Description

This new release from Eduard, the Kamikaze Tokkōtai in 1/48 scale represents two completely new kits from new molds, which we have been in the works at Eduard for some time. These are the A6M5 Zero Type 52 fighter and the two-seat A6M2-K Type 11 trainer. The A6M2-K was a two-seat trainer version, built by converting A6M2 Zero Type 21 aircraft at Hitachi and Naval Arsenal No. 21. These originally trainer aircraft were later also used for Kamikaze attacks. The two-seat Zero is of great interest to the modeling community, as it is a stunning aircraft that stands out significantly from standard fighters.

The KAMIKAZE TOKÓTAI kit is dedicated to the operations of the so-called special attack units (Tokkótai), and the naval aviators who sacrificed themselves during these attacks by crashing into ships. These units and pilots are now commonly referred to as Kamikaze. This is one of the most powerful stories in world war history, shrouded in many myths and legends.

The kit will offer a total of five decal variants for the fighter Zeros and five variants for the two-seat Zeros. The fighter Zeros will represent either Kamikaze units or escort fighter units that provided fighter cover for attack groups. The decal variants for the two-seat Zeros are selected from units that either trained Kamikaze pilots or directly participated in Kamikaze missions.

The boxart depicts the final moments of naval aviator Yukio Seki’s attack on the USS St. Lo aircraft carrier, which sank as a result of his crash on October 25, 1944, during the historically first successful Kamikaze Tokkótai operation.