombs.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - resin: 3 parts

  - 3D print: 7 parts

  - decals: yes

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: no

  Product page

  6481079

  P-40 500lb M64 US bombs

  1/48 Eduard

  INFO Eduard54

  April 2025

• Strana 55

  BRASSIN

  6481085

  P-40 52gal drop tank PRINT

  1/48 Eduard

  Brassin set - 52gal fuel drop tank for P-40E

  in 1/48 scale. Set consists of 1 tank. Easy to assemble,

  replaces plastic parts. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 2 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Product page

  Brassin set - exhaust nozzle for F-35C

  in 1/48 scale. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 4 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  6481087

  F-35C exhaust nozzle PRINT

  1/48 Tamiya

  Product page

  INFO Eduard

  55

  April 2025

• Strana 56

  BRASSIN

  Brassin set - exhaust ducts for F4F-4

  in 1/48 scale. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Recommended kit: Academy

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 1 part

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Product page

  6481088

  F4F-4 exhausts PRINT

  1/48 Academy

  6481089

  F4F-4 wheels early

  1/48 Academy

  Brassin set - the undercarriage wheels for F4F-4

  in 1/48 scale. The set consists of the main wheels

  and 3 types of a tail wheel. Easy to assemble,

  replaces plastic parts. Recommended kit: Academy

  Set contains:

  - resin: 5 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: yes

  Product page

  INFO Eduard56

  April 2025

• Strana 57

  6481090

  F4F-4 wheels late

  1/48 Academy

  Brassin set - the undercarriage wheels for F4F-4

  in 1/48 scale. The set consists of the main wheels

  and 3 types of a tail wheel. Easy to assemble,

  replaces plastic parts. Recommended kit: Academy

  Set contains:

  - resin: 5 parts

  - 3D print: 2 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: yes

  Product page

  BRASSIN

  Brassin set - gun barrels for F4F-4 in 1/48 scale.

  The set consists of 6 barrels. Made by direct

  3D printing. Easy to assemble, replaces

  plastic parts. Recommended kit: Academy

  Set contains:

  - resin: 4 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  6481092

  F4F-4 gun barrels PRINT

  1/48 Academy

  Product page

  INFO Eduard

  57

  April 2025

• Strana 58

  BRASSIN

  Brassin set - 500kg bomb for A6M5 Zero

  in 1/48 scale. Set consists of 1 bomb.

  Made by direct 3D printing. Easy to assemble,

  replaces plastic parts. Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 4 parts

  - decals: yes

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: no

  Product page

  6481093

  A6M5/7 500kg bomb PRINT

  1/48 Eduard

  6481094

  A6M5 seat PRINT

  1/48 Eduard

  Brassin set - pilot seat for A6M5 Zero in 1/48 scale.

  Made by direct 3D printing. Easy to assemble, replaces

  plastic parts. Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 1 part

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details:

  yes, pre-painted

  - painting mask: no

  Product page

  INFO Eduard58

  April 2025

• Strana 59

  672407

  Spitfire Mk.V wheels

  1/72 Tamiya

  Brassin set - the undercarriage wheels for Spitfire Mk.V

  in 1/72 scale. The set consists of the main wheels

  and a tail wheel. Easy to assemble, replaces

  plastic parts. Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - resin: 3 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: yes

  Product page

  BRASSIN

  Brassin set - exhaust stacks for Spitfire Mk.V

  in 1/72 scale. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 2 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  672408

  Spitfire Mk.V three-stacks exhaust rounded PRINT

  1/72 Tamiya

  Product page

  INFO Eduard

  59

  April 2025

• Strana 60

  BRASSIN

  Brassin set - exhaust stacks for Spitfire Mk.V

  in 1/72 scale. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 2 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Product page

  672409

  Spitfire Mk.V three-stacks exhaust fishtail PRINT

  1/72 Tamiya

  672410

  Spitfire Mk.V six-stacks exhaust fishtail PRINT

  1/72 Tamiya

  Brassin set - exhaust stacks for Spitfire Mk.V

  in 1/72 scale. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 2 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Product page

  INFO Eduard60

  April 2025

• Strana 61

  Product page

  Collection of 4 sets for Bf 109G-10 manufactured

  by Wiener Neustädter Flugzeugwerke

  in 1/72 scale. Recommended kit: Eduard

  - engine

  - cockpit

  - undercarriage wheels

  - propeller

  All sets included in this BIG SIN are available separately,

  but with every BIG SIN set you save up to 30 %.

  SIN67230

  Bf 109G-10 WNF

  1/72 Eduard

  BRASSIN

  INFO Eduard

  61

  April 2025

• Strana 62

  Collection of 4 sets for Bf 109G-10 manufactured

  by Messerschmitt factory in Regensburg

  in 1/72 scale. Recommended kit: Eduard

  - engine

  - cockpit

  - undercarriage wheels

  - propeller

  All sets included in this BIG SIN are available separately,

  but with every BIG SIN set you save up to 30 %.

  SIN67231

  Bf 109G-10 Mtt Regensburg

  1/72 Eduard

  Product page

  BRASSIN

  INFO Eduard62

  April 2025

• Strana 63

  Product page

  Collection of 4 sets for Bf 109G-10

  manufactured by Erla factory in Leipzig

  in 1/72 scale. Recommended kit: Eduard

  - engine

  - cockpit

  - undercarriage wheels

  - propeller

  All sets included in this BIG SIN are available separately,

  but with every BIG SIN set you save up to 30 %.

  SIN67232

  Bf 109G-10 Erla

  1/72 Eduard

  BRASSIN

  INFO Eduard

  63

  April 2025

• Strana 64

  PHOTO

  -

  ETCHED

  APRIL 2025

  B-24D bomb racks

  1/48 Hobby Boss

  #481158

  INFO Eduard64

  April 2025

• Strana 65

  PHOTO

  -

  ETCHED

  B-24D bomb bay

  1/48 Hobby Boss

  #481159

  INFO Eduard

  65

  April 2025

• Strana 66

  PHOTO

  -

  ETCHED

  MH-60L

  1/48 ICM

  #491517

  #491518

  #FE1518

  #FE1517

  INFO Eduard66

  April 2025

• Strana 67

  PHOTO

  -

  ETCHED

  B-24D radio compartment

  1/48 Hobby Boss

  #491519

  INFO Eduard

  67

  April 2025

• Strana 68

  PHOTO

  -

  ETCHED

  MiG-29 9-13

  1/72 Great Wall Hobby

  #73846

  INFO Eduard68

  April 2025

• Strana 69

• Strana 70

  easy

  application

  3DL48215 F-14D SPACE 1/48 Great Wall Hobby

  3DL48216

  A6M5 Zero SPACE 1/48 Fine Molds

  Product page

  Product page

  INFO Eduard70

  April 2025

• Strana 71

  SPACE

  3DL48217 MH-60L SPACE 1/48 ICM

  3DL48218

  Lysander Mk.I/III SPACE 1/48 Airfix

  SPACE

  Product page

  Product page

  INFO Eduard

  71

  April 2025

• Strana 72

  SPACE

  3DL48219 A6M2-K SPACE 1/48 Eduard

  3DL48220

  A6M5 Zero SPACE 1/48 Eduard

  Product page

  Product page

  INFO Eduard72

  April 2025

• Strana 73

  SPACE

  3DL72059 E-2C SPACE 1/72 Heller

  3DL72060

  E-2C+ SPACE 1/72 Heller

  SPACE

  Product page

  Product page

  INFO Eduard

  73

  April 2025

• Strana 74

  SPACE

  3DL72061 A-6E TRAM SPACE 1/72 Trumpeter

  3DL72062

  MiG-29 9-13 SPACE 1/72 Great Wall Hobby

  Product page

  Product page

  INFO Eduard74

  April 2025

• Strana 75

  www.eduard.com/bfc

  BUNNY BUNNY FIGHTERFIGHTER

  CLUB

  Eduard's special membership club for all modeling enthusiasts!

  15% Permanent Club discount at Eduard Store – you will receive permanent 15% discount on all Eduard

  products and also discount on various other non-Eduard products. Fixed, permanent, forever!

  Unique valuable Club kits and accessories – you will gain access to unique and nowhere else to be sold

  products, specially made for BFC members.

  Even better prices at Eduard events stand – do you know that Eduard usually has huge discounts on

  their products at fairs and events all over the world? BFC members will have even higher discount at

  these events.

  Club T-shirt – you will receive fancy BFC T-shirt with unique design and special barcode

  (used for event discounts). This exclusive T-shirt will be only available

  to the members of BFC.

  Free entry fee on E-day – you will not have to pay a penny to visit Eduard's E-day.

  That means lot of fun at E-day for two days and entry kit, absolutely free!

  * E-day - INTERNATIONAL SCALE KIT EXHIBITION - IPMS Czech Republic Championship

  BOX CONTENT:

  Plastic parts, Marking options 6, Decal Set, PE parts, Maska, Brassin

  parts (two different types of wheels, landing flaps, dust filter with

  eyelid, intake ring and RP-3 60lb rockets), 3D decals for main and si

  -

  dewalk instrument and control panels with photo-etched details and

  seat belts.

  BOX CONTENT:

  Plastic parts, Marking options 4, Decal Set, PE parts, Maska, Brassin

  parts (undercarriage wheels, cockpit, exhaust nozzle, FOD).

  How to become a member of BFC?How to become a member of BFC?

  Simply by purchasing the Activation product. You will be given 15% discount on (almost) every Eduard

  product in your shopping cart. To apply this discount, the Activation product has to be in your shopping

  cart. Activation product is excluded from this calculation.

  Activation products:Activation products:

  Tempest Mk. V + T-shirt 1/48MiG-21MF + T-shirt 1/72

• Strana 76

  BIG ED

  All sets included in this BIG ED are available separately,

  but with every BIG ED set you save up to 30%.

  BIG33165 MC.205 Veltro 1/32 Italeri

  BIG49442

  Junkers F.13 1/48 MiniArt

  BIG49443

  Chipmunk T.20 1/48 Airfix

  321021 MC.205 Veltro 1/32

  32492 MC.205 Veltro landing flaps 1/32

  33374 MC.205 Veltro seatbelts STEEL 1/32

  491494 Junkers F.13 1/48

  FE1494 Junkers F.13 seatbelts STEEL 1/48

  EX1083 Junkers F.13 1/48

  491496 Chipmunk T.20 1/48

  FE1497 Chipmunk T.20 seatbelts STEEL 1/48

  EX1085 Chipmunk T.20 1/48

  Product page

  Product page

  Product page

  INFO Eduard76

  April 2025

• Strana 77

  Product page

  Product page

  DECAL SETS

  D48119

  P-40E stencils

  1/48 Eduard

  D72054

  P-51D-5 "15th AF"

  1/72 Eduard

  INFO Eduard

  77

  April 2025

• Strana 78

  MASKS

  IT FITS!

  EX1103 F-14D

  1/48 Great Wall Hobby

  EX1104 A6M5 Zero

  1/48 Fine Molds

  EX1105 A6M5 Zero TFace

  1/48 Fine Molds

  EX1106 MH-60L

  1/48 ICM

  EX1107 MH-60L TFace

  1/48 ICM

  EX1108 Lysander Mk.I/III

  1/48 Airfix

  EX1109 Lysander Mk.I/III TFace

  1/48 Airfix

  EX1110 Spitfire Mk.II

  1/48 Eduard

  EX1111 Spitfire Mk.II TFace

  1/48 Eduard

  EX1112 A6M2-K TFace

  1/48 Eduard

  EX1113 A6M5 Zero TFace

  1/48 Eduard

  CX688 E-2C

  1/72 Heller

  CX689 A-6E TRAM

  1/72 Trumpeter

  CX690 MiG-29 9-13

  1/72 Great Wall Hobby

  EX1103 F-14D

  EX1105 A6M5 Zero TFace

  EX1107 MH-60L TFace

  EX1109 Lysander Mk.I/III TFace

  EX1107 MH-60L TFace

  EX1109 Lysander Mk.I/III TFace

  EX1095 F4F-4 TFace

  EX1105 A6M5 Zero TFace

  EX1104 A6M5 Zero

  EX1106 MH-60L

  EX1108 Lysander Mk.I/III

  INFO Eduard78

  April 2025

• Strana 79

  MASKS

  CX688 E-2C

  CX689 A-6E TRAM

  CX688 E-2C

  CX689 A-6E TRAM

  CX690 MiG-29 9-13

  INFO Eduard

  79

  April 2025

• Strana 80

  RELEASES

  APRIL 2025

  KITS

  PE

  -

  SETS

  ZOOMS

  MASKS

  11184 KAMIKAZE TOKKÔTAI IJN DUAL COMBO 1/48 Limited

  84206 Spitfire Mk.IIa 1/48 Weekend

  7476 P-51D-5 1/72 Weekend

  8804 Allied Airifeld with PSP cover 1/48

  53322 USS Wasp LHD-1 part 5 1/350 Trumpeter

  481158 B-24D bomb racks 1/48 Hobby Boss

  481159 B-24D bomb bay 1/48 Hobby Boss

  481160 A6M5 Zero landing flaps 1/48 Fine Molds

  491510 B-24D nose interior 1/48 Hobby Boss

  491511 F-14D 1/48 Great Wall Hobby

  491513 A6M5 Zero 1/48 Fine Molds

  491515 Lysander Mk.I/III 1/48 Airfix

  491517 MH-60L 1/48 ICM

  491518 MH-60L cargo seatbelts STEEL 1/48 ICM

  491519 B-24D radio compartment 1/48 Hobby Boss

  72743 E-2C/C+ undercarriage 1/72 Heller

  73845 A-6E TRAM 1/72 Trumpeter

  73846 MiG-29 9-13 1/72 Great Wall Hobby

  73847 E-2C 1/72 Heller

  73848 E-2C+ 1/72 Heller

  FE1511 F-14D 1/48 Great Wall Hobby

  FE1512 F-14D seatbelts STEEL 1/48 Great Wall Hobby

  FE1513 A6M5 Zero 1/48 Fine Molds

  FE1514 A6M5 Zero seatbelts STEEL 1/48 Fine Molds

  FE1515 Lysander Mk.I/III 1/48 Airfix

  FE1516 Lysander Mk.I/III seatbelts STEEL 1/48 Airfix

  FE1517 MH-60L 1/48 ICM

  FE1518 MH-60L seatbelts STEEL 1/48 ICM

  SS845 A-6E TRAM 1/72 Trumpeter

  SS847 E-2C 1/72 Heller

  SS848 E-2C+ 1/72 Heller

  EX1103 F-14D 1/48 Great Wall Hobby

  EX1104 A6M5 Zero 1/48 Fine Molds

  EX1105 A6M5 Zero TFace 1/48 Fine Molds

  EX1106 MH-60L 1/48 ICM

  EX1107 MH-60L TFace 1/48 ICM

  EX1108 Lysander Mk.I/III 1/48 Airfix

  EX1109 Lysander Mk.I/III TFace 1/48 Airfix

  EX1110 Spitfire Mk.II 1/48 Eduard

  EX1111 Spitfire Mk.II TFace 1/48 Eduard

  EX1112 A6M2-K TFace 1/48 Eduard

  EX1113 A6M5 Zero TFace 1/48 Eduard

  CX688 E-2C 1/72 Heller

  CX689 A-6E TRAM 1/72 Trumpeter

  CX690 MiG-29 9-13 1/72 Great Wall Hobby

  DECAL SETS

  D48119 P-40E stencils 1/48 Eduard

  D72054 P-51D-5 "15th AF" 1/72 Eduard

  INFO Eduard80

  April 2025

• Strana 81

  BIG-EDBIG-ED

  RELEASES

  BRASSIN

  LöökPLUS

  BIG SIN

  SPACE

  644301 F4F-4 LööK 1/48 Academy

  644302 A6M5 LööK 1/48 Eduard

  674030 F4U-1 LööK 1/72 Tamiya

  674031 Mosquito NF Mk.II LööK 1/72 Tamiya

  624007 Spitfire Mk.VIII/Mk.IX seat PRINT 1/24 Airfix

  6481075 P-40E gun bays PRINT 1/48 Eduard

  6481079 P-40 500lb M64 US bomb 1/48 Eduard

  6481083 P-40 100lb M30 US bomb PRINT 1/48 Eduard

  6481085 P-40 52gal drop tank PRINT 1/48 Eduard

  6481087 F-35C exhaust nozzle PRINT 1/48 Tamiya

  6481088 F4F-4 exhausts PRINT 1/48 Academy

  6481089 F4F-4 wheels early 1/48 Academy

  6481090 F4F-4 wheels late 1/48 Academy

  6481092 F4F-4 gun barrels PRINT 1/48 Academy

  6481093 A6M5/7 500kg bomb PRINT 1/48 Eduard

  6481094 A6M5 seat PRINT 1/48 Eduard

  672407 Spitfire Mk.V wheels 1/72 Tamiya

  672408 Spitfire Mk.V

  three-stacks exhaust rounded PRINT 1/72 Tamiya

  672409 Spitfire Mk.V

  three-stacks exhaust fishtail PRINT 1/72 Tamiya

  672410 Spitfire Mk.V

  six-stacks exhaust fishtail PRINT 1/72 Tamiya

  644300 P-40E w/

  fishtail exhaust stacks LööKplus 1/48 Eduard

  674028 Bf 109G-6 LööKplus 1/72 Tamiya

  SIN67230 Bf 109G-10 WNF 1/72 Eduard

  SIN67231 Bf 109G-10 Mtt Regensburg 1/72 Eduard

  SIN67232 Bf 109G-10 Erla 1/72 Eduard

  3DL48215 F-14D SPACE 1/48 Great Wall Hobby

  3DL48216 A6M5 Zero SPACE 1/48 Fine Molds

  3DL48217 MH-60L SPACE 1/48 ICM

  3DL48218 Lysander Mk.I/III SPACE 1/48 Airfix

  3DL48219 A6M2-K SPACE 1/48 Eduard

  3DL48220 A6M5 Zero SPACE 1/48 Eduard

  3DL72059 E-2C SPACE 1/72 Heller

  3DL72060 E-2C+ SPACE 1/72 Heller

  3DL72061 A-6E TRAM SPACE 1/72 Trumpeter

  3DL72062 MiG-29 9-13 SPACE 1/72 Great Wall Hobby

  APRIL 2025

  BIG ED

  BIG33165 MC.205 Veltro 1/32 Italeri

  BIG49442 Junkers F.13 1/48 MiniArt

  BIG49443 Chipmunk T.20 1/48 Airfix

  INFO Eduard

  81

  April 2025

• Strana 82

  BUILT

  1/48

  KAMIKAZE TOKKÔTAI

  built by Robert Szwarc

  #11184

  MARKING J

  INFO Eduard82

  April 2025

• Strana 83

  BUILT

  A6M2-K, Tsukuba Kōkūtai, Tsukuba Base, Japan, 1944

  In July 1943, a regulation was issued that, among

  other things, mandated that training aircraft

  deployed in combat operations or based in

  areas where the enemy was active should be

  painted like combat aircraft. In practice, this led

  to the repainting of already-produced A6M2-K

  trainers. One such aircraft was Tsu-415, which

  is known from a photograph showing it with

  a yellow-orange coating on all surfaces. However,

  in a later photograph, it appears camouflaged

  with dark green paint on the upper surfaces,

  while the original paint and markings on the

  tail remained unchanged. A6M2-K aircraft were

  also used for target towing during training.

