{"product_id":"academy-1-48-us-navy-sb2u-3-vindicator-battle-of-midway-12324-wwii-usmc-dive-bomber-pacific-war-aircraft-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","title":"Academy 1\/48 US Navy SB2U-3 Vindicator Battle of Midway 12324 WWII USMC Dive Bomber Pacific War Aircraft Plastic Model Kit NZ Stock","description":"\u003cp\u003e• 1\/48 scale USN SB2U-3 Vindicator \"Battle of Midway\" plastic model kit by Academy (Kit No. 12324)\u003cbr\u003e• Represents the historic Vought SB2U-3 Vindicator, an American carrier-capable dive bomber that served during the early stages of World War II\u003cbr\u003e• Depicts the Battle of Midway era, one of the most significant periods in American naval aviation history\u003cbr\u003e• Developed by Chance Vought for the United States Navy during the 1930s\u003cbr\u003e• The SB2U Vindicator first flew in 1936 and entered US Navy service in 1937\u003cbr\u003e• One of the first American carrier-based monoplane dive bombers, representing the transition from biplane to modern naval aircraft designs\u003cbr\u003e• Features the distinctive low-wing monoplane configuration, radial engine, enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear\u003cbr\u003e• The SB2U-3 was an improved variant developed for the United States Marine Corps (USMC)\u003cbr\u003e• Featured increased fuel capacity and modifications intended to improve operational range\u003cbr\u003e• Powered by a Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney R-1535 Twin Wasp Junior radial engine\u003cbr\u003e• The original aircraft produced approximately 825 horsepower, depending on engine configuration\u003cbr\u003e• Equipped with a two-person crew, consisting of a pilot and rear gunner\/radio operator\u003cbr\u003e• Designed for dive bombing, naval strike missions, reconnaissance and tactical ground attack\u003cbr\u003e• Capable of carrying bombs beneath the fuselage and wings, depending on mission requirements\u003cbr\u003e• Equipped with forward-firing and rear defensive machine guns\u003cbr\u003e• The Vindicator's retractable landing gear and streamlined monoplane design represented significant improvements over earlier naval biplanes\u003cbr\u003e• Despite its modern appearance at introduction, the SB2U was becoming obsolete by the outbreak of the Pacific War\u003cbr\u003e• The aircraft was gradually replaced in frontline US Navy service by the more capable Douglas SBD Dauntless\u003cbr\u003e• Nevertheless, Marine Corps SB2U-3 aircraft continued operating during the early Pacific campaigns\u003cbr\u003e• The Vindicator became particularly famous for its participation in the Battle of Midway, 4–7 June 1942\u003cbr\u003e• During the battle, US Marine Corps VMSB-241 operated SB2U-3 Vindicators from Midway Atoll\u003cbr\u003e• The squadron employed both SB2U-3 Vindicators and SBD Dauntless dive bombers against the approaching Japanese fleet\u003cbr\u003e• On 4 June 1942, Marine Vindicator crews launched attacks against Japanese naval forces despite facing overwhelming opposition\u003cbr\u003e• The aircraft's limited speed and outdated performance made these missions exceptionally dangerous\u003cbr\u003e• Vindicator crews suffered significant losses during attacks on Japanese warships\u003cbr\u003e• Major Benjamin W. Norris led a Vindicator attack against Japanese ships during the battle and was subsequently lost during a night mission\u003cbr\u003e• Marine pilot Captain Richard E. Fleming was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Midway\u003cbr\u003e• Fleming flew an SB2U-3 Vindicator during his final mission on 5 June 1942\u003cbr\u003e• The bravery of Vindicator crews became an important part of the history of the Battle of Midway\u003cbr\u003e• The Battle of Midway marked a decisive turning point in the Pacific War, significantly weakening Japan's carrier striking force\u003cbr\u003e• The SB2U-3 represents the courage of American naval aviators operating increasingly outdated aircraft during the opening months of WWII\u003cbr\u003e• The Vindicator was also known by the nickname \"Vibrator\", reflecting its reputation among some aircrews\u003cbr\u003e• The original aircraft had a wingspan of approximately 12.8 metres and a length of approximately 10.4 metres\u003cbr\u003e• At 1\/48 scale, these dimensions translate to an approximate model wingspan of 26.7cm and length of 21.7cm\u003cbr\u003e• 1\/48 scale offers an excellent balance between display size and opportunities for detailed aircraft modelling\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for collectors of WWII US Navy aircraft, US Marine Corps aviation, Battle of Midway subjects and American dive bombers\u003cbr\u003e• Excellent companion to Douglas SBD Dauntless, TBD Devastator, F4F Wildcat, F2A Buffalo and other early Pacific War aircraft\u003cbr\u003e• Suitable for Battle of Midway dioramas, US Marine Corps airfield scenes and early WWII Pacific aviation displays\u003cbr\u003e• Offers excellent opportunities for recreating the distinctive US Navy Blue-Grey upper surfaces and Light Grey undersides associated with early Pacific War aircraft\u003cbr\u003e• Suitable for historically researched US Marine Corps VMSB-241 markings and Midway-era aircraft finishes, depending on the kit's decal options\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for realistic panel line washes, paint fading, exhaust staining, oil streaks, chipped paint and Pacific island airfield weathering\u003cbr\u003e• The radial engine, two-seat cockpit and distinctive wing configuration make the Vindicator an interesting aircraft modelling subject\u003cbr\u003e• The aircraft's early-war camouflage provides excellent opportunities for subtle colour modulation and realistic operational wear\u003cbr\u003e• Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of American naval aviation, carrier-based dive bombers, USMC aviation history and the Pacific War\u003cbr\u003e• A historically significant addition to any collection of Academy aircraft models, WWII American warplanes and Battle of Midway aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Brand: Academy\u003cbr\u003e• Kit Number: 12324\u003cbr\u003e• Scale: 1\/48\u003cbr\u003e• Subject: Vought SB2U-3 Vindicator\u003cbr\u003e• Historical Theme: Battle of Midway, 1942\u003cbr\u003e• Aircraft Type: Carrier-Capable Dive Bomber\u003cbr\u003e• Operator: United States Marine Corps \/ United States Navy\u003cbr\u003e• Category: WWII Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit\u003cbr\u003e• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled\u003cbr\u003e• Glue and paint not included\u003cbr\u003e• Recommended for modellers aged 14+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52369952538870,"sku":"12324","price":49.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/3227\/7238\/files\/12324.jpg?v=1794384178","url":"https:\/\/www.imaginefleet.co.nz\/products\/academy-1-48-us-navy-sb2u-3-vindicator-battle-of-midway-12324-wwii-usmc-dive-bomber-pacific-war-aircraft-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","provider":"Imaginefleet Hobby","version":"1.0","type":"link"}