Beaver Corporation 1/35 Japanese Kairyu Late Model Midget Submarine Plastic Model BEL35001

Product Introduction

Beaver Corporation "1/35 Japanese Kairyu Late Model Midget Submarine" plastic model.

The Kairyu was a two-seater, winged midget submarine and underwater suicide weapon designed to attack enemy ships by torpedoes or ramming. The Kairyu was developed at the suggestion of Lieutenant Commander Uichiro Asano, an instructor at the Naval Engineering School. During the development phase, it was called the "SS Kanmono" (special weapon) to maintain secrecy. The Kairyu was developed as a suicide weapon for the decisive battle on the Japanese mainland. By the end of the war, 224 vessels had been built at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal and elsewhere using aircraft parts, with approximately 207 still in production. Unlike conventional submarines, the Kairyu's simple structure allowed it to be built in a short timeframe, as it used hydrofoils to ascend and descend like an aircraft. The Kairyu also boasted excellent stability and maneuverability, and its piloting was simpler than other submarines, allowing it to be piloted with only a short training period. The Kairyu was armamented with two 45cm diameter torpedoes housed in tubes. However, as mass production began, the installation of torpedo tubes was delayed, and the decision was made to equip the bow with 600kg of explosives.

The Japanese Navy established bases across Japan and deployed the Kairyu, but the end of the war prevented a decisive battle for the Japanese mainland, so they were never deployed on a large scale.

This kit includes GMU injection parts, photo-etched parts, and decals, as well as a newly molded 3D-printed Type 4 magnetic compass front part for the conning tower.

The completed model measures approximately 494mm in length.

This product is a plastic model that requires assembly and painting.

Separate adhesives, tools, and paints are required for assembly and painting.

"Plastic Model" is a registered trademark of the Japan Plastic Model Industrial Cooperative.

This product does not include adhesives, paints, tools, or batteries.

Safety Warning

N/A This product requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paint, etc. are required separately. 1/35 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit Completed size: 494mm in length Includes etched parts and decals Includes newly sculpted 3D printed parts