  In February 1945, Tsukuba Kōkūtai was ordered

  to form Kamikaze units. The training program for

  these pilots included the following requirements:

  at least eight pattern flights, a minimum of

  seven formation flights, at least ten instrument

  flights, a minimum of ten special attack training

  flights, at least six flights in darkness, five flights

  to a designated target, and a minimum of five

  navigation flights.

  Product page

  INFO Eduard

  83

  April 2025

• Strana 84

  BUILT

  1/48

  P-40E Warhawk

  Accessories used:

  6481066 P-40 E Radio Compartment PRINT (Brassin)

  6481069 P-40 E Engine set PRINT (Brassin)

  built by Paolo Portuesi

  #R0023

  MARKING F

  P-40E Warhawk

  INFO Eduard84

  April 2025

• Strana 85

  41-36171, 2Lt. Clyde H. Barnett Jr, 8th FS, 49th FG, Kila Kila, New Guinea, 1942

  Clyde Haygood Barnett Jr was born on 23 June

  1916 in West Palm Beach, Florida. He scored a total

  of four kills, two of them in the defense of Darwin.

  During his time with the 49th FG he took a number

  of photographs, many of which are well known

  today. Like a true patriot, he named his P-40 West

  Palm Beach Playboy. This is the second aircraft

  of that name, and of interest is the drawing of

  the West Palm Beach scenery on the left side of

  the fuselage, as well as the mischievous drawing

  of Donald Duck on the national insignia on the

  same side of the fuselage. Although this P-40E

  was finished in British colors, the lower surfaces

  were repainted in Neutral Grey. Presumably this

  repainting also created the non-standard white

  borders around the US Army lettering and the

  emblem. Clyde H. Barnett died on April 24, 2002,

  at the age of 85.

  BUILT

  INFO Eduard

  85

  April 2025

• Strana 86

  BUILT

  B-26K

  Invader

  ICM 1/48

  built by Rene Van Der Hart

  Accessories used:

  491262 generel set (PE

  -

  Set)

  INFO Eduard86

  April 2025

• Strana 87

  BUILT

  INFO Eduard

  87

  April 2025

• Strana 88

• Strana 89

• Strana 90

  ON APPROACH

  MAY 2025

  644305

  Lysander Mk.I/Mk.III LööK

  1/48 Airfix

  674032

  Mosquito FB Mk.VI LööK

  1/72 Tamiya

  BIG33166 Bf 109F-2 1/32 Hobby 2000 / Hasegawa

  BIG33167 Bf 109F-4 1/32 Hobby 2000 / Hasegawa

  BIG49444 Bf 109E-3 1/48 Hobby Boss

  BIG49445 F-86F-25/30 1/48 Airix

  644305 Lysander Mk.I/Mk.III LööK 1/48 Airfix

  674032 Mosquito FB Mk.VI LööK 1/72 Tamiya

  674033 Mosquito B Mk.IV/PR Mk.IV LööK 1/72 Tamiya

  635038 Sd.Kfz. 250 radio equipment PRINT 1/35 Takom

  6481073 Mosquito exhaust stacks PRINT 1/48 Tamiya

  6481077 P-40 250lb Mk.2 British bomb 1/48 Eduard

  6481078 P-40 30lb frag bombs 1/48 Eduard

  6481080 P-40 500lb GP British bomb 1/48 Eduard

  6481081 P-40 250lb Mk.1 British bomb 1/48 Eduard

  6481082 P-40 250lb MC British bomb 1/48 Eduard

  6481091 F-35B exhaust nozzle PRINT 1/48 Tamiya

  6481095 A6M5 Type 52 gun bays PRINT 1/48 Eduard

  6481097 P-40E radiators upgrade set PRINT 1/48 Eduard

  6481100 P-40E tail wheel bay PRINT 1/48 Eduard

  6481101 Fw 190A-6 cockpit PRINT 1/48 Eduard

  6481102 Fw 190A-6 engine 1/48 Eduard

  672411 P-51 exhaust stacks PRINT 1/72 Tamiya

  672412 P-51 exhaust stacks w/ fairing PRINT 1/72 Tamiya

  672413 P-51D seat w/ integral belts PRINT 1/72 Eduard

  644303 F4F-4 w/ early wheels LööKplus 1/48 Academy

  644304 F4F-4 w/ late wheels LööKplus 1/48 Academy

  674029 P-47D Bubbletop LööKplus 1/72 Tamiya

  674035 Mosquito NF Mk.II LööKplus 1/72 Tamiya

  SIN648138 A-10A armament 1/48 Great Wall Hobby

  SIN67233 F-35B 1/72 Tamiya

  BIG ED (May)

  BRASSIN (May)

  LöökPlus (May)

  BIGSIN (May)

  LööK set - Brassin pre-painted dashboard and STEEL

  seat belts for Mosquito FB Mk.VI in 1/72 scale.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - resin: 1 part

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details:

  yes, pre-painted

  - painting mask: no

  LööK set - Brassin pre-painted dashboard and STEEL

  seat belts for Lysander Mk.I/III in 1/48 scale.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Airfix

  Set contains:

  - resin: 2 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details:

  yes, pre-painted

  - painting mask: no

  674033

  Mosquito B Mk.IV/PR Mk.IV LööK

  1/72 Tamiya

  LööK set - Brassin pre-painted dashboard and STEEL

  seat belts for Mosquito B Mk.IV or PR Mk.IV

  in 1/72 scale. Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - resin: 1 part

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes, pre-painted

  - painting mask: no

  PRELIMINARY IMAGES

  INFO Eduard90

  April 2025

• Strana 91

  635038

  Sd.Kfz. 250 radio equipment PRINT

  1/35 Takom

  6481073

  Mosquito exhaust stacks PRINT

  1/48 Tamiya

  6481077

  P-40 250lb Mk.2 British bomb

  1/48 Eduard

  Brassin set - pre-painted radio equipment for Sd.Kfz. 250

  in 1/35 scale. Made by direct 3D printing. Easy to assemble,

  replaces plastic parts. Recommended kit: Takom

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 14 parts

  - resin: 1 part, pre-pained

  - decals: yes

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: no

  Brassin set - exhaust stacks for Mosquito in 1/48 scale.

  Made by direct 3D printing. Easy to assemble, replaces

  plastic parts. Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 4 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Brassin set - 250lb British bomb for P-40E

  in 1/48 scale. Set consists of 1 bomb.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 6 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  ON APPROACHMAY 2025

  INFO Eduard

  91

  April 2025

• Strana 92

  ON APPROACH

  MAY 2025

  6481078

  P-40 30lb frag bombs

  1/48 Eduard

  6481080

  P-40 500lb GP British bomb

  1/48 Eduard

  6481081

  P-40 250lb Mk.1 British bomb

  1/48 Eduard

  Brassin set - 30lb bombs for P-40E in 1/48 scale.

  Set consists of 6 bombs. Easy to assemble, replaces

  plastic parts. Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 6 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Brassin set - 500lb British bomb for P-40E

  in 1/48 scale. Set consists of 1 bomb.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 7 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Brassin set - 250lb British bomb for P-40E

  in 1/48 scale. Set consists of 1 bomb.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 5 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  INFO Eduard92

  April 2025

• Strana 93

  6481082

  P-40 250lb MC British bomb

  1/48 Eduard

  6481091

  F-35B exhaust nozzle PRINT

  1/48 Tamiya

  6481095

  A6M5 Type 52 gun bays PRINT

  1/48 Eduard

  Brassin set - 250lb British bomb for P-40E

  in 1/48 scale. Set consists of 3 bombs.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 30 parts

  - decals: yes

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: no

  Brassin set - exhaust nozzle for F-35B

  in 1/48 scale. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 5 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Brassin set - the wing gun bays for A6M5 Type 52

  in 1/48 scale. The set consists of both wings bays.

  Made by 3D direct print. Not suitable for A6M5a Type 52a,

  A6M5b Type 52b nor A6M5c Type 52c.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 14 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: no

  ON APPROACHMAY 2025

  INFO Eduard

  93

  April 2025

• Strana 94

  ON APPROACH

  6481097

  P-40E radiators upgrade set PRINT

  1/48 Eduard

  6481100

  P-40E tail wheel bay PRINT

  1/48 Eduard

  6481101

  Fw 190A-6 cockpit PRINT

  1/48 Eduard

  Brassin set - engine oil and cooling radiators

  and radiator flaps for P-40E in 1/48 scale.

  Made by direct 3D printing. Easy to assemble,

  replaces plastic parts. Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 3 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Brassin set - tail wheel bay for P-40E in 1/48 scale.

  Made by direct 3D printing. Easy to assemble,

  replaces plastic parts. Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 5 parts

  - resin: 2 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: yes

  Brassin set - cockpit for Fw 190A-6 in 1/48 scale.

  Made by direct 3D printing. Easy to assemble,

  replaces plastic parts. Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 19 parts

  - decals: yes

  - photo-etched details: yes, pre-painted

  - painting mask: no

  MAY 2025

  INFO Eduard94

  April 2025

• Strana 95

  6481102

  Fw 190A-6 engine

  1/48 Eduard

  672411

  P-51 exhaust stacks PRINT

  1/72 Tamiya

  672412

  P-51 exhaust stacks w/ fairing PRINT

  1/72 Tamiya

  Brassin set - a complete engine

  for Fw 190A-6 in 1/48 scale.

  Cowlings are included.

  Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - resin: 32 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: yes

  - painting mask: no

  Brassin set - exhaust stacks for P-51

  in 1/72 scale. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 2 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  Brassin set - exhaust stacks for P-51

  in 1/72 scale. Made by direct 3D printing.

  Easy to assemble, replaces plastic parts.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 2 parts

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  ON APPROACHMAY 2025

  INFO Eduard

  95

  April 2025

• Strana 96

  ON APPROACH

  644303

  F4F-4 w/ early wheels LööKplus

  1/48 Eduard

  644304

  F4F-4 w/ late wheels LööKplus

  1/48 Eduard

  Collection of 4 sets for F4F-4 in 1/48 scale.

  Recommended kit: Academy

  - LööK set (pre-painted Brassin dashboard & Steelbelts)

  - undercarriage wheels

  - exhaust stacks

  - painting mask

  Collection of 4 sets for F4F-4 in 1/48 scale.

  Recommended kit: Academy

  - LööK set (pre-painted Brassin dashboard & Steelbelts)

  - undercarriage wheels

  - exhaust stacks

  - painting mask

  672413

  P-51D seat w/ integral belts PRINT

  1/72 Eduard

  Brassin set - pilot seat for P-51D in 1/48 scale.

  Made by direct 3D printing. Easy to assemble,

  replaces plastic parts. Recommended kit: Eduard

  Set contains:

  - 3D print: 1 part

  - decals: no

  - photo-etched details: no

  - painting mask: no

  MAY 2025

  INFO Eduard96

  April 2025

• Strana 97

  ON APPROACH

  674029

  P-47D Bubbletop LööKplus

  1/72 Tamiya

  674035

  Mosquito NF Mk.II LööKplus

  1/72 Tamiya

  Collection of 3 sets for P-47D Bubbletop in 1/72 scale.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  - LööK set (pre-painted Brassin dashboard & Steelbelts)

  - undercarriage wheels

  - painting mask

  Collection of 4 sets for Mosquito NF Mk.II in 1/72 scale.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  - LööK set (pre-painted Brassin dashboard & Steelbelts)

  - undercarriage wheels

  - exhaust stacks

  - painting mask

  MAY 2025

  INFO Eduard

  97

  April 2025

• Strana 98

  ON APPROACH

  SIN648138

  A-10A armament

  1/72 Eduard

  Collection of 10 sets for A-10A in 1/48 scale.

  Recommended kit: Great Wall Hobby

  - AGM-65 Maverick

  - TER

  - LAU-3/A

  - GBU-10 Paveway II

  - AIM-9M/L Sidewinder

  - Mk.82 bombs w/airbrake early

  - GBU-12 bomb

  - Sniper ATP

  - AN/ALQ-131 (deep) ECM pod

  - AN/ALQ-184 (short) ECM pod

  All sets included in this BIG SIN are available separately,

  but with every BIG SIN set you save up to 30 %.

  MAY 2025

  INFO Eduard98

  April 2025

• Strana 99

  SIN67233

  F-35B

  1/72 Tamiya

  Collection of 4 sets for F-35B in 1/72 scale.

  Recommended kit: Tamiya

  - cockpit

  - undercarriage wheels

  - RAM coating panels die-cut painting mask

  - Remove Before Flight tags

  All sets included in this BIG SIN are available separately,

  but with every BIG SIN set you save up to 30 %.

