1/72 Soviet Bomber Aircraft Kalinin K-12

Description

This is an injection-plastic aircraft model kit.

This experimental tailless bomber with two M-22 engines was yet another step on K.A. Kalinin’s way towards his dream: a rocket-powered supersonic flying wing aircraft. The light bomber carried a crew of three and featured a construction-welded steel tube frame with fabric cover. Each wing was a single piece, and the fuselage was assembled from three sections. The aircraft could carry a 500kg bomb load inside, and its defenses were provided by two turrets (navigator/bombardier and tail gunner).

In the Fall of 1936, P.M. Stefanovskij took the K-12 into the air. Its end-plates were found inefficient at low speeds and minor stability problems were encountered. But the designer’s goal was reached: he proved that tailless aircraft may serve as a multi-role front-line aircraft. After minor factory refinements the K-12 was put in production.

Confidence in the K-12 was so high that the experimental aircraft was included in Tushino parade fly-past on August 18, 1937. Painted in an impressive feather-pattern, it was presented under nickname ‘Zhar-ptitsa’ (Fire-bird). Ten K-12 were built, but production was cancelled when K.A.Kalinin fell victim to Stalin’s purges.

This kit is molded in grey plastic and includes decals featuring its remarkable feather pattern. Photo-etched parts and paint masks are also included.