• 1/72 scale US P-61A Black Widow plastic model kit by HobbyBoss (Kit No. 87261)
• Part of the HobbyBoss Easy Assembly Authentic Kit series, designed to provide an enjoyable and accessible model-building experience
• Represents the legendary Northrop P-61A Black Widow, an American twin-engine night fighter developed during World War II
• The P-61 was the first American military aircraft designed specifically as a radar-equipped night fighter
• Developed by the Northrop Corporation to intercept enemy aircraft during night-time and poor-visibility operations
• First flew in May 1942 and entered operational service in 1944
• Features the distinctive twin-boom configuration, central crew nacelle, broad wings and twin radial engines
• The P-61's unusual appearance makes it one of the most recognisable American fighter aircraft of WWII
• Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines
• The P-61A used powerful twin-row, 18-cylinder radial engines producing approximately 2,000 horsepower each
• Designed to combine airborne radar detection, heavy cannon armament and long-range night interception capabilities
• Equipped with the SCR-720 airborne interception radar, allowing crews to locate enemy aircraft in darkness
• The radar antenna was housed inside the aircraft's distinctive rounded nose
• Typically operated by a three-person crew, consisting of a pilot, radar operator and gunner, although some missions used smaller crews
• Armed with four forward-firing 20mm Hispano M2 cannons mounted beneath the central fuselage
• Some P-61A aircraft also carried a remotely controlled dorsal turret with four .50-calibre machine guns, depending on production configuration
• The combination of radar and powerful armament made the Black Widow a formidable night interception aircraft
• Designed to intercept enemy bombers and other hostile aircraft operating under cover of darkness
• Equipped with a retractable tricycle landing gear arrangement, unusual among many American WWII fighters
• Features a large wingspan designed to support the aircraft's substantial weight and long-range operational requirements
• The P-61A was the first major production version of the Black Widow
• Early P-61A aircraft were commonly finished in Olive Drab and Neutral Grey camouflage, while later aircraft and variants adopted overall black finishes
• Operated by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in both the European and Pacific theatres
• Served with specialised Night Fighter Squadrons responsible for defending Allied airfields, military installations and operational areas
• Conducted night interception missions against Japanese aircraft during the Pacific War
• Also operated in Europe against German aircraft during the later stages of WWII
• The P-61 was capable of conducting night interception, defensive patrol and selected ground-attack missions
• The original P-61A had a maximum speed of approximately 590km/h, depending on operating conditions
• The aircraft measured approximately 15.1 metres in length with a wingspan of approximately 20.1 metres
• At 1/72 scale, these dimensions translate to an approximate model length of 21cm and wingspan of 28cm
• The Black Widow's distinctive twin-boom layout provides an interesting alternative to conventional single-engine WWII fighter aircraft
• The P-61 family remained in service after World War II, with some aircraft later redesignated F-61
• The design also formed the basis for the Northrop F-15 Reporter reconnaissance aircraft
• Represents an important chapter in American night fighter development, airborne radar technology and World War II aviation history
• Easy Assembly design makes this kit an appealing choice for modellers seeking a more straightforward aircraft-building project
• 1/72 scale provides an excellent balance between manageable display size and the Black Widow's impressive twin-engine silhouette
• Ideal for collectors of WWII USAAF aircraft, American night fighters, Northrop aircraft and twin-engine military warplanes
• Excellent companion to P-38 Lightning, P-70 Havoc, Bristol Beaufighter, de Havilland Mosquito and other WWII night fighter aircraft
• Suitable for WWII Pacific airfield scenes, European night fighter bases and American military aviation dioramas
• Offers excellent opportunities for recreating historically researched USAAF camouflage schemes and night fighter finishes
• Ideal for realistic panel line washes, exhaust staining, paint fading, oil streaks and subtle operational weathering
• The twin radial engines, central nacelle and twin tail booms create distinctive areas for careful painting and finishing
• The large wing surfaces provide opportunities for practising airbrush camouflage, colour modulation and restrained weathering techniques
• Suitable for display alongside compatible 1/72 scale USAAF ground crew figures, airfield equipment and military vehicles, available separately
• Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of WWII night aviation, radar-equipped fighters, American military aircraft and unusual aircraft designs
• A distinctive addition to any collection of HobbyBoss aircraft models, WWII fighters and historic USAAF warplanes
• Brand: HobbyBoss
• Kit Number: 87261
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: Northrop P-61A Black Widow
• Series: Easy Assembly Authentic Kit
• Aircraft Type: Twin-Engine Night Fighter
• Operator: United States Army Air Forces (USAAF)
• Historical Period: World War II
• Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp Radial Engines
• Category: WWII Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for modellers aged 14+