  BRASSIN 02/2022BRASSIN 02/2022

  ON APPROACHMAY 2025

  INFO Eduard

  99

  April 2025

• Strana 100

  PE

  -

  SETS

  481161 Fw 190A landing flaps 1/48 Eduard

  481162 A6M2-K landing flaps 1/48 Eduard

  481163 A6M5 landing flaps 1/48 Eduard

  481164 B-26G Marauder exterior 1/48 ICM

  481165 B-26G Marauder bomb bay 1/48 ICM

  491520 A6M5 (Nakajima) upgrade set 1/48 Eduard

  491521 A6M5 (Mitsubishi) upgrade set 1/48 Eduard

  491522 A6M2-K upgrade set 1/48 Eduard

  491523 Sea King HC.4 1/48 Airfix

  491524 Sea King HC.4 cargo seatbelts STEEL 1/48 Airfix

  491527 Mi-24A 1/48 Trumpeter

  491529 B-26G Marauder 1/48 ICM

  491530 B-26G Marauder rear interior 1/48 ICM

  73849 Go 242A 1/72 IBG

  ZOOMS

  FE1527 Mi-24A 1/48 Trumpeter

  FE1528 Mi-24A seatbelts STEEL 1/48 Trumpeter

  FE1523 Sea King HC.4 1/48 Airix

  FE1525 A6M5 seatbelts STEEL 1/48 Eduard

  FE1526 A6M2-K seatbelts STEEL 1/48 Eduard

  FE1529 B-26G Marauder 1/48 ICM

  FE1530 B-26G Marauder seatbelts STEEL 1/48 ICM

  MASKS

  EX1114 Mi-24A 1/48 Trumpeter

  EX1115 Mi-24A TFace 1/48 Trumpeter

  EX1116 B-26G Marauder 1/48 ICM

  EX1117 B-26G Marauder TFace 1/48 ICM

  EX1118 B-26G Marauder US national insignia 1/48 ICM

  EX1119 P-51B/C D-day stripes 1/48 Eduard

  EX1120 P-40E US national insignia circular 1/48 Eduard

  SPACE

  3DL48221 A6M5 Zero (Mitsubishi) SPACE 1/48 Fine Molds

  3DL48222 A6M5 Zero (Mitsubishi) SPACE 1/48 Eduard

  3DL48223 Mi-24A SPACE 1/48 Trumpeter

  3DL48224 Sea King HC.4 SPACE 1/48 Airix

  3DL48225 B-26G Marauder cockpit & nose SPACE 1/48 ICM

  3DL48226 B-26G Marauder cockpit

  insulation & armour plates SPACE 1/48 ICM

  3DL48227 B-26 Marauder rear interior SPACE 1/48 ICM

  3DL72063 Go 242A SPACE 1/72 IBG

  3DL72064 MiG-21bis SPACE 1/72 Eduard

  DECAL SET

  D72055 MiG-21bis stencils 1/72 Eduard

  ON APPROACH

  MAY 2025

  INFO Eduard100

  April 2025

• Strana 101

  ON APPROACH

  MiG-21bis 1/72

  #2151

  Dual Combo

  MiG-21bis, c/n 75061904, 2 Fighter Squadron, Taszár Air Force Base, Hungary, 1993

  MiG-21bis, 115 GIAP, Soviet VVS, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, 1980

  MiG-21BIS, c/n 75084300, HävLLv 31, Kuopio airbase, Finland, 1980 – 1981

  MAY 2025

  INFO Eduard

  101

  April 2025

• Strana 102

  ON APPROACH

  MiG-21bis, No. 47 Squadron, Iraqi Air Force, Al Hurrya Air Base, Iraq, 1990

  MiG-21bis, 797, German Democratic Republic, Holzdorf, 1990

  MiG-21bis, San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba, 1990

  MiG-21bis, Free Libyan Air Force, Tobruk, Libya, November 2011

  MiG-21bisD, Eskadrila borbenih aviona, HRZ i PZO, Zagreb-Pleso,

  Croatia, December 2016

  MiG-21bis, c/n 75080880, 1 Pucki DLMW, Lotnictwo Marynarki Wojennej,

  Gdynia-Babie Doły, Poland, late 1997

  MiG-21bis, C2776, No. 26 Squadron “The Warriors”, Indian Air Force, Adampur, 1990

  MAY 2025

  INFO Eduard102

  April 2025

• Strana 103

  ON APPROACH

  Fw 190A-6 1/48

  MAY 2025

  #82137

  Fw 190A-6, WNr. 550375, Lt. Heinz-Günther Lück, 1./JG 1, Deelen,

  Netherlands, August 1943

  Fw 190A-6, WNr. 550453, Hptm. Friedrich-Karl Müller,

  Stab /JG 300, Bonn-Hangelar,

  Germany, October 1943

  Fw 190A-6, WNr. 550473, Fw. Walter Nietzsche,

  II. /JG 300, Rheine, Germany, summer 1943

  Fw 190A-6, WNr. 550461, Oblt. Helmut Radtke, 5./JG 54, Immola,

  Finland, summer 1944

  Fw 190A-6, Fw. Günther Josten, 1./JG 51, Bobruysk,

  the USSR, January 1944

  Fw 190A-6/R11, WNr. 550143, Oblt. Fritz Krause,

  1./NJGr 10, Werneuchen, Germany, January 1944

  Fw 190A-6/R11, II. /JG 300,

  Lobnitz, Germany, fall 1943

  INFO Eduard

  103

  April 2025

• Strana 104

  ON APPROACH

  P-39K/L Airacobra

  1/48

  #8463

  P-39L, 42-4558, 93rd FS, 81st FG,

  Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia, summer 1943

  P-39L, 42-4472, 346th FS, 350th FG,

  Tunisia, spring 1943

  P-39K, 42-4275, 70th FS, 347th FG,

  Guadalcanal, spring 1943

  P-39K, 42-4358, Lt. William McDonough,

  40th FS, 35th FG, Port Moresby,

  New Guinea, February 1943

  MAY 2025

  INFO Eduard104

  April 2025

• Strana 105

  ON APPROACH

  PSP Display - perforated steel plate 1/48

  #8801

  MAY 2025

  INFO Eduard

  105

  April 2025

• Tail End Charlie - Almost an April problem

  It's not entirely my fault that I’m writing my Tail End Charlie text at the last-minute again. I scheduled my work quite responsibly yesterday, Sunday, two days before the current issue was due out. However, somehow I didn't keep up at the end of the day. Understandably, I could blame my slow work, my tendency to run away from responsibilities, orstimuli that release the right hormones into my brain for the wrong mood, and a thousand other things rooted solely in my nature, irresponsibility, and laziness. But this time it's different my friends.

  It's not entirely my fault that I’m writing

  my Tail End Charlie text at the last-minute

  again. I scheduled my work quite responsibly

  yesterday, Sunday, two days before the current

  issue was due out. However, somehow I didn't

  keep up at the end of the day. Understandably,

  I could blame my slow work, my tendency to

  run away from responsibilities, orstimuli that

  release the right hormones into my brain for

  the wrong mood, and a thousand other things

  rooted solely in my nature, irresponsibility,

  and laziness. But this time it's different my

  friends. THEY took an hour out of my day

  yesterday. And that's why I couldn't keep up.

  The change to daylight saving time caught me

  surprised almost as change of the Austro-

  Hungarian Empire railway schedule surprised

  Cimrman near the village of Stredoplky.

  I recommend our English-speaking readers to

  supplement their education by a proper search

  of the encyclopedic entry Jára Cimrman.

  You will learn where American, hence Austrian,

  self-confidence would be and with them

  Thomas Alva Edison or well I dare smuggle this

  word into my apolitical article- Nikola Tesla,

  if the world had discovered the brave Czech

  Cimrman a little earlier.

  I'm a little out of scope, aren't I? However,

  since my colleagues and I have given ourselves

  pretty much free rein as to what may be the

  topic of our final reflections innthe Tail End

  Charlie column, I can allow myself to do so,

  and I trust you will forgive me for avoiding the

  technology and social issues.

  In short, I missed an hour yesterday. With the

  time shift from winter to summer. It was taken

  from me by technocrats and foolish politicians

  sometime in 1916 and THEY won't give it back.

  Even though the idea of daylight saving time

  seems to be obsolete nowadays, the various

  cabals controlling the world, the Wall Street

  vampires and the European oligarchs who are

  guaranteed to benefit from it, still don't want

  to give it back to me (not referring to the clever

  Russian oligarchs, because there daylight

  saving time is no longer used).

  The transition between daylight saving time

  and standard time is quite a chaotic all over

  the world, as if time zones were not enough.

  For example, the southern hemisphere doesn't

  use it, it was never introduced in most of Africa.

  In different parts of the northern hemisphere,

  the transition between winter and summer

  time occurs on different dates.

  There are debates about to abolish these

  time shifts altogether. Whether their original

  reason is outdated or not. The European Union,

  for example, set out to abolish daylight saving

  time back in 2019... But since then its member

  states have still not agreed on how this should

  be done... Well, yeah...

  Hopefully I'll live to see it someday, and

  so will my dog who doesn't understand why

  he suddenly has to start getting up an hour

  earlier or an hour later. The wolves that roam

  the woods around my homeland in the border

  mountains don't care. They wisely get up

  (or rather go to bed) according to the sun.

  ... à propos, do you actually know which of the

  two times is the correct, original one? Summer

  or winter? The summer/winter time switching

  is used in most of Europe. And also in the USA...

  Ah ... Did you know that of Europe, Greenland,

  for example, doesn't use it? I learned this

  a while ago when I was trying to clear up some

  of my ignorance, and I have to admit that there

  are things (and I write this without giving wise

  counsel) that finally make sense to me now.

  I guess I'll have to put up with being as

  confused in my biological clock as I probably

  am in my head for some time to come. On top of

  that, it snowed again this morning. But let's not

  be sad. Spring is here anyway!

  ALMOST AN APRIL PROBLEM

  Jan Zdiarský

  INFO Eduard106

  April 2025

• Strana 107

• Strana 108

• Editorial

  
  

  Good day, Dear Friends, 

  After the February premiere and the March sequel of the P-40E, it's time for what was probably the most significant foe of the Warhawks, the Japanese Zero. The last new release of a member of the Zero family, the Rufe float version, was exactly two years ago, in April 2023. Two years offer enough time to take a break from the A6M line and develop a taste for new additions, and if this is case, we present the opportunity to get acquainted with our two new Zero kits in one package. That kit is ‘Kamikaze Tokkōtai’, dedicated to Kamikaze units. This is definitely not a boring topic. On the contrary, it is a very action-packed and also a mystical subject, because the story of the Kamikaze pilots is still surrounded by a certain mysterious aura. That's why we decided to tackle this topic and present its story in our style, through the kit and accompanying features, such as articles in the newsletter, lectures, posts on Facebook, and the like. So, ideologically speaking, we offer some opportunities to learn a lot about the history of Kamikaze pilots. For example, in this issue of the newsletter, you will find an article by our colleagues Honza Bobek and Martin Ferkl, based on the introductory text in the kit, Honza Bobek has already given two lectures on this topic, one live and the other last Friday in the Plastic Modelling stream. Sometime this week, we will release our podcast Eduard On Air, in which I will discuss the topic with Honza Bobek again, and if you follow us on social networks, we will continue to post on this topic on Facebook and Instagram.

   Technically, the kit is conceptualized as a Dual Combo release, a kit with two sets of plastic, from which it is possible to build two complete models. In this case, there are actually two different sets of moldings, and therefore the possibility of building two different versions of the Zero. These are the A6M5 Zero model 52 fighter, and the A6M2-K Zero Model 11 trainer. The Zero Model 52 represents the pinnacle of the Zero's technical development. The installation of a more powerful Nakajima Sakae 21 engine made it possible to strengthen the armament and gradually implement passive protection elements, cockpit armor and fuel tanks. These, including the introduction of heavier armament, were introduced gradually, which led to the creation and introduction into service of four versions of the Zero Model 52, namely 52, 52a, 52b and 52c. The most famous of them is undoubtedly the Zero 52c, which will be worth a separate boxing of its own. However, there is a bit of a problem with the other three versions in that only a few modelers can safely distinguish them from each other and know how they differed. On the other hand, the differences are significant enough to require them to be reflected in the model, which is, to be honest, a nightmare for every kit manufacturer. In such cases, manufacturers usually resort to sophisticated cutting of the fuselage and wings in such a way that it allows these different parts to be exchanged. This is the Japanese school. For the manufacturer, it is a profitable solution because it saves on mold production costs. For the customer, it gets worse, because the savings on the manufacturer's side are at least paid for with additional work by the modeller. We have our own Czech school, where we don't demand cutting so much, and we prefer to make molds with a whole new fuselages and wings, or even some of the small parts. This means a total of seven new molds for all versions of the A6M5, and two more molds for the two-seat A6M2-K Zero trainer.

   The two-seat A6M2-KModel 11 Zero was primarily a training aircraft, produced from 1944 as a conversion from the A6M2 Model 21. Don't be confused by the eleven in the model designation, it is correct, because it refers to the training version of the Zero, and from this point of view it is a training machine with the first wing configuration and the first engine configuration of the Zero in this category of aircraft. I believe that this is clear to all of you. In training units, this Zero was used both for advanced pilot training and for other roles, for example, for target towing for gunnery practise. You can recognize such machines by the two towing sleeves under the wing, and the rope stretched from the container to the rear of the aircraft. We also have one of these in the Kamikaze Tokkōtai kit, the other four are combat-used machines. The reason why one of the two sets of moldings in the kit is for the Zero training aircraft is twofold. First, Kamikaze pilots trained on them, and secondly, the two-seat Zero was used in combat during Kamikaze attacks. This was related to the approaching end of the war and the decline in quantities of combat aircraft due to intensive deployment, especially during the battles for Okinawa, but also to the distance to the target that the attacking units had to cover during those battles. Then a second crew member came in handy to help with navigation. In those days, navigation was not as simple as it is today, neither GPS nor Starlink were turned on at that time.

   Then there is a third reason for including the A6M2-K in this kit. It is an amazing machine, far from the usual appearance of a WWII fighter. In fact, it looks like some post-catastrophic creation from the movie Mad Max. And the two-seat Zeros are also unusually colorful for IJN fighters from the second half of the war. Judge for yourself, all the versions of the coloring from Kamikaze Tokkōtai can be found in this issue of the Newsletter. In addition to the kit, we are also releasing several small accessories, T-face masks for both types, as well as Look and Space sets. Don't be confused by the several sets of photoetched, masks and Space and Look sets for other Model 52 Zeros for the new 48th scale kit from Fine Molds. Yes, we also produce accessories for competing kits. We pamper our competition, because what would we be without competition, right?

   You can also learn more about the Kamikaze units in today's article by Martin Ferkl and Jan Bobek titled Kamikaze Tokkōtai, Special Attack Units of the Imperial Japanese Navy flying the Zero. A podcast is also in preparation in the Eduard On Air series, in which I discuss the units and the issues faced by Kamikaze pilots with Jan Bobek, whose complete lecture on the same topic can be heard on You Tube in the aforementioned Plastic Modelling stream from Friday, March 28th. We don't end there with the Kamikaze theme, and in the next issue of our newsletter we will offer a peek behind the curtain of the kit preparation and introduce you to the graphic designer of the boxart of the Kamikaze Tokkōtai kit, Mrs. Mari Kučera. The boxart proper, which modelers really like, was created by Piotr Forkasziewicz, and is also being published as a print in the EduArt series today. And finally, two more notes, if you don't want to buy a kit in Dual Combo mode and you only need one Zero, the A6M2-K Zero Model 11 will be released in the Profipack range in August. We aren’t counting on the Zero Model 52 to be in the Profipack series yet, but the A6M5 Zero Model 52a/52b kit is tentatively planned for January next year in the Profipack line. However, what is absolutely crucial information is the availability of the Kamikaze Tokkōtai. At this moment, the kits should be available at all retailers selling our kits. In our own e-shop www.eduard.cz, we have about 300 pieces left, which is not many. If you want this kit, don't hesitate and buy it now. They won't be available later. A wise man once said ‘he who hesitates, doesn’t get to glue’.

   In addition to the Zero, we are releasing two Weekend Edition kits in April, a 48th scale Spitfire Mk.IIa with Douglas Bader on the box and a 72nd scale P-51D-5 Mustang. In addition, the PSP surface makes a return to our catalog, the large one measuring 300x400 mm. You can also find a number of interesting things in aftermarket accessories, such as two types of bombs and a gun bay for our P-40E, several sets for the F4F-4 Wildcat from Academy and an etched bomb bay for the 48th scale B-24 from Hobby Bose. As usual, there are a lot of new items, a complete overview of which can be found in today's issue of the newsletter below.

   There will be several events in April. For example, on Friday, April 4th, we will launch a unique sale of the remaining stocks of GSi Acrysion and MMP paints, and also seventy Overtrees items. This is something we have never done before and we will not do it again for a long time. The main reason for this is that we need to free up space in the warehouse for more new products, and the Overtrees section is already completely full. We currently have over 140 items in the OT assortment, and we have decided to reduce this amount by half. This event will run until April 26th, what is left will be taken to Moson in Hungary, and what we may not sell there either, we will unpack and take out of circulation, and the moldings will be placed in the model components warehouse. So, if you are interested in these discounted OTs, do not hesitate. They will not be available and I would like to point out that the return of the discontinued items to our catalog is not expected for several years. The only exceptions are cases where a new kit is created with the same set of moldings. There will be a few of these, but this will not happen with most of the discontinued items.

   Speaking of discontinued items, some of you may be pleased with our March decision. It concerns discontinued items in the photoetched and Brassin lines. Modelers often ask about them on the modelling forums or request them from customer support. In the case of support requests, we usually accommodate those interested in paying a higher amount for the individual production of a set and accept the conditions of this production. However, there is a kind of public pressure to reintroduce discontinued sets into the catalog. Therefore, we decided to accommodate these requests and return several sets to production under specific conditions. By these specific conditions, I mean that it will be for a limited-time and limited quantity. We will start with this in May and I will tell you more about it in the May newsletter

   As every year, we will have a stand at the exhibition in Mosonmagyaróvar on April 26th and 27th. The MiG-21bis in 1/72 scale, which we are currently finishing up, will have its sales premiere there. It is a nice kit, created in the same style and with the participation of the same experts as the previous 72nd scale MiG-21s.

   In addition to the bis, the fourth-generation Fw 190 A-6 in the Profipack series will also make its debut in Moson. The set of color options also includes two night fighters with radar, which, I hope, will fulfill the wishes of modelers who have been calling for the release of nightfighter Focke-Wulf Fw190 for a long time. The third premiere kit is the P-39K/L Airacobra in the 1:48th scale Weekend line, and a small PSP base for 1:48 scale models will also return to production.

