{"product_id":"icm-1-72-ki-21-ia-rtaf-thailands-heavy-bomber-plastic-model-kit","title":"ICM 1\/72 Ki-21-Ia RTAF Thailand's Heavy Bomber Plastic Model Kit","description":"\u003ch1\u003eKi-21-Ia RTAF\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003eThailands Heavy Bomber\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the 1930s, the Royal Thai Air Force RTAF relied primarily on aircraft manufactured in the United States and Great Britain. The situation changed with the beginning of the Second World War. After the defeat of France in Europe, Thailand decided to seize the moment and regain its territories in French Indochina.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere was made an order for the delivery of new American-made aircraft. However, the US decided that strengthening the Thai Air Force could change the situation in the region in an undesirable direction for them, and refused to supply the aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThailand referred to Japan, which soon delivered several dozen bombers for the RTAF. Among them were nine Ki-21-Ia aircrafts produced by the Nakajima company, in the spring of 1941, they were included in the composition of Kong Bin Koi 6 (6th Aviation Wing).\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese aircraft did not have time to take part in combat operations against France but were used in Burma against units of the Chinese National Army in the spring of 1942.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter the Chinese forces retreated to their territory, the Thai Ki-21-Ia were deployed for a while to perform patrol and reconnaissance missions. Later they served as training and transport aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Mitsubishi Ki-21-Ia , operated by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), was a significant heavy bomber during World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThis aircraft played a vital role in Thailand's air operations and contributed to the country's military efforts during the conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe Ki-21-Ia, nicknamed \"Sally\" by the Allies, was a twin-engine bomber designed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eIt featured a robust construction and a sleek aerodynamic design that allowed it to achieve high speeds and carry a substantial payload.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eEquipped with a crew of five, including the pilot, co-pilot\/navigator, bombardier, radio operator, and gunner, the Ki-21-Ia possessed both offensive and defensive capabilities.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eIt was armed with a combination of machine guns and cannons located in various positions throughout the aircraft, providing protection against enemy fighters and ground-based threats.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eAs a heavy bomber, the Ki-21-Ia had the capacity to carry a significant bomb load.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThis allowed it to undertake strategic bombing missions, target infrastructure, disrupt enemy supply lines, and provide support to ground forces during military campaigns.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's range and endurance made it an effective asset in Thailand's air force.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe RTAF operated the Ki-21-Ia in various theaters, including Southeast Asia, where it was involved in combat operations against opposing forces.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe aircraft demonstrated its versatility and reliability by conducting both day and night bombing missions, adapting to different operational requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThailand's utilization of the Ki-21-Ia showcased its commitment to maintaining a capable air force and its contribution to the broader war effort.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's performance played a role in shaping the country's military strategy and support of Allied forces during World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe Mitsubishi Ki-21-Ia RTAF, Thailand's heavy bomber, represented an important asset in the Royal Thai Air Force's fleet.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eIt provided the country with a formidable aerial platform capable of delivering precision strikes and contributing to the overall Allied effort in the region.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003ch3\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e   \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScale:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1\/72\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e  \u003ch3\u003eFull Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003ctable\u003e   \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSKU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eICM72206\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e   \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eICM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e   \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEAN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4823044409365\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e   \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShort Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eICM 1\/72 Mitsubishi Ki-21-Ia RTAF, Thailand's Heavy Bomber # 72206\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e   \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlastic Kits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAir\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48489354658013,"sku":"ICM72206","price":69.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0504\/0708\/0110\/files\/ICM72206.jpg?v=1788364965","url":"https:\/\/ultimatehobbies.com.au\/products\/icm-1-72-ki-21-ia-rtaf-thailands-heavy-bomber-plastic-model-kit","provider":"Ultimate Hobbies Site","version":"1.0","type":"link"}