Airfix Boeing B-29 Superfortress 1:72 [air07001 (A07001)]

The Superfortress was the aircraft which dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan, thus ending the Second World War. Design began in 1940 in response to a specification for a high-altitude long-range 'superbomber' to replace the B-17 and B-24. The Boeing XB-29 prototype first flew in September 1942. Flight tests continued into 1943, marred by a tragic accident in February when the second XB-29 crashed, killing Boeing test pilot Eddie Allen. In March 1944 the first squadrons of the 20th Air Force were sent out to India and later to purpose built airfields on the islands within reach of Japan. Superfortress production ended at the end of the war, with 3,970 having been built. Many bombers were surplus to requirements and were put into storage until the Korean conflict.The B-29 was powered by four 19-cylinder Wright Double Cyclone engines, each of 2,300hp, giving a maximum speed of 350 mph.Maximum bomb load was 20,000 lb and armament consisted of either eight or ten 0.5 in machine guns in remote-control turrets, plus two 0.5in guns and one 20mm cannon in the tail turret. Wing span 141ft 3in, length 99ft.This 200-part kit includes remotely-controlled guns, operating bomb doors, retractable undercarriage, movable control surfaces and transfers for the most famous Superfortress. VERSIONS: (A) "Joltin Josie" 873 Bombardment Squadron 498 Bomb Group 73 Wing. (B) "Eddie Allen" 45 Bombardment Sqn 40 Bomb Group 58 Wing. COMPLETED SIZE: 419 mm x 607 mm PAINTS: Humbrol 1, 11, 33, 53, 64, 69, 86, 186 COMMENTS: Paints not included KMSLAdv