   If you would like to see what the venue where E-day will be held this year, you can go to Litoměřice between April 9th and 13th, when the Zahrada Čech (Czech Gardens) spring exhibition is taking place at the Zahrada Čech exhibition center. All the halls where E-day will be held will probably be open, so you can experience the halls in full operation. Instead of models, there will be flowers, vegetables and other agricultural products on the tables, but I don't think that matters. In principle, flowers and models are more or less the same. I will go there on Saturday, April 12th, via the Švestková rail from Most. In the year I was born, Yuri Gagarin flew into space in Vostok 1 on April 12th, so I will take an old train to Litoměřice in his honor. The timing will be more or less the same, and we will see how it will be with comfort and prospects for returning. I wish you a pleasant reading of today's newsletter and an enjoyable spring!

   

  Happy Modelling!

  Vladimir Sulc

  
  

• KAMIKAZE TOKKŌTAI

  Aircraft A6M2 and A6M5 from the Shikishima-tai unit, armed with bombs, are taking off with a fighter escort from Mabalacat airfield on October 25, 1944. Behind the Model 21 aircraft numbered 02-888, a Model 52 aircraft with the marking 02-112 is visible, likely piloted by Lt. Yukio Seki. The pilot with a cast on his leg standing at the front right is Cdr. Sakae Yamamoto, commander of Kōkūtai 201, who was involved in organizing the first Kamikaze pilot unit. He was injured on October 19 during an emergency landing as a passenger in the fuselage of a single-seat Zero, piloted by Lt. Cdr. Tadashi Nakajima, a former Hikōtaichō of the Tainan Kōkūtai.

  
  

  IJN ZERO FIGHTER SPECIAL ATTACK UNITS

   

  
  

  
  

  Jan Bobek
  Martin Ferkl

   

  One of the most well-known words from the field of aviation, recognized even by those with no interest in the subject, is kamikaze. It is associated with the predominantly aerial campaign that began in October 1944 and lasted until the end of the war in the Pacific. During this period, hundreds of airmen sacrificed their lives in service of the Japanese Empire.

   

  In Western civilization, these attacks are often referred to as suicide attacks, but this term is actually a misnomer. The primary objective of these troops was not suicide but self-sacrifice for the benefit of the Japanese Empire. Therefore, the more accurate term is special attack unit (tokubetsu kōgekitai, or tokkōtai for short), which better reflects the nature of these military operations.

  Special attack units were organized within standard military formations. Various texts and sources published in Western countries often claim that Japanese airmen were forced to participate in these units. However, this is not true — they volunteered. In fact, especially during the first months of these units' existence, there were more volunteers than available seats in the planes designated for attacks. As a result, commanders had to be selective, prioritizing young, single men with no family commitments, often college students. However, from the outset, volunteers from elite naval families were also recruited into these units. The voluntary nature of participation is further evidenced by cases where airmen survived multiple special attack missions, either due to their planes being shot down or experiencing mechanical failures, and subsequently reapplied to join other units. Additionally, in multi-seat aircraft, all crew members were present, not just the pilot. A common misconception is the belief that airmen undertook these combat missions under the influence of drugs.

  An airman was only considered a member of a special attack unit if he successfully carried out an attack on an enemy target with his aircraft. He did not become a member at the time of enlistment or even upon take off for an attack. Those who were unable to strike Allied ships, whether due to technical malfunctions or being shot down, are not officially counted among the kamikazes.

  The first aircraft carrier to be sunk by a kamikaze attack was USS St. Lo (CVE-63) on October 25, 1944. The ship was hit probably by plane of Lt. Yukio Seki. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  
  

  There are also documented cases where an aircraft en route to attack American vessels was shot down, resulting in the death of one crew member. After an emergency landing, the aircraft was repaired and took off again for its final attack, with the deceased airman still on board. Due to his “physical presence” in the aircraft, he was also listed as a member of the special attack unit.

  On their final missions, special attack units flew with escort aircraft to ensure that the bomb-laden planes reached enemy ships and to assess the outcome of their attacks. It was not uncommon for escort pilots to refuse to return to base and instead join the attack themselves. The Japanese developed several escort tactics, with two being the most commonly used. In the first tactic, each special attack aircraft was assigned its own escort (or lead) aircraft, effectively serving as its wingman. Behind them, at a higher altitude, another group of escort fighters provided additional support. In the second tactic, the entire formation was led by a single reconnaissance aircraft. Behind it, at the same altitude, flew the first group of escort fighters, followed by special attack aircraft arranged in four-plane V formations. Behind them, at higher altitudes, two additional formations of escort fighters provided cover.

  The Japanese Naval Air Force established these special attack units and ordered airmen to crash into enemy vessels under specific circumstances during the Allied invasion of the Philippines in October 1944. The concept of employing this tactic on a large scale had been advocated by some combat unit commanders since 1943. Such an order was unprecedented in the history of the modern Japanese armed forces, and it faced opposition from figures including Emperor Hirohito, Prime Minister Tōjō, and Vice Admiral Takijirō Ōnishi — who was regarded as Admiral Yamamoto’s successor in naval aviation strategy. However, the Japanese air forces struggled against the highly sophisticated defenses of American carrier task forces. This challenge became evident during the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944, where Japanese forces suffered devastating losses at an approximate 6:1 ratio, managing to damage only a single battleship. This battle, along with previous combat missions, led many Japanese naval aviators to believe that their chances of returning from a combat flight were slim and that conventional bomber attacks had little likelihood of successfully hitting enemy targets.

  Pilots of the Óka rocket-powered aircraft from Kōkūtai 721 assembling on March 21, 1945, before a combat mission from which none of them returned. In the foreground stands Lt. Kentarō Mitsuhashi, carrying the ashes of Lieutenant Tsutomu Kariya, who died during the first deployment of the Óka aircraft. Kōkūtai 721 contributed the second-largest number of kamikaze pilots using Zero aircraft, including pilots who were originally assigned to missions with the Óka.  Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  The destroyer USS Kidd (DD-661) is currently stationed in Baton Rouge, serving as a museum. As part of its display, visitors can see the wreckage of a Japanese aircraft that crashed into the ship on April 11, 1945. The aircraft was believed to be a Mitsubishi Zero, piloted by Lt. Yaguchi of Kōkūtai 721. He engaged the enemy as a member of the special attack unit Tenmu No. 5 and sent a message to launch the attack at 2:10 p.m. His Zero struck the forward boiler room, but the 500 kg bomb passed through the fuselage and detonated in the water. Despite this, Yaguchi’s attack resulted in 38 American sailors killed and 55 wounded. The USS Kidd sustained serious damage, requiring repairs in the United States, and never returned to combat. Photo: Martin Ferkl 

  Japanese kamikaze Zero about to crash into the USS Kidd, off Okinawa on April 11, 1945. Photographed from the ship. Note escorting destroyer in the background. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  
  

  Divine Wind in Leyte Gulf

  American air raids on Formosa (Taiwan) and the Philippines in the fall of 1944 cost the Japanese Naval and Army Air Forces an additional 500 to 600 aircraft. In October, Vice Admiral Ōnishi was appointed commander of the 1st Air Fleet (1st Kōkū Kantai) in the Philippines. However, due to prior American strikes on Japanese bases, he had only about 100 aircraft of various types available on the eve of the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the anticipated Allied landing. Although Ōnishi initially opposed the idea of sacrificing airmen, he was ultimately forced to adopt this strategy. He sked command of Kōkūtai 201 — a unit stationed in the Philippines and equipped with Zeros, which had been training for months in “skip” bombing attacks against enemy vessels — to carry out these missions.

  Admiral Ōnishi, together with the command of Kōkūtai 201, invited pilots to volunteer for the special attack group but feared how they might react. However, a large number of unit members eagerly signed up for this type of combat mission, and disputes arose when someone was not selected. The unit was named Kamikaze (Divine Wind), inspired by the typhoon that had helped destroy the Mongol naval forces during their attempted invasion of Japan in the 13th century. Officially, the group was designated Dai 1 Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, and within it, nine units were formed, each bearing battle names derived from Japanese historical and cultural traditions. (Note 1)

  The most experienced pilot in Kōkūtai 201 was Lieutenant Naoshi Kanno, who had 25 aerial victories. At the time, he was in Japan preparing to transfer new aircraft to the Philippines. For months, Kanno had expressed a strong desire to organize and lead special attack missions. He even had a note attached to his personal bag stating that he was already dead, with his rank listed two steps higher, as if he had been posthumously promoted. However, to his disappointment, he was instead assigned to lead the fighter escorts for the special attack units.

  The deployment tactics were developed by former bomber pilot Lieutenant Yukio Seki. The approach to the target was planned at two different flight levels, depending on cloud cover. Even when flying low over the water, the aircraft was instructed to gain altitude just before reaching the target, ideally drop a bomb, and then crash into the damaged section of the ship. This would compound the destruction with the additional impact of the aircraft and the explosion of its fuel. For attacks on aircraft carriers, the primary targets were forward or midship elevators. The Japanese did not expect to easily sink the carriers, but their goal was to disable them and render them inoperable in battle. In the case of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers, the designated target was the bridge.

  The Shikishima Tai is often considered the first special attack unit. Led by Lieutenant Yukio Seki, the unit took off to engage the enemy on October 25, 1944, from Mabalacat Airfield in the Philippines. Its members are credited with sinking the escort carrier USS St. Lo (CVE-63). Several other escort carriers were also damaged that day, including USS Santee (CVE-20), USS Suwanee (CVE-27), USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71), USS White Plains (CVE-66), and USS Kalinin Bay (CVE-68). Most of the attacking aircraft were Zeros, as nearly all available aircraft assigned to special attack missions that day were of this type — except for two Suisei bombers. In total, 17 aircraft (15 Zeros and 2 Suisei), carrying 19 pilots, participated in the attack. On the American side, 182 sailors were killed, with at least 168 wounded. However, the number of additional casualties on the USS St. Lo remains unknown, meaning the true number of wounded was likely much higher. Despite its reputation, Shikishima Tai was not actually the first unit of this kind. Earlier, on October 21 and 23, 1944, two Zero pilots launched special attacks from Cebu Airfield. The first was Lieutenant Tōfu Kunō, and the second was Chief Petty Officer Satō. Like the members of Shikishima Tai, they were part of Kōkūtai 201, but their special attack unit was called Yamato Tai.

  The aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-16) is moored as a museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. Also on display are the remnants of a Mitsubishi Zero that was intended to strike the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) on May 14, 1945. The aircraft was piloted by Lt. Shunsuke Tomiyasu of Kōkūtai 721. On that day, Kōkūtai 721 dispatched the special attack unit Kenmu No. 11 (five Zeroes) along with Tsukuba No. 6 (14 Zeroes), to which Lt. Tomiyasu belonged. The Japanese aviator managed to crash through the flight deck at the bow of the Enterprise, triggering an explosion below. The blast sent parts of the forward elevator flying tens of meters into the air. Fourteen sailors were killed, and 68 were wounded. Eight crew members were blown overboard by the 500 kg bomb’s detonation but were rescued from the water by a nearby destroyer. The attack left Enterprise severely damaged, rendering it inoperable for the remainder of the war.  Photo: Martin Ferkl

  Lt. Shunsuke Tomiyasu of Kōkūtai 721 with his Zero in the final phase of the attack on USS Enterprise on May 14, 1945. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  The damaged area in front of the USS Enterprise's forward elevator after Lt. Tomiyasu’s attack. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  
  

  Battle for the Philippines

  The Japanese Army Air Force engaged its special assault units in the defense of the Philippines to a lesser extent about two weeks later. Unlike their Navy Air Force counterparts, these units were composed largely of training personnel. Concurrently, both Japanese air forces continued to conduct conventional attacks on land and naval targets.

  For the defenders aboard Allied vessels, this marked an extraordinary shift in enemy tactics, initially perceived by some commanders as desperate to the point of folly. However, the kamikaze attacks were immediately censored for the Allied press, and an objective assessment of the strategy soon emerged. The Allied command recognized that these were well-coordinated operations executed with clear intent to strike critical parts of ships. Furthermore, due to the one-way nature of the flights, the special attack aircraft had a greater operational range. If a pilot located the target early, the damage was amplified by more fuel ignited upon impact after the detonation of the aircraft's bomb.

  During the Philippine campaign, Zeros comprised the vast majority of aircraft used by the Japanese Naval Air Force's special attack units. From October 21, 1944, to January 9, 1945, Kōkūtai 201 deployed more than 200 Zeros in over 60 special attacks, with only a few failing to reach their targets due to unfavorable weather.

  Starting in late October, units in the Philippines were reinforced by Kōkūtai 221, which was equipped not only with Zeros but also with Tenzan and Suisei aircraft. This Kōkūtai also designated Zeros for special attack missions and integrated into its ranks pilots from sunken carriers in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, as well as pilots from carrier units previously assigned to land-based operations.

  During the campaign in the Philippines, the Japanese Navy deployed a total of 421 aircraft in kamikaze attacks, 43 of which returned for various reasons. Additionally, 239 fighter aircraft were assigned as escorts, with 102 lost in action. During these operations, naval aviators claimed to have sunk 37 ships, including five aircraft carriers, and were credited with damaging 68 other vessels, including nine aircraft carriers.

  However, actual losses inflicted by Army and Navy airmen in these special attack operations amounted to 20 ships destroyed or scuttled, including two aircraft carriers and four destroyers. Another 87 ships sustained damage, including 22 aircraft carriers.

  A Zero piloted by PO2c Setsuo Ishino in the final moments before crashing into the side of USS Missouri on April 11, 1945.  Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  A fire on the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) near the island structure after Ensign Kiyoshi Ogawa's attack on May 11, 1945. Among other damage, the bomb hit the ready room with VF-84 pilots, killing 22 of them. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  Destroyer USS Laffey after the battle of special attack planes on April 16, 1945, north of Okinawa. Shown here is a starboard side view abreast of No. 3 5 inch gun mount. Landing craft LST 677 is alongside. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  Fifteen radar picket stations are shown in the Okinawa area. Radar picket destroyers were ordered to operate within a radius of 5,000 yards from the center of each station. The center of each radar picket station is indicated by latitude and longitude, as well as by range and bearing from Point BOLO. Destroyers such as the USS Laffey were frequent targets of large-scale bombing and kamikaze attacks. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  Flight deck of USS Langley (CVL-27) under repair after being hit by a kamikaze, off Formosa, 21 January 1945. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  The British aircraft carrier HMS Formidable in May 1945 after a kamikaze attack. The armored decks of British aircraft carriers withstood enemy attacks much better than the decks of American carriers. Photo: IWM

  
  

  Battle of Iwo Jima and Operation Kikusui

  During the raids on Formosa in January 1945 and the Iwo Jima landings, only a few special attacks were conducted. However, in preparation for the anticipated invasion of Okinawa, the Japanese Navy Air Force developed Operation Kikusui, which was launched in coordination with the Army Air Forces on April 6, 1945 — five days after the American landing.

  To ensure and protect the landing, Allied forces, including the British Navy, deployed 18 battleships, 27 cruisers, 177 destroyers, 39 aircraft carriers, and hundreds of support vessels. Around the island, the Americans stationed destroyers at 15 pre-designated Picket Stations to assist in directing defensive fighter operations against Japanese attacks using their radar systems. Many Allied vessels had limited maneuverability during these attacks, as they were providing fire support to the invading forces, supplying troops, or evacuating the wounded in the immediate vicinity of the island.

  Unlike the fighting in the Philippines, Allied vessels were positioned at a considerable distance from Japanese bases on Formosa and Kyushu. In both cases, the approach route was approximately 1,000 km long. During special attacks, Japanese airmen gradually refined their tactics, optimizing flight paths based on changing weather conditions and using the islands around Okinawa as obstacles to American radar detection. The only naval fighter capable of escorting kamikaze aircraft all the way to their targets was the Zero. Shiden and Shiden-Kai aircraft participated in escort missions but only for part of the journey.

  The A6M5 Type 52c aircraft taking off on a special attack mission. A 500kg bomb is mounted under the fuselage, and the cannons have been removed to reduce weight. Only two machine guns were left in the wings.  Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  
  

  Ōka planes and Zero pilots

  During the battle for Okinawa, the variety of naval aircraft used in special attack operations was more diverse compared to the Philippine campaign. Among the most well-known were Ōka aircraft, which were carried to their targets by G4M2e Betty bombers. These slow and highly vulnerable bombers were escorted by Zeros from the same unit, Kōkūtai 721. However, the Zeros were not just escorts — they were also used as special attack aircraft, armed with 500 kg bomb. Many of these were A6M5c models, modified to reduce weight by removing their 20mm wing-mounted cannons.

  The formation of these units, named Tenmu, stemmed from the fact that a considerable number of pilots had been trained to fly Ōka aircraft but, due to a shortage of Betty bombers, had no way to carry out their final missions. In addition to several Tenmu units, in May these pilots were reassigned to other special attack units known as Shōwa, Shinken, and Shichisei, which had previously included pilots from the Yatabe, Genzan (II), and Omura Kōkūtai training units.

  A member of Tenmu Unit No. 5, PO2c Setsuo Ishino, received special military honors — albeit from an adversary he likely never expected. On April 11, 1945, he took off from Kanoya Base shortly after noon in a Zero Model 52c. His original target was the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11), but accurate anti-aircraft fire forced him to change course and head for the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) instead. He aimed his Zero at the starboard side of the ship, but the 500 kg bomb he was carrying failed to detonate. As a result, the battleship sustained only minimal damage, and no American sailors were killed. Ishino’s remains were found aboard the ship. Despite objections from his crew, USS Missouri’s captain, William M. Callahan, decided to bury the Japanese aviator at sea with full honors, including the use of a hastily made Japanese flag. (Note 2)

  A month later, on May 11, 1945, two members of Shōwa Unit No. 7 successfully struck the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), causing severe damage. The attack is credited to Seizō Yasunori and Kiyoshi Ogawa, both members of Hikōtai 306, a fighter squadron assigned to Kōkūtai 721. They took off on their final mission at 06:40 from Kanoya Base in southern Kyūshū.

  Their Zeros hit Bunker Hill just after 10:00 AM, resulting in 396 sailors killed and 264 wounded —the highest number of U.S. casualties on a single vessel caused by this type of attack. The carrier was forced to return to the United States for repairs and did not return to combat. (Note 3)

  A Japanese airman helps tie a hachimaki headband on his comrade, symbolizing courage. It was often worn by kamikaze pilots, but it was also used on other occasions, even outside of military settings. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force used various types of aircraft for kamikaze attacks; this photo shows D3A Val dive bombers during the defense of the Philippines. Both the Army and Navy air forces carried out standard bombing attacks on enemy vessels alongside kamikaze missions. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  
  

  Zero trainers in Okinawa battle

  The two-seat A6M2-K Zero trainer was also used in special attack operations. These aircraft came from training units that also organized special attack units, including Tsukuba Kōkūtai, Yatabe Kōkūtai, Genzan (II) Kōkūtai, Ōmura Kōkūtai, and Kasumigaura Kōkūtai. As these were based on the Zero Type 21, they were equipped with weaker engines and carried 250 kg bomb mounted under the fuselage.

   

  Assessment of the special attacks at Okinawa

  During the battle for Okinawa, from early April to late June 1945, the Japanese Naval and Army Air Forces deployed approximately 1,800 aircraft in special attack operations, resulting in the deaths of around 3,000 airmen. By the spring of 1945, some airmen were no longer volunteering for these missions and were instead forced into special attack operations, a practice that sparked protests within parts of the Japanese command. Some pilots even refused to carry out these missions, repeatedly returning to base from bombing flights.

  In this operation, Zero aircraft piloted by kamikaze pilots were deployed not only by the previously mentioned Kōkūtai 721 and training units but also by Kōkūtai 601, 252, and 210. Fighter escort missions using Zero aircraft were provided by Kōkūtai 352 and 131, with the latter also conducting night flights against Allied night fighters along the route between Kyūshū and Okinawa.

  Special attack units were not limited to aircraft; they also utilized boats, Kaiten manned torpedoes, and other combat assets. On the Allied side, an average of 1.5 vessels were struck daily off Okinawa, and the relentless attacks, combined with constant high-alert conditions, led to severe mental and moral exhaustion among many crew members.

  During the campaign, approximately 40 Allied vessels were either sunk or damaged beyond repair, with three-quarters of them being destroyers patrolling the Picket Stations. Perhaps the most famous destroyer on this mission was the USS Laffey, which, on April 16, 1945, withstood an attack by approximately 50 (presumably Army) special attack aircraft. About half of these attackers were shot down by U.S. Navy and USMC fighters, while others were destroyed by the destroyer's anti-aircraft defenses. However, the vessel was struck by four bombs and rammed by eight Japanese aircraft.

  During the battles off Okinawa, nearly 200 additional vessels were damaged by special attack units, including twelve U.S. aircraft carriers, among them the USS Enterprise. The British aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious was also damaged.

  Nearly 5,000 crew members aboard American ships were killed, with approximately the same number wounded in Japanese attacks. Hundreds of casualties also occurred aboard British and Dutch vessels as a result of these attacks.

  Between March 18 and June 22, 1945, U.S. forces engaged in intense aerial battles with Japanese airmen. U.S. Navy (USN) fighters claimed 1,594 aerial victories, while U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) pilots scored 631 kills, and U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) pilots shot down 101 enemy aircraft. A significant portion of these victories were achieved while defending Allied vessels from kamikaze raids.

  A kamikaze pilot in an A6M5 Type 52c crashes near the USS Essex (CV-9) off Okinawa on May 14, 1945. Note the aircraft’s broken tail and the hole in its wing. The plane’s cannons had been removed prior to the kamikaze mission, leaving only the wing-mounted machine guns. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  Wearing flight jackets with the VF-9 insignia, Hellcat pilots pose with a sign commemorating their fifty victories over Japanese aircraft. From left to right: Lieutenant Harris E. Mitchell (9 victories at Okinawa, 10 total), Lieutenant Junior Grade Clinton L. Smith (5 victories at Okinawa, 6 total), Lieutenant Junior Grade James B. French (10 victories at Okinawa, 11 total), and Lieutenant Eugene A. Valencia (12 victories, including 5 at Okinawa, 23 total). Valencia was ranked as the top Allied ace in combat against kamikaze aircraft. Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  
  

  The legacy of kamikaze pilots

  The effectiveness of special attack operations has long been debated. While it is undeniable that these tactics did not prevent Japan’s defeat, Japanese airmen nonetheless managed to strike, damage, or sink a significant number of American vessels, including aircraft carriers. The threat they posed was so severe that the Americans were forced to implement numerous defensive measures, such as deploying forward-positioned destroyers equipped with radar and establishing an air patrol system. The fear of these attacks during the planned invasion of Japan was one of the factors that contributed to the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

  Shortly after Japan’s surrender and the lifting of wartime censorship, the Japanese military command, particularly those responsible for the special attack units, became the target of criticism from religious leaders, intellectuals and scholars. Many former special attack unit pilots, if recognized in public, even faced insults and hostility.

  Gradually, however, public opinion began to shift. Farewell letters from kamikaze pilots were published, surviving veterans shared their testimonies, and with the opening of the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, numerous other memorials dedicated to these pilots were established, including approximately 200 websites.

  The names of 5,843 members of the special attack units are inscribed at Yasukuni Shrine, which honors those who gave their lives for their country — a distinction considered a great honor. The aforementioned Setsuo Ishino also referenced Yasukuni in his farewell letter to his mother, writing: “[…] The day when we meet next will be under the splendid flowers at Yasukuni Shrine. […]”

  A Japanese Yokosuka MXY7 Óka ("Baka") piloted flying bomb, captured intact by Marines on Okinawa, photographed on June 26, 1945, while being studied by experts at the Navy Air Material Unit (N.A.M.). Several dozen launching platforms for Óka aircraft were under construction in the Japanese mountains. The large number of various aircraft prepared by Japanese forces for the defense of the home islands indicated the potential for significant losses among Allied ships and their crews during invasion. This formidable threat was one of the factors contributing to the decision to deploy atomic bombs.  Photo: US Naval Heritage Command

  This bronze statue of a kamikaze pilot stands to the left of the main entrance to the Yūshūkan, founded in 1882 as the museum of the Yasukuni Jinja (Shrine). In 2005, a plaque was placed to the left of the statue, commemorating 5,843 members of the Imperial Japanese Navy and Army Special Attack Units. Representing the 2,514 men of the Naval Kamikaze units, Lieutenant Seki is mentioned as their leader. Photo: Yasuyuki Hirata

  
  

  In preparing the article and the model kit, we were assisted by Mr. Muranishi, Mr. Yoshino, Voytek Kubacki, and Royan Toews. The calligraphy of the inscription 'Kamikaze Tokkōtai' was created by Mrs. Mari Kučera. We would like to thank all of them.

  
  

  Notes:

  1) An interesting issue is the transcription of the term “divine wind,” for which “kamikaze” has become the established term, particularly in reference to Japanese aviators, including in contemporary Japanese media. The name consists of two characters (神風), pronounced “kamikaze” in Japanese transcription and “shinpū” in Sino-Japanese transcription. Both variants are correct, but their usage depends on context. For example, the Japanese Navy had two classes of Kamikaze destroyers in the first half of the 20th century. Veterans of Kōkūtai 201, in a memoir published in 1958 in collaboration with American historians, stated that the term "Kamikaze" should be used exclusively for naval aviators in special attack units. This name was commonly used in the designation of many IJN special attack units. After the war, the word “kamikaze” took on a slightly pejorative connotation in Japan and was sometimes used to describe reckless or foolish actions. For instance, a taxi driver engaging in risky driving might be described as operating a “kamikaze taxi.” Notably, in the Army Air Force special attack units, the term “divine wind” was never used. Instead, the Japanese 6th Air Army employed the term Shinbu-tai (振武隊) for special attack units during the defense of Okinawa. The term “shinbu” can be loosely translated as “military might,” though it carries additional combat-related meanings. Occasionally, the terms shinpū and shinbu are mistakenly used interchangeably when referring to naval and army special attack units.

   

  2) The identification of Ishino as the pilot of the Zero that struck the USS Missouri is not definitive. Another possible, though less likely, candidate is Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenkishi (Kanekichi) Ishii, who was a member of the same special attack unit as Ishino. However, Ishii is credited with an unsuccessful attack on the USS Wisconsin (BB-64).

   

  3) Several sources list the Seizō/Ogawa pair as the pilots responsible for damaging the USS Bunker Hill. However, Dan King, author of a publication on Kōkūtai 721, attributes the damage to other pilots. He identifies Seizō as the pilot of the Zero that was shot down during the attack and places him in Tenmu Unit No. 10.

   

  4) The “(II)” in Genzan (II) Kōkūtai indicates that it was the second unit with the same name in sequence. The first Genzan Kōkūtai was equipped with G3M Nell and G4M Betty bombers and saw combat during the early phase of the Pacific War. In November 1942, it was renamed Kōkūtai 755. It is also possible to encounter the designation “(2)” in the unit’s name. In such cases, this indicates that two units with the same name existed simultaneously, with the numeral “2” used to distinguish them.

   

  Main sources:

  BOBEK, Jan: various articles published in magazines REVI and INFO Eduard

  FERKL, Martin: various articles published in magazine REVI

  HATA, Ikuhiko, YASUHO, Izawa, SHORES, Christopher: Japanese Naval Air Force Fighter Units and Their Aces, 1932–1945

  HATA, Ikuhiko, YASUHO, Izawa, SHORES, Christopher: Japanese Army Air Force Units and Their Aces, 1931–1945

  INOGUCHI, Capt. Rikihei, NAKAJIMA, Cdr. Tadashi with PINEAU, Roger: The Divine Wind, Japan´s Kamikaze Force in World War II

  KING, Dan: Blossoms from the Sky

  Model Art 458: Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force Suicide Attack Unit “Kamikaze”

  RIELLY, Robin L.: Kamikaze Attacks of World War II

  STERN, Robert C.: Fire from the Sky, Surviving the Kamikaze Threat

  WARNER, Denis, WARNER, Peggy with SENO, Cdr. (ret.) Sadao: The Sacred Warriors: Japan´s Suicide Legions

  YOUNG, Edward M.: American Aces Against the Kamikaze

  https://www.kamikazeimages.net/

  
  

• Dekelia Greek Air Force Museum

  Exhibits at the base entrance are Cessna T-41D and Republic F-84F

  
  

  Photo and text: Petr Uzsák

  
  

  Address: HAF Museum, Dekelia Air Base, 13671, Tatoi

  Web: https://www.haf.gr/en/history/museum/

  Exhibitions Office: +30 210-8195250, +30210-8195255, +30 210-8195275

  E-mail: museum@haf.gr

  GPS Coordinates: 38.1002204 – 23.7803797,375

   

  Opening Hours: Every Saturday and Sunday, excluding coinciding National Holidays, 09:30 until 16:30

   

  Access

  The central gate of Dekelia Air Base is located on Tatoiou str. (Acharnes, Attica), and it can be accessed through:

  The Railway Station “DEKELIA”, in a 50 meters distance from the central gate.

  The 537 Bus line, at the stop “AER. VASI DEKELIA”.

  Athens – Thessaloniki Highway (E75). Take the “Thrakomakedones – Olympic Village” exit, follow Kimi’s Avenue. Take “Acharnes – Varimbombi” exit and the central gate is at 300 meters towards Varimbombi.

  
  

  The Hellenic Air Force Museum is a relatively young institution, having existed in its current form since 1986. However, it certainly has a lot to build on, as its aviation collections were previously part of the Hellenic War Museum. The museum is organisationally under the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) administration and its mission is not only historical research, collection, preservation and access to exhibits, but also the retrieval, conservation and restoration of artefacts related to Greek aviation history.

  Greek military aviation has a tradition of more than 110 years. The first six Greek officers went to France for flight training as early as 1911 and the air force was officially established the following year. Immediately afterwards, Greek military aircraft participated in the 1st and 2nd Balkan Wars, followed by the Great War, which we now call World War I. At the time of their creation, the air units were under the command of the Navy, and their independence occurred in 1930, making them the third major component of the armed forces. The Dekelia base, also known as Tatoi, was already used for civilian and military air operations before World War II. During the fighting for Greece between 1940 and 1941, British RAF aircraft were stationed here.

  Right at the entrance we are greeted by a pair of Gateguardians - a Cessna T-41D and a Republic F-84F. The main object of the museum is a large hangar of Italian origin, which was first built on the island of Leros and later transferred to the mainland. Most of the exhibits are concentrated there. The hangar also houses the shop and other related facilities. Around it are placed the aircraft, rockets and vehicles forming part of the collections, which together comprise around fifty complete aircraft.

  Freshly restored Sikorsky UH-19B rescue helicopter

  
  

  The three-dimensional exhibits primarily represent the post-war period, although there are also references to earlier eras and aircraft types on panels and in display cases along the hangar walls. Also of interest is the extensive collection of uniforms, instruments, weapons and documents. I personally was very interested in the circular mechanical computer for F-104G pilots.

  Among the oldest exhibits one can mention the fighter Spitfire Mk.IXC, one of the classics of aviation. We can also admire the Curtiss Helldiver SB2C-5, a bomber rarely seen in Europe. Only five aircraft of this type are said to have survived in the whole world. This particular aircraft is from post-war deliveries, has been restored in an exemplary manner and carries the traditional naval all-blue livery. Other aircraft to be seen include the F-84G, F-84F, RF-84F, F-86D, F-104G, A-7E, F-5A, RF-4E and the Mirage F.1CG, some of them in multiple examples. The machines often carry anniversary livery or other unusual finishes. However, contemporary jet fighters such as the F-16 or Mirage 2000 are not yet available in the museum. These will probably enter the collections when the air force is fully re-equipped with the latest Rafale or F-35 types.

  The larger aircraft are represented by the naval Grumman HU-16B Albatross or the transport Dornier Do 28D. Both types are represented twice in the collections. Another Grumman is also unique, this time a G.159 Gulfstream I with Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines, which was used exclusively for transporting members of the Helenic royal family. Later, when Greece became a republic, the machine was converted for use by the Air Force Command, where it was used to transport VIP passengers. It has been housed in the museum since 1995.

  A moody morning photo. School Cessna T-37 in the company of a combat LTV A-7

  
  

  There are also helicopters, including a civilian Agusta-Bell 47J, a military Agusta-Bell OH-13 and another civilian AB-206A Jet Ranger. Outside on the tarmac is a recently restored Sikorsky UH-19B in a search and rescue version.

  School and training machines are represented by DH.82 Tiger Moth, Cessna T-41D Mescalero (which is similar to the well-known civilian C-172) or also Cessna T-37, for a change with jet propulsion. The Lockheed T-33A, TF-104G or the unusually shaped Convair TF-102A with side-by-side seats cannot be missed either.

  The museum also commemorates the memory of Lieutenant Dimitrios Kamberos, the Greek pilot who made the first military flight on 13 May 1912 in a Farman aircraft. Little known is the involvement of Greek pilots in the Korean War, where they provided transport, supply or reconnaissance missions with seven Dakotas on the side of the UN Command. This too is commemorated here and the collection includes two examples of this legendary transport aircraft. Also highlighted is the role of the air force in protecting the airspace over the Greek islands from infiltration by aircraft from neighbouring Turkey.

  Unusually shaped training version of the Convair TF-102A Delta Dagger

  
  

  A great attraction of the air museum is the underground headquarters of the Nazi Luftwaffe, from the time of the occupation, which is located under the current base. Although it is almost 80 years since the end of the war, many of the underground areas are still inaccessible due to the need to carry out extensive pyrotechnical research. One of the entrances to the complex is located directly inside the hangar. According to the museum staff, only two rooms of the vast space are safe for the time being.

  In addition to the aircraft and their equipment, the collections include air and anti-aircraft missiles, bombs, target missiles, service equipment such as Mercedes Unimog or Dodge trucks, power sources and anti-aircraft searchlights. There are also smaller artefacts, such as the BMW 801 engine from the German Dornier Do 217.

  It is also a little known fact that Greece developed its own unmanned aerial vehicles. These were propeller-driven machines named Pegasus I and Pegasus II, but their development was discontinued in the early 1990s. Both versions are represented in the collections.

  Brightly colored Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter

  
  

  The museum includes restoration workshops that do a very good job. Examples include the North American T-6G Texan or the Canadair CL-13 Mk.2 Sabre, as well as the aforementioned Helldiver. The work of the workshops is closely associated with the Air Force Special Diving Command (KOSYTHE) unit used in search and rescue. One example of their efforts is the Bristol Blenheim Mk. IV of the British 203rd Squadron, which was recovered from the sea off the Cretan town of Rethymno. The wing and engine are still on display. Another is a German Junkers Ju 52/3m transport aircraft recovered off the island of Leros, whose refurbishment is still in progress. There are even plans to bring some of the exhibits to flying condition, specifically the unique Helldiver and Spitfire have been mentioned.

  Entrance to the museum is free, and the website describes access well, both by rail (from Athens Larissa station) and by bus or car. At the gate of the base, foreigners have to show their passport, EU citizens do not have to show anything else. The only drawback I could discover is that the descriptions are only in Greek. However, this too is to be changed and each exhibit is to have a QR code that will refer not only to the general characteristics of the item, but also to the details of its service in the Greek Air Force.

  The staff of the museum, i.e. the air force soldiers, are helpful and experienced and can assist and answer most questions. And the conclusion? If you are thinking of visiting Athens and are an aviation fan, definitely don't hesitate to take a tour.

  Larger machines in the outdoor display - a naval Grumman HU-16B Albatross and a Douglas C-47 transport

  Camouflaged Convair TF-102A Delta Dagger trainer

  Bow section with cameras of the tactical reconnaissance Republic RF-84F Thunderflash

  A-7 Corsair II battle LVT in attractive tiger camo. In front of it are the under development Pegasus I and II drones of indigenous origin

  View of part of the indoor display, with AB-206A Jet Ranger in the foreground

  A reminder of the air war in the Greek sky - preserved parts of a British Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV bomber recovered from the sea

  One of the museum's unique items - a Curtiss Helldiver SB2C-5 naval bomber after a complete restoration

  Lockheed F-104G Starfighter pilot's ejection seat and flying gear

  Current classic, North American F-86D Sabre Dog

  A mechanical computer for the F-104G pilot helped with flight time or fuel consumption data

  Various types of target aircraft that were used for fighter pilot and air defense training

  The entrance to the underground area of the former Luftwaffe regional Headquarters is located in the middle of the hangar

  An aircraft widespread around the world, this time in a military guise - the Cessna T-41D Mescalero

  Grumman G.159 Gulfstream I. originally belonged to the royal family, then used by the Hellenic Air Command

• Aerial War in Ukraine

  MiG-29 from the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade, this time in the typical digital camouflage.

  
  

  The First Mirage 2000s Have Arrived

  
  

  Text: Miro Barič

   

  The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began three years ago, on February 24, 2022. This continuation of the series does not only cover the most recent period from February 1, 2025, to February 28, 2025, but also recaps events from the past year. However, we will start with the most significant updates—developments on the global political scene.

   

  Following the inauguration of President Trump, the United States began distancing itself from its allies. On the one hand, they are correct in stating that Europe has long relied on the U.S. for defense, and it is about the time for Europe to take responsibility for its own security. On the other hand, it is strange, at the very least, that the U.S. treats long-standing allies worse than open adversaries. This applies not only to Europe but also to Canada and Greenland.

   

  Ukraine felt this shift the most. President Volodymyr Zelensky was invited to the White House only for Vice President Vance to publicly argue with him, after which President Trump dismissed him. Subsequently, U.S. military aid and intelligence support for Ukraine were temporarily suspended. As a result, Kyiv agreed to a ceasefire without any conditions. Currently, Moscow is taking their time, setting one condition after another during negotiations. Now, let’s take a look at what has happened in Ukraine over the past year.

   

  February 2024

  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the popular General Valerii Zaluzhnyi from his position as the supreme commander of Ukraine’s armed forces. He was replaced by Oleksandr Syrskyi, who has not proven very effective. Despite heavy losses, Russian forces captured the city of Avdiivka, which had long resisted. Its fall was facilitated by the interruption of U.S. arms and ammunition supplies and Russian aerial bombing using glide bombs. Ukrainian air defenses attempted to counter these attacks, reporting a series of successes, including the confirmed destruction of at least two Su-35s and one Beriev A-50, damage to one Su-34, and the probable destruction of six Su-34s. In naval operations, Ukraine sank the missile corvette Ivanovets and the landing ship César Kunikov.

   

  March 2024

  Republicans in the U.S. Congress continued blocking military aid to Ukraine. A positive development, however, was the launch of the Czech initiative to purchase artillery ammunition for Ukraine. Ukrainian forces began running out of air defense missiles, leading to increased losses in ground equipment, as Russian reconnaissance drones were able to operate freely. Loss of the first Ukrainian HIMARS launcher was confirmed. Notably, the Russian Defense Ministry had claimed back in summer 2022 that it had already destroyed 40 of them—despite only 20 having been delivered. A significant loss for Ukraine was the partial destruction of a Patriot missile battery. In terms of aircraft losses, Ukraine lost one MiG-29, three Mi-8s, and one Mi-24, while Russia lost one Su-27 and one Il-76. The Black Sea Fleet continued to suffer losses, with the patrol ship Sergei Kotov sunk. A missile strike using Storm Shadow/Scalp-EG missiles hit an occupied area of Crimea, destroying the communication center of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and damaging three ships in Sevastopol harbor.

   

  April 2024

  Republicans finally ceased blocking aid to Ukraine. While the Slovak government refused to provide assistance, Slovak civil activists launched the "Ammunition for Ukraine" campaign, raising 4 million euros in three weeks. However, due to the ongoing shortage of air defense missiles, Ukrainian civilians continued to suffer. For example, during an attack on the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant, Ukrainian defenses intercepted 7 out of 11 Russian missiles, but the remaining four, which could not be stopped, struck the facility directly. Despite challenges, Ukraine had some successes, particularly in targeting Russian airfields. A major milestone was the first confirmed downing of a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber since the start of the war.

   

  May 2024

  Ukrainian attacks on airfields, refineries, and fuel depots intensified. At least two Russian ships were sunk in Crimea. Russia attempted an offensive on Kharkiv, but it was quickly repelled, with Russian forces advancing no further than two border villages. In response to the attack, the West permitted Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons in limited strikes on Russian territory. Prior to the assault, Ukrainian intelligence had detected the buildup of Russian forces but had been unable to act against them.

   

  June 2024

  During an attack on the Akhtubinsk airbase, 600 km from the front line, Ukrainian drones damaged at least one of Russia’s latest Su-57 fighter jets. Russia escalated its airstrikes on Ukrainian airfields, anticipating the arrival of F-16 fighters. At the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Ukraine would receive Mirage 2000 fighter jets, marking a significant shift in military aid.

   The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense released this image selection of an F-16 and Mirage 2000 without markings. Full images of the Mirage in Ukrainian colors have not yet been published.

  A video footage of Ukrainian pilots training in France.

  A photograph of a Mirage 2000 tail with a Ukrainian insignia appeared on the Telegram network.

  
  

  July 2024

  The most important event of the month was the delivery of the first F-16 fighters to Ukraine. Russia continued its tactics of large-scale terrorist attacks on civilian targets coinciding with major events. The day before a NATO summit, which Ukraine attended, missile strikes on multiple cities killed 47 people and injured 189. Among the targets was the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv. Russia also continued targeting Ukrainian airfields but suffered significant aircraft losses, including two Mi-28 helicopters, two Mi-8s, one Ka-27, one Su-25, one Su-34, and one Su-30. Three additional Russian aircraft and one helicopter were damaged.

   

  August 2024

  Ukrainian forces launched a surprise and successful raid into Russia’s Kursk region, seizing a large area, capturing many Russian soldiers, and destroying entire convoys of reinforcements initially sent in chaos. Ukrainian troops managed to hold onto the captured territory for several months despite Russian counteroffensives. During these battles, Russia lost at least five helicopters. However, Ukraine also suffered a significant aviation loss—an F-16 was destroyed during its first combat deployment while repelling a Russian missile and drone attack. The pilot was killed, and it is believed the aircraft was mistakenly shot down by friendly air defense fire.

   Ukraine's 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade released new footage of a well-known MiG-29 in black livery. The reason for this camouflage is unknown.

  Older photos of the black MiG-29, still without the yellow-blue quick identification markings. Its fuselage number remains unknown.

  
  

  September 2024

  Two major Russian airstrikes stood out. In Lviv, western Ukraine, Russian missiles struck around 50 residential buildings in the historic city center. In one home, a Kinzhal missile killed seven people, including three young children. In Poltava, an Iskander missile strike hit a military academy where Ukrainian forces had unfortunately gathered a large number of personnel, resulting in 59 deaths and 329 injuries. Meanwhile, Ukraine struck several large Russian ammunition depots. In a notable incident, Russia itself contributed to a massive explosion—during a test launch at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, an RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile exploded, leaving a crater over 60 meters in diameter.

   

  October 2024

  Russia unintentionally provided Ukraine and its Western allies with a gift—the newest Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik combat drone. The aircraft escorted the Su-57 Fighter but lost control. As it approached the front line, the fighter shot it down with a missile. However, the debris fell on the other side of the line and was recovered by Ukrainian soldiers. Additionally, Russian aviation lost five aircraft and one helicopter this month. On the Ukrainian side, photos of a downed MiG-29AS fighter, previously delivered from Slovakia, surfaced. It was likely an aircraft with the original Slovak number 2123.

   Symbols of guided bomb attacks on the nose of the MiG-29. Its fuselage number is still unknown.

  One of 14 MiG-29 fighter jets donated to Ukraine by Poland.

  
  

  November 2024

  Ukraine received permission to use long-range ATACMS missiles against targets on Russian territory. However, Ukraine had only a few of these missiles, and the permission came too late. In retaliation, Russia demonstrated its strength by using a prototype of the new medium-range ballistic missile "Oreshnik." It hit an industrial facility in Dnipro but did not cause significant damage.

   

  December 2024

  Russian air defense shot down an Embraer 190AR civilian aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines, which was flying from Baku to Grozny. A missile exploded near its tail, damaging the hydraulic system. Despite the crew's struggles to control the aircraft, Russian air traffic controllers refused to allow it to land at other airports and redirected it over the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan. The crew barely managed to keep it in the air, but during an attempt to land in Aktau, the aircraft crashed. Of the 67 people on board, 38 did not survive, including both pilots. Russia has so far refused to take responsibility.

   From the Ukrainian side, the first confirmed downing of an aircraft using naval drones occurred. Ukraine mounted R-73 missiles on Magura V5 boats and shot down two Russian Mi-8 helicopters on the last day of the year. Each helicopter had an eight-member crew, and no one survived the shootdown.

   A Ukrainian Air Force Su-27UB1M carrying the fuselage number "Blue 69."

  
  

  January 2025

  Following the inauguration of President Trump, the United States began shifting its stance away from Ukraine and towards Putin’s regime. Not much happened in the air (apart from nightly Russian drone and missile attacks), but several older losses were confirmed by court rulings, particularly on the Russian side.

   

  February 2025

  Good News First. Ukraine received its first Mirage 2000 aircraft from France. These are Mirage 2000-5F variants, originally designed purely for air combat, developed from the Mirage 2000C. The French Air Force had 37 of these, with 26 remaining in service. It is unclear how many Ukraine has received so far—reports suggest three, with more to follow.

   The Mirage 2000-5F features new cockpit displays, powerful radars, and the ability to carry MICA air-to-air missiles with a range of 60-80 km, making them excellent fighters. As previously mentioned, President Macron announced their delivery in June 2024. While Ukrainian pilots were in training, the French modified these aircraft to carry a wide range of air-to-ground weapons, including Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles, which Ukraine has already used successfully.

   Previously, only Ukraine’s aging Soviet-era Su-24 strike aircraft could carry these missiles, but their numbers were dwindling due to a lack of spare parts. The Mirage 2000s will be a significant reinforcement. Additionally, they can carry ASM-250 HAMMER guided bombs, which Ukraine has also used effectively—each Mirage can carry up to eight of these bombs.

   For now, Ukraine is expected to use the Mirage 2000 similarly to the F-16s—initially deploying them against incoming Russian cruise missile attacks. As pilots gain more experience, they will also engage in ground attack missions at the front and other combat operations. A similar transition is happening with the F-16s, which initially only countered Russian nighttime air raids but in February 2025, they were spotted carrying guided bombs.

   Speaking of the F-16, on Thursday, February 6, the same day French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the delivery of Mirage 2000-5Fs, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that another batch of F-16s had arrived from the Netherlands. With previous deliveries from Denmark, Ukraine now has over 20 F-16s in active service. Additional F-16s had been sent earlier to Romania, where Ukrainian pilots are training on them.

   

  Escalation of Russian Attacks

  The bad news is that Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have continued and intensified. On Sunday, February 23, a day before the war’s anniversary, Russia launched its largest drone attack to date, deploying 267 kamikaze drones. Ukrainian defenses shot down 138, while 119 crashed due to electronic warfare disruptions or were decoys meant to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.

   The following night, Russia launched 185 kamikaze drones, and on Tuesday, February 25, another 213 drones and seven cruise missiles.

   Ukraine has made progress in countering Russian guided bombs, which had been causing significant problems at the front. Ukrainian electronic warfare measures have successfully started disrupting their guidance systems.

   

  Air Losses

  During the reporting period, each side suffered one operational aircraft loss.  On Sunday, February 2, Ukraine lost a Su-27 fighter jet. According to The Military Watch, it was a Su-27P1M with tail number "Blue 59" from the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade. The aircraft was returning from a combat mission near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region when it was reportedly hit by an R-37M missile from a Russian Su-30SM2 fighter. The Ukrainian pilot, Captain Ivan Bolotov, was killed.

   On Saturday, February 8, the Russian Air Force lost a Su-25 attack aircraft. It was shot down near Zaitseve in the Bakhmut district of the Donetsk region by a portable missile fired by Ukrainian soldiers from the 28th Independent Mechanized Brigade. The strike and the aircraft's crash were captured on video. The Russian pilot managed to eject.

   A Russian Mi-8 rescue helicopter was dispatched to retrieve the downed pilot. It was attacked by several FPV drones but managed to escape.

   There was also an unrelated loss of a Russian civilian aircraft. A Tecnam P2002JF Sierra light sports aircraft, registered as RA-01808 and belonging to Aero Region Training, crashed near Myachkovo Airport in the Moscow region on Thursday, February 6. The crash and subsequent fire killed both people on board, one of whom was Vitaly Kiyashko, a retired Russian Air Force major and former Su-25 attack pilot.

  Captain Ivan Bolotov from Ukraine’s 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade, who was killed on February 2 during a combat mission.

  Captain Ivan Bolotov was reportedly killed in a Su-27P1M fighter jet with fuselage number "Blue 59."

  The downing of a Russian Su-25 on February 8 was captured on video.

  A rescue Mi-8 helicopter flew on February 8 to pick up the downed Su-25 pilot. A parachute is visible in a tree to the left of the helicopter. The Mi-8 became a target for FPV drone attacks but managed to escape.

  On February 8, a civilian Tecnam P2002JF Sierra aircraft crashed in the Moscow region.

  The Tecnam P2002JF Sierra crash resulted in the death of a retired Russian Air Force Major Vitaly Kiyashko.

  
  

• July Stirlings

  Text: Jan Bobek

  Illustration: Piotr Forkasiewicz

  Cat. No. 84206

  
  

  By the summer of 1941, when the RAF’s daily air offensive over the occupied European coast had reached its peak, British command was already aware that this strategy was resulting in heavy losses, significantly higher than those suffered by the Luftwaffe. The RAF aimed to engage the enemy primarily through Operations Sweep and Circus. While the former involved deploying only fighter squadrons, the latter featured large-scale fighter escorts for a small group of Blenheim bombers. However, within the range of these formations, there were few targets of real strategic value to the German occupiers.

  Following the German invasion of the Soviet Union, RAF command intensified daylight operations over the continent, assuming that this would compel the Luftwaffe to retain more units in France, thereby easing pressure on the Soviets. This assumption, however, proved incorrect. The Germans were advancing rapidly into Soviet territory and performing well on the African front. By the second half of 1941, only JG 2 "Richthofen" and JG 26 "Schlageter" remained in France. Both were seasoned units that, working closely with ground controllers, effectively employed hit-and-run tactics.

  At the beginning of July 1941, RAF command decided to involve in Circus operations the four-engine Short Stirling bombers of No. 7 and No. 15 Squadrons of No. 3 Group under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Jack Baldwin. However, no more than eight Stirling bombers were deployed on any given day, and no more than six participated in a single Circus operation.

  In early July, RAF command also received intelligence, revealing that German fighter units had been ordered to engage only if bombers were present in the British formation. This led the RAF, in some cases, to adopt a tactic of sending bombers only as far as the coast to provoke a German response. Under the right conditions, the bombers would then be quickly withdrawn back.

  One of the units that took part in Operations Sweep and Circus was the Tangmere Wing, commanded by the renowned Douglas Bader. In the first half of 1941, RAF fighter pilots were still flying in formations of three aircraft consisting of a leader and two wingmen. In contrast, their German opponents had been using a more flexible four-aircraft formation since the Spanish Civil War.

  The British three-aircraft formation posed several challenges. It increased the risk of collisions between wingmen, who had to remain close together, often at the expense of situational awareness. Additionally, the tight formation required frequent engine adjustments, and the wingmen typically consumed more fuel than the leader, who could fly more efficiently. As a result, formations were often forced to return from enemy territory earlier than necessary due to fuel concerns.

  Douglas Bader himself remarked, he could have shot down far more "Huns" if his wingmen hadn’t frequently reported low fuel. The "Finger Four" formation, which addressed many of these issues, wasn’t adopted by the Tangmere Wing and other RAF units until mid-1941.

  Bader was also notably stubborn about aircraft armament. He firmly believed that eight machine guns were more effective than the two cannons and four machine guns. For this reason, he preferred the Spitfire Mk.IIa variant over the newer Mk.V. He later admitted, however, that he had been wrong in this regard.

  During July, Wing Commander Bader destroyed seven Bf 109s, claimed four as probables and damaged seven. This was roughly comparable in number of victories to his score during the Battle of Britain. And by the summer of 1941 his subordinates were showing exhaustion similar to that experienced by RAF fighters in the summer and autumn of 1940. Bader relentlessly led his men into further action, leading some of his subordinates to the brink of mutiny.

  Douglas Bader was also present during the last deployment of Stirling bombers as part of Operation Circus. During the morning raid on Lille on 21 July 1941 (Circus 54), the formation of three Stirlings was an easy target for German flak. One of the bombers made an emergency landing at Manston with two engines out. The downing of the bomber was somewhat optimistically credited to the commander of I./JG 26, Hptm. Seifert. His unit, engaged in dogfights with escorts, reported four Spitfires as shot down. Three more were claimed by III./JG 2.  RAF fighters managed to shoot down one Bf 109 E-7 from II./JG 26 and one Bf 109 F, with another another badly damaged, from II./JG 2. Bader scored a 0,5 kill during the morning action and damaged one more Bf 109 during the afternoon (Circus 55). During the afternoon sortie, however, three Stirlings were recalled back to base and this brought the deployment of this type in Circus operations to a close. Douglas Bader was down to the last three weeks of his combat career.

• Like a Painting on Canvas

  Text: Jan Bobek

  Illustration: Antonis Karydis

  Cat. No. 7476

  
  

  Market Garden was the largest Allied airborne operation of World War II, launched on 17 September 1944 in the Netherlands. Its objective was to use paratroopers (the "Market" component) and the rapid advance of ground forces (the "Garden" component) to seize key bridges over rivers and canals, thereby creating a corridor for an attack into Germany. However, the operation ultimately failed due to strong German resistance, poor coordination, and delays in the Allied advance, particularly at Arnhem, where British paratroopers were unable to hold a crucial bridge.

  Air power played a vital role in the operation, providing support for airborne troops, supply drops, and ground forces. The first aircraft to patrol the drop zone on 17 September were Mustang IIIs from No. 122 Wing of the RAF. On the Luftwaffe side, II./JG 6, flying Focke-Wulf Fw 190s, was the first to reach the target area. In an engagement, presumably with No. 65 Squadron RAF, the German unit lost four aircraft and had one damaged. All three Gruppen of JG 26 also joined the battle. Despite losing two aircraft and their pilots, they claimed 11 victories in combat with various British and American air force units.

  On 17 and 18 September, the Luftwaffe committed two Geschwader Stabs and eight fighter Gruppen over the airborne area, diverting from defending against American bombers. Attacks focused on transport aircraft and gliders, though reaching them proved difficult under heavy Allied cover.

  On 18 September, poor weather limited operations to about 200 Luftwaffe aircraft, while Allied pilots also struggled with flying conditions. Canadian units from No. 125 and 126 Wings RCAF saw combat, but the day’s biggest achievement came from the U.S. 357th Fighter Group flying P-51s. They downed 22 enemy aircraft, mostly Bf 109s and Fw 190s from JG 6 and JG 300.

  On 19 September, weather grounded British 2nd TAF fighters, but clearer skies on the German side allowed about 150 Luftwaffe fighters to operate over the battlefield. Though they failed to reach the Allied transports, the Luftwaffe briefly gained air superiority. That advantage was quickly challenged by nearly 130  Spitfires from Air Defense of Great Britain (RAF Fighter Command, ADGB) and over 180 P-51 Mustangs from the U.S. 8th Air Force. German fighters from II./JG 6, II./JG 11, II./JG 26, III./JG 26, and III./JG 27 claimed 11 victories but lost 16 of their own.

  One dramatic moment from the day is depicted in a box art illustration by Antonis Karydis, capturing 1st Lt. Arval James Roberson of the 362nd Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, scoring his fifth victory. His unit arrived over the target area around 5 p.m. In front of him, he saw a sunlit wall of high cloud stretching to the coast, with an intense aerial battle unfolding beneath it, like a scene from a painter’s canvas or a Hollywood film. His firsthand account can be read in an article by Merle C. Olmsted here.

  Roberson’s unit managed to attack a group of Messerschmitt Bf 109s, likely from II./JG 11, as they attempted to disengage from the combat zone. In the ensuing engagement, American pilots claimed twenty victories over Bf 109s and an additional five over Fw 190s.

  Roberson’s first target was a Bf 109, his guns struck directly the cockpit, which immediately burst into flames, the pilot did not bail out. He then pursued a second Bf 109, hitting it first in the tail section and then in the engine. Smoke and coolant streamed from the damaged aircraft. Although he lost sight of it in the final seconds of the chase, his wingman, Charles Goss, confirmed the kill after landing. Their adversaries from II./JG 11 lost four aircraft in the skirmish, and one pilot was killed while descending by parachute.

  However, the 357th Fighter Group also paid a price. Five of their pilots failed to return from the mission. At least four were shot down by Focke-Wulfs from 5./JG 26, led by Lt. Vogt. Among those lost was Maj. Edward Hiro, commander of the 363rd Fighter Squadron, who was flying his final mission before returning to the United States. Capt. Bruce McIntyre of the 364th FS and his two wingmen also did not return. Fortunately, they survived and were taken as prisoners of war. One of them had been flying as a replacement and wore his dress uniform, as he had originally planned to spend the day on a date with a lovely young woman in London. The last pilot from the 357th FG shot down that day was James Blanchard of the 362nd FS, most likely downed by a Bf 109 pilot from II./JG 11.

  In the days that followed, the 357th FG continued to fly combat missions over the Netherlands, but no further enemy contact was made. This was partly due to unfavorable weather, both over the Dutch front and at their home bases in England. Fierce aerial battles over the drop zone continued until the end of Operation Market Garden on September 25, 1944.

• Markings for KAMIKAZE TOKKŌTAI 1/48

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, probably c/n 4271, Lt. Yukio Seki, 1st Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, Shikishima-tai, Mabalacat airfield, Phillipines, October 1944

  In October 1944, as part of the 1st Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, the first nine groups of kamikaze pilots were organized, mostly from Kōkūtai 201, including the Shikishima unit. Its CO was Lieutenant Yukio Seki. He was born in 1921 (NA 70th class, 1941), he initially served on the battleship Fusō then experienced the Battle of Midway aboard the seaplane tender Chitose. In September 1944, he was assigned to Kōkūtai 201 in the Philippines, where he helped train pilots in skip bombing. After suffering heavy losses, the unit received replacement aircraft from other formations at Mabalacat, including Hikōtai 602 (Kōkūtai 381), from which aircraft 02-112 originated. On October 25, Seki led one of seven groups of Zero pilots in an attack on Taffy 3 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, escorted by fighter ace Hiroyoshi Nishizawa from Kōkūtai 203. The aircraft, most likely piloted by Seki, struck the escort carrier USS St. Lo, which sank after 30 minutes. Of the 889 crew members, 113 were killed or went missing, while about thirty others later died from their injuries. One of the survivors, ACOM Earl F. Roberts, found a A6M5 Mitsubishi Co. tail data plate no. 2968 before abandoning the ship. From this, it is estimated that the aircraft's serial number was likely 4271 and that it was manufactured between late October and early November 1943.

   

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, Hikōtai 165, Kōkūtai 653, IJN Zuihō, Ōita base, Japan, September 1944

  This Mitsubishi manufactured aircraft was assigned to Kōkūtai 653, which was established in February 1944. The division of colors on the fuselage is characteristic of aircraft produced by Mitsubishi. Kōkūtai 653 participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944 aboard the carriers Chitose, Chiyoda, and Zuihō. Most of its armament consisted of A6M2 Type 21 fighter-bombers. Out of the nine carrier squadron commanders, only one survived. After the battle, Kōkūtai 653 was reorganized into four Hikōtais. Lt. Kenji Nakagawa led Hikōtai 164 and 165 with 48 A6M5 fighters each. Lt. Tetsuo Endō led 48 A6M fighter-bombers of Hikōtai 166, while bombers were assigned to Hikōtai 263. In the fall of 1944, Kōkūtai 653 suffered 50% losses in the defense of Taiwan. During the defense of the Philippines, Hikōtai 164 operated from land bases. The aircraft of Hikōtai 165 were deployed aboard aircraft carriers during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, with numbers on upper part of the tail indicating their carrier: Zuikaku (1), Zuihō (2), Chitose (3), and Chiyoda (4). After the loss of all carriers, Kōkūtai 653 fought in the Philippines. Several of its pilots escorted Kamikaze missions as part of Reisen-tai on October 29 and November 6. Kōkūtai 653 was disbanded on November 15, 1944.

   

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, Kōkūtai 210, Meiji Base, Japan, winter 1944-1945

  This Nakajima manufactured aircraft featured a fuselage color scheme characteristic of this producer. Kōkūtai 210 was established in September 1944 at Meiji Base as an operational training unit equipped with A6M Zero and N1K1-J fighters, J1N night fighters, as well as bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. The Zero squadron, consisting of 48 aircraft, was commanded by Lt. Toshio Shiozuru. During U.S. carrier-based air raids on Japan on February 16–17, 1945, Kōkūtai 210 pilots claimed 14 confirmed and 4 probable victories while losing one aircraft. From late March, 32 A6Ms and 14 N1K1-Js were transferred to Kokubu No. 1 Base under Kōkūtai 601. From April 6, Kōkūtai 210 fighters engaged in battles over Okinawa, achieving 6 victories at the cost of 10 aircraft. During the Kikusui I special attack operation, Kōkūtai 210 formed several Kamikaze units, including Dai 210 Butai Reisen-tai, which was armed with Zeros. On April 6, the unit launched 12 Zeros with 10 escorting N1K1-Js against enemy forces 80 nautical miles from Tokunoshima. On April 11, three more Zeros with Kamikaze pilots were deployed against enemy carriers east of Okinawa. In mid-April, Kōkūtai 210 was reorganized as a pure fighter unit, and remained in reserve in case of an invasion of Japan.

   

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, Lt. (jg) Seizō Yasunori, Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, Dai 7 Shōwa-tai, Kanoya Base, Japan, May 1945

  Although this aircraft bears the Yatabe Kōkūtai designation and was assigned to Kamikaze Unit Shōwa No. 7, which was formed from Yatabe Kōkūtai, its pilot belonged to a different unit. He was Lt. (jg) Seizō Yasunori from Fighter Hikōtai 306, which operated under Kōkūtai 721 “Jinrai Butai” (Divine Thunder Corps), providing fighter escort for G4M Betty bombers modified to carry Yokosuka MXY-7 Ōka rocket planes. Seizō Yasunori had also trained for Ōka missions, but due to heavy losses of Betty bombers, he was reassigned to Kamikaze Unit Kenmu No. 10, one of over 20 Kamikaze units formed from Zero pilots of Kōkūtai 721. This unit launched over 200 Zero fighters in Kamikaze attacks – second only to Kōkūtai 201, which deployed the most Zero Kamikaze pilots during the defense of the Philippines. On May 11, 1945, Yasunori was one of the pilots who attacked the USS Bunker Hill. The ship was first hit by a bomb and then by the aircraft of his fellow pilot, Lt.(jg) Yoshiaki Shibata. Shortly after, Ensign Kyioshi Ogawa struck the flight deck with a bomb from his burning aircraft. Yasunori attempted to deliver the final blow to the aircraft carrier, but he was shot down by an anti-aircraft fire. The USS Bunker Hill suffered 393 crew members killed or missing and 264 wounded, making it the deadliest Kamikaze attack in history.

   

  A6M5 Zero Type 52, Lt. Nao Sugisaki, Kōkūtai 352, Ōmura Base, Japan, March 1945

  On aircraft manufactured by Nakajima, such as this one, propeller spinners were left in natural metal finish during final assembly until the end of the war. At the unit level, they were typically repainted in dark green or brown, left unpainted, or given specific identification markings. Kōkūtai 352 was established in August 1944 to provide aerial defense for the cities of Sasebo, Nagasaki, and Ōmura. The unit was equipped with Zero fighters, Raiden interceptors and Gekkō night fighters and escorted the Kamikaze airmen using their Zero fighters. An unusual numbering system for tail markings was used. Zero fighter squadron was led by Lieutenant Nao Sugisaki, who was born in 1920 and graduated from the Naval Academy (69th class) in March 1941. From August 1944, the unit engaged B-29 bomber formations, and during one such battle, Sugisaki was killed on March 31, 1945, over Misumi in Kumamoto Prefecture. The aircraft 352-177 was likely assigned to him but it is not certain whether he flew it on his last mission. In April 1945, part of Kōkūtai 352, led by Lieutenant Manae Uematsu, relocated to Kokubu Air Base. There, they participated in escort missions to protect and observe the results of Kamikaze attacks during Operation Kikusui, the defense of Okinawa. However, Kōkūtai 352 was not assigned to provide its own aircraft or pilots for Kamikaze attacks.

   

  A6M2-K, Ensign Kōzō Koizumi, Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, Dai 7 Shōwa-tai, Kanoya Base, Japan, April 1945

  The aircraft bears the designation Ya, indicating its affiliation with the Yatabe Kōkūtai. This training unit was established in 1939 and, after being reorganized under this name in December 1944, continued to specialize exclusively in fighter training. It operated A6M Zero, N1K Shiden, J2M Raiden, and the two-seat A6M2-K aircraft. In total, the unit had 180 aircraft at its disposal. In early 1945, the Yatabe Kōkūtai participated in Japan’s defensive battles. In April, it formed Kamikaze Shōwa Units Nos. 1 through 5 from a cadre of its instructors. One of its pilots, Kōzō Koizumi, took part in a Kamikaze attack on April 29, 1945, against Allied aircraft carriers east of Okinawa. This attack marked the final day of Operation Kikusui IV, which had been ongoing since April 21. During Operation Kikusui IV, Kamikaze attacks struck 18 vessels, sinking the minesweeper USS Swallow, Landing Craft Support (LCS-15), and the cargo ship Canada Victory, which was carrying 7,000 tons of explosives. On April 29 alone, the destroyers USS Haggard and USS Hazelwood were damaged, resulting in 57 deaths and 66 wounded. By this point, after nearly a month of relentless Japanese air offensive – combining conventional air raids with Kamikaze attacks – Allied crews were suffering from severe sleep deprivation due to constant alerts and were even unable to change their clothes.

  
  

  A6M2-K, Kasumigaura Kōkūtai, Sentōki Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, Chitose Base, Japan, July 1945

  Kasumigaura Kōkūtai was the third oldest aviation unit of the Imperial Japanese Navy. It was established in November 1922, and among its first aircraft types were the Avro 504 and Sparrowhawk. This unit played a key role in training cadres of the Japanese naval air force. Among the instructors who served in this unit were Akio Matsuba (18 victories) and Kunioshi Tanaka (17 victories). One of the pilots who underwent training at Kasumigaura Kōkūtai was Wataru Nakamichi, who achieved 15 victories and was one of the escort pilots for the missions with Yokosuka MXY-7 Ōka aircraft within the Kōkūtai 721. Towards the end of the war, Kasumigaura Kōkūtai allocated twenty A6M2-K training aircraft for Kamikaze missions, but the order for deployment was never issued before the war ended. The Japanese army and naval air force were conserving their reserves and replenishing aircraft of all categories for Kamikaze attacks against the anticipated Allied landing on the Japanese home islands. The Japanese planned to strike (though not necessarily sink) approximately 50% of enemy vessels due to the expected proximity of targets during the landing.

   

  A6M2-K, Lt. (jg) Tamotsu Kaneko, Kamikaze Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, Dai 1 Tsukuba-tai, Kanoya Base, Japan, April 1945

  The Tsukuba Kōkūtai training unit was separated from Kasumigaura Kōkūtai in December 1938. Over time, the focus of training provided by the unit changed. In November 1944, Tsukuba Kōkūtai assigned experienced instructors to form a fighter squadron equipped with Zero and Shiden aircraft. This squadron engaged in combat with B-29 bombers and U.S. carrier-based aircraft as early as January and February 1945. At the end of March 1945, Tsukuba Kōkūtai was ordered to form its own Kamikaze units, designated Tsukuba-tai No. 1 to No. 6. However, the last two Kamikaze units were staffed by Zero pilots from Kōkūtai 721. On April 6, 1945, during the first day of Operation Kikusui I, Lt. (jg) Tamotsu Kaneko was deployed with aircraft Tsu-460. Along with 16 other pilots from his unit, he attacked convoys near Okinawa. On April 6, a total of 391 naval aircraft and 133 army aircraft were dispatched from bases in Taiwan and Japan to the Okinawa area. Among them, the Navy assigned 215 and the Army 82 aircraft for Kamikaze attacks. However, a relatively large number of aircraft had to return due to malfunctions or other issues. During the Kamikaze attacks, 20 American vessels were hit. The destroyers USS Bush, Colhoun, and Emmons were sunk, and the British aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious was also damaged.

  
  

  A6M2-K, Tsukuba Kōkūtai, Tsukuba Base, Japan, 1944

  The design of the two-seat training aircraft, which was based on the A6M2 Type 21 carrier-based fighter, was developed by 21st Naval Air Arsenal at the Ōmura base. The development started in 1942, with the prototype completed in November of that year. The aircraft was designated A6M2-K Type 11. To reduce weight, the cannons were removed from the wings. Some sources state that only the starboard machine gun was retained, while others mention armament consisting of two machine guns. The front cockpit for the student pilot was not equipped with canopy and had folding doors on the sides. Two fins were added to the rear fuselage to improve stability. Production of the A6M2-K at the 21st Naval Air Arsenal began in January 1943 using components from Mitsubishi and, primarily, Nakajima. A total of 218 units were produced there by July 1945. The A6M2-K was also manufactured by Hitachi, which delivered 279 units between May 1944 and July 1945. According to a painting regulation issued in September 1942, training aircraft were painted yellow-orange on all surfaces. Due to this, the national insignia on the underside was given a white border. The use of numbers on the undersides of A6M2-K aircraft in the Tsukuba Kōkūtai is not photographically confirmed due to the angle on which  the available images were taken. However, three-digit numbers on the wings on A6M2s of this unit are confirmed by photographic evidence. Therefore, their use on the A6M2-K is also possible.

  
  

  A6M2-K, Tsukuba Kōkūtai, Tsukuba Base, Japan, 1944

  In July 1943, a regulation was issued that, among other things, mandated that training aircraft deployed in combat operations or based in areas where the enemy was active should be painted like combat aircraft. In practice, this led to the repainting of already-produced A6M2-K trainers. One such aircraft was Tsu-415, which is known from a photograph showing it with a yellow-orange coating on all surfaces. However, in a later photograph, it appears camouflaged with dark green paint on the upper surfaces, while the original paint and markings on the tail remained unchanged. A6M2-K aircraft were also used for target towing during training. In February 1945, Tsukuba Kōkūtai was ordered to form Kamikaze units. The training program for these pilots included the following requirements: at least eight pattern flights, a minimum of seven formation flights, at least ten instrument flights, a minimum of ten special attack training flights, at least six flights in darkness, five flights to a designated target, and a minimum of five navigation flights.

• Markings for Spitfire Mk.IIa 1/48

  P7966, W/Cdr Douglas R. S. Bader, CO of Tangmere Wing, RAF Tangmere, United Kingdom, March - July 1941

  The Spitfire Mk.IIa serial number P7966 with the Manxman donation inscription was the first Spitfire to bear Bader’s initials as a fuselage code. Bader took advantage of this privilege when he was appointed commander of the Tangmere Wing in March 1941 using the initials D-B on the fuselage, plus the Wing Commander’s pennant under the windshield. His personal call sign was Dogsbody. After No. 145 Squadron commanded by Bader’s friend, S/Ldr Stan Turner, joined the Tangmere Wing in May 1941, a cartoon of Hitler kicked by a boot was painted on the left side of the engine cowling on both commanders’ personal Spitfires as a reminder of the emblem used by the Hurricanes of No. 242 Squadron, in which Bader and Turner had flown during the Battle of Britain. Bader’s Spitfire had metal ailerons and carried the A camouflage pattern, but with a non-standard layout of camouflage fields behind the fuselage cockpit. The rudder and both elevator surfaces used in the assembly of the aircraft were most likely from another Spitfire which carried the B camouflage pattern. Bader shot down 10 aircraft with P7966, probably shot down four others and damaged seven. On September 9, 1941, during a dogfight with German fighters over Saint Omer, he was accidentally shot down by his wingman. He lost one of his prosthetics while bailing out of his Spitfire Mk.Va W3819, he was then captured and spent most of the rest of the war at Colditz Castle, where he was liberated in April 1945. In all, Douglas Bader achieved 24 kills during his career, four of which were shared, seven probable and 11 enemy aircraft damaged. 

   

  P7619, S/Ldr Brian J. E. Lane, CO of No. 19 Squadron, RAF Duxford/RAF Fowlmere, United Kingdom, January-June 1941

  Brian John Edward Lane DFC was a fighter ace and respected commander of No. 19 Squadron. He was born on June 18, 1917, and joined the RAF in 1936. After completing his training, he was posted to No. 66 Squadron in January 1937 then No. 213 Squadron in June. Shortly after the outbreak of war he became a Flying Officer with No. 19 Squadron. In July 1940, he was awarded the DFC for his successes over Dunkirk and officially became Squadron Commander on September 5 of the same year. The Spitfires that Brian Lane regularly flew had his personal emblem under the cockpit – a swastika pierced by a yellow lightning bolt. Spitfire P7619, which S/Ldr Brian Lane flew throughout the first half of 1941, had the emblem of the swastika and lightning bolt depicted under the commander’s pennant. For a time, his Spitfire carried a non-standard rear-view mirror system with additional mirrors on either side of the windscreen frame, but as the effectiveness of such a set-up was doubtful, it was soon removed. In June 1941 Lane was assigned to No. 12 Group Headquarters and in November was sent on a tour of duty in the Middle East. In June 1942 he returned to the UK and took command of No. 61 OTU. On December 9, 1942, he took command of No. 167 Squadron. Four days after his arrival he led three other Spitfires over the Dutch coast and was last seen in pursuit of two Fw 190s. He was most likely shot down over the North Sea. During his wartime career he scored seven confirmed kills, two unconfirmed, one probable and damaged one enemy aircraft.

   

  P8084, F/Lt James J. O´Meara, No. 64 Squadron, RAF Drem, United Kingdom, September - October 1941

  This Spitfire Mk.IIa from No. 64 Squadron carried the then new Day Fighter Scheme camouflage, introduced by Air Ministry order of August 19, 1941. After this date, RAF Fighter Command’s day fighters were painted Dark Green and Ocean Grey (Mixed Grey) on the upper surfaces and Medium Sea Grey on the lower surfaces. The code letters were in Sky, and the fuselage belt and spinner were also the same color. The aircraft sported the donation inscription GARFIELD WESTON SVI on both sides of the tank cover. The thirteen kill symbols belonged to F/Lt James O’Meara, who began his combat career in the ranks of No. 64 Squadron over Dunkirk in May 1940, then served with other units from late August 1940 before rejoining No. 64 Squadron in April 1941. In October he was released from combat operations and transferred to No. 1491 Squadron, which was towing targets in Tain, Scotland. He later commanded a Wing of high altitude fighter Spitfires of the Mk.VII version. His total wartime score was 11 confirmed kills plus two in cooperation, one unconfirmed and four probable kills. To this he added 11 damaged aircraft alone and one in co-operation.  

   

  P7542, S/Ldr Adolph G. Malan, CO of No. 74 Squadron, RAF Biggin Hill, United Kingdom, December 1940-March 1941

  No. 74 Squadron was among the first Fighter Command units rearmed in September 1940 with the new Mk.II Spitfires. Under the command of Adolph “Sailor” Malan, it became one of the most successful RAF squadrons ever in the Battle of Britain. Malan himself was an elite fighter ace and, with eight kills, one of the most successful pilots flying the Mk.II version. His second Mk.IIa Spitfire was s/n P7542, which bore the standard Temperate Land Scheme livery with the lower surfaces in Sky, except for the left wing which was black underneath. It was a quick identification item used by the RAF from December 1940 to March 1941. At the end of March 1941, Malan took command of the newly established Biggin Hill Wing and received the new Spitfire Mk.Vb. During the war he scored 34 kills, seven of which were shared, three probable, plus 16 enemy aircraft damaged.

   

  P8088, P/O Alec S. C. Lumsden, No. 118 Squadron, RAF Ibsley, United Kingdom, April - August 1941

  This Spitfire was donated in January 1941 by the Borough of Lambeth Spitfire Fund and saw operational service with Nos. 66, 118, 152 and 19 Squadron where it was damaged during a night landing. After repairs it served with No. 61 OTU. The fate of P8088 was fulfilled on September 16, 1944, when it crashed with its pilot, F/Sgt John Barry, during a training flight. In 1944/45 and 1978, parts of P8088 were recovered by the Cosford salvage team and stored. The depicted image of Spitfire P8088 shows it during its four-month service with No. 118 Squadron, where it received the codename NK-K and became P/O Alec Lumsden’s personal Spitfire. Lumsden had a drawing of a character painted on his new Spitfire under the front plate, which was Capt. Reilly-Ffoull from the wartime cartoon series Just Jake. The word BETTE, which was his girlfriend’s nickname, was also painted on both sides of the cockpit overlay. Alec Lumsden was born in 1921 and educated at Malvern College. After the outbreak of the Second World War, he volunteered for the RAF Reserve as a pilot in training. His wartime career varied. During 12 months in 1941/42, he flew combat missions from bases in England, North Africa and Malta, and also took part in two Atlantic convoys as a Sea Hurricane pilot. He spent the rest of the war flying with maintenance and operational training units. After the war he held various positions, all of which were in one way or another connected with aviation. A distinguished aviation historian, he wrote countless articles and several books on a variety of subjects.

• Markings for P-51D-5 Mustang 1/72

  44-13691, Lt. Arval J. Roberson, 362nd FS, 357th FG, 8th AF, Leiston, United Kingdom, September 1944

  Arval James Roberson was born on November 14, 1923, at Crown Point, Lake County, Indiana, USA. He joined the Army Reserves on June 15, 1942, and on May 20 of the same year as a rated pilot he was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He transferred to 362nd FS, 357th FG, where he flew 76 missions during his operation tour. He achieved six aerial victories confirmed plus one probable, the last two of them scored with the Mustang P-51D named Passion Wagon. Roberson later served in Korean War with 12th FBS, 18th FBG. He flew 100 combat missions there. During Vietnam War, he served as Liaison Officer to the VN JCS and he also flew 26 support missions with C-47s. He was promoted to Colonel on August 26, 1966, served as the last commander of the Otis AB and retired from Air Force on March 1, 1973. Arval Roberson passed away on December 7, 2007, (aged 84).

   

  44-13737, Lt. Anton Walace, 486th FS, 352nd FG, 8th AF, Bodney, UK, June 1944

  The Mustang serial number 44-13737 was one of the first P-51Ds to be assigned to the 352nd FG in July 1944. This aircraft was fitted with the black code letters PZ-W and assigned to Lt. Anton J. Wallace, a member of the 486th FS, who had the inscription “Little Rebel” painted on the left side of the engine cowling, name previously carried by his P-47 and P-51B aircraft. The “Little Rebel” was initially flown in the original D-5 block state, i.e. without the additional dorsal fin of the vertical stabilizer. The additional installation of the fin occurred in the fall of 1944. In November 1944, after Wallace’s second operational tour, Lt. Charles “Buck” Pattillo, took over the “Little Rebel” and decided to keep the name on the aircraft. However, the lettering was repainted. The white and black design was replaced by creamy one with a red outline. It is not known whether the change occurred while the aircraft was still in use by Wallace or after Pattillo took over. 

   

  44-13309, Maj. Evan McCall, 380th FS, 363rd FG, 9th AF, Maupertus airfield, Cherbourg, France, July 1944

  Maj. Evan McCall named all his aircraft Fool’s Paradise. Those with numbers I and II were P-39 Airacobras he flew at Hamilton Field, California. During the war, in addition to his role as a fighter pilot, he was also deployed with Patton’s 3rd Armoured Division as a forward air navigator during the fighting in France until shortly before the Battle of the Bulge, when he returned to his unit and to flying. Although he did not become a fighter ace, he was one of the very experienced pilots and tested all American and most British single-seat fighter aircraft during his combat career.  His Fool’s Paradise IV already had the invasion stripes on the upper surfaces washed off in July. Instead, all that was left was the base Olive Drab paint, which had been eroded in many places by the process of washing the black and white stripes. There were also visible residue of the stripes. The same was true for the ridge area of the fuselage behind the canopy. 

  
  

  P-51D-5, 44-13494, Lt. Walter J. Goehausen Jr., 308th FS, 31st FG, 15th AF, San Severo, Italy, summer 1944

  Walter John Goehausen was born on June 20, 1921, in St. Louis, Missouri. After his pilot training he was ordered to the 308th FS and while flying combat with it he scored ten kills of the enemy aircraft. After the previous deployment with VIII Fighter Command in Great Britain the 308th Fighter Squadron was sent to Africa within the 31st FG under the 12th AF command. Here this unit took part in the support of the landings in Sicily, then at Salerno and at Anzio. In Great Britain its pilots flew Spitfires Mk.V but during the Africa fighting they converted to the modern Spitfires Mk.VIII and Mk.IX. In April 1944 the 308th FS (together with the other 31st FG squadrons) was re-equipped with Mustangs which they flew within the 15th AF escorting the four-engined bombers over targets in occupied Europe and Germany as well. Besides the oblique red stripes, the markings of the 31st FG aircraft, his Mustang, nicknamed Miss Mimi II, also carried the yellow stripes on the wings and the tail surfaces introduced in March 1943 as the marking of the American fighters operating in the Mediterranean.

• Tail End Charlie

  Almost an April problem

  
  

  Text: Jan Zdiarský

  
  

  It's not entirely my fault that I’m writing my  Tail End Charlie text at the last-minute again. I scheduled my work quite responsibly yesterday, Sunday, two days before the current issue was due out. However, somehow I didn't keep up at the end of the day. Understandably, I could blame my slow work, my tendency to run away from responsibilities, orstimuli that release the right hormones into my brain for the wrong mood, and a thousand other things rooted solely in my nature, irresponsibility, and laziness. But this time it's different my friends. THEY took an hour out of my day yesterday. And that's why I couldn't keep up. The change to daylight saving time caught me surprised almost as change of the Austro-Hungarian Empire railway schedule surprised Cimrman near the village of Stredoplky. I recommend our English-speaking readers to supplement their education by a proper search of the encyclopedic entry Jára Cimrman. You will learn where American, hence Austrian, self-confidence would be and with them Thomas Alva Edison or well I dare smuggle this word into my apolitical article- Nikola Tesla, if the world had discovered the brave Czech Cimrman a little earlier.

  I'm a little out of scope, aren't I? However, since my colleagues and I have given ourselves pretty much free rein as to what may be the topic of our final reflections innthe Tail End Charlie column, I can allow myself to do so, and I trust you will forgive me for avoiding the technology and social issues.

  In short, I missed an hour yesterday. With the time shift from winter to summer. It was taken from me by technocrats and foolish politicians sometime in 1916 and THEY won't give it back. Even though the idea of daylight saving time seems to be obsolete nowadays, the various cabals controlling the world, the Wall Street vampires and the European oligarchs who are guaranteed to benefit from it, still don't want to give it back to me (not referring to the clever Russian oligarchs, because there daylight saving time is no longer used).

  The transition between daylight saving time and standard time is quite a chaotic all over the world, as if time zones were not enough. For example, the southern hemisphere doesn't use it, it was never introduced in most of Africa. In different parts of the northern hemisphere, the transition between winter and summer time occurs on different dates.

  There are debates about to abolish these time shifts altogether. Whether their original reason is outdated or not. The European Union, for example, set out to abolish daylight saving time back in 2019... But since then its member states have still not agreed on how this should be done... Well, yeah...

  Hopefully I'll live to see it someday, and so will my dog who doesn't understand why he suddenly has to start getting up an hour earlier or an hour later. The wolves that roam the woods around my homeland in the border mountains don't care. They wisely get up (or rather go to bed) according to the sun.

  ... à propos, do you actually know which of the two times is the correct, original one? Summer or winter? The summer/winter time switching  is used in most of Europe. And also in the USA... Ah ... Did you know that of Europe, Greenland, for example, doesn't use it? I learned this a while ago when I was trying to clear up some of my ignorance, and I have to admit that there are things (and I write this without giving wise counsel) that finally make sense to me now.

  I guess I'll have to put up with being as confused in my biological clock as I probably am in my head for some time to come. On top of that, it snowed again this morning. But let's not be sad. Spring is here anyway!