ICM (154)

The AH-1G Cobra attack helicopter undoubtedly became one of the symbols of the Vietnam War. Created as a specialized attack helicopter, it began combat operations in the spring of 1967 and immediately demonstrated its high combat capabilities. Equipped with powerful weaponry, the helicopter could engage various types of ground targets using its six-barrel Minigun, 40-mm automatic grenade launcher, and rocket pods and gun containers mounted on pylons. For direct ground support, combat helicopters were often based at airfields as close as possible to the combat zone. To create these airfields, U.S. Army engineering units used M8A1 steel plates for ground covering. The plates were connected either in a checkerboard pattern or in rows, allowing the construction of both small individual pads and large airfields. Markings AH-1G 66-15262 “Hulk”, Company D, 227th AHB, 1st Cavalry Division, Phuoc Vinh, Summer 1970 AH-1G 68-17068 “Cindy Ann”, 1st Sqn, 9th Cav, Phuoc Vinh, August 1970 AH-1G 68-17077 “Corsair”, Company D, 227th AHB, 1st Cavalry Division, Lai Khe 1970 AH-1G 68-15101, H Troop, 10th Cav, Pleiku, Autumn 1972 Specifications Model size (length x width): 295 х 71 mm Box size: 410 x 260 x 55 mm Number of details: 169 + 64

Developed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber began to enter service with the RAF Coastal Command in late 1939. The aircraft was actively used to perform various tasks, and its peak monthly production was up to 30 machines per month. Later the Bristol Beaufort was improved, the composition of armament and equipment changed. The Mk.IA modification had a new machine gun turret, similar to the one installed on the Bristol Blenheim bomber. Also, ASV radars began to be installed on torpedo bombers, which were used to search for surface targets. This aircraft was on combat at Mediterranean Sea and North Africa. Here their targets were convoys of transport ships and warships of the Axis countries. Operation in high temperature conditions also led to the use of modified carburetor air intakes on Bristol Beaufort engines. Markings Bristol Beaufort Mk.IA DD959 Q 217 Squadron, Malta, 1942 Bristol Beaufort Mk.IA L9965T Mediterranean Sea region, 1942 Bristol Beaufort Mk.IA DX157 presumbly Indian Ocean region, Spring, 1944 Bristol Beaufort Mk.IA EK979 RAF traning unit, Bilbais, Egypt, 1944 Specifications Model size (length x width): 275 x 370 mm Box size" 410 x 260 x 55 mm Number of details: 240

The Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber was developed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It was a four-seat, twin-engine aircraft with a mid-wing configuration and an all-metal structure. Its defensive armament included a rearward-facing machine gun turret for protection of the rear hemisphere, as well as machine guns mounted in the fuselage sidewalls for firing to the sides. In the nose, one or two Vickers machine guns on a movable mount could be installed for front hemisphere defense, and some aircraft also had a lower machine gun position for rearward fire. From the end of 1939, the Bristol Beaufort began to be deployed with the RAF Coastal Command. The aircraft started its combat operations in April 1940, conducting air mining of sea harbors, performing daylight and nighttime torpedo attacks, and bombing coastal targets. The Mk.IA modification received a new machine gun turret, and radar systems (ASV) were installed on some torpedo bombers for ship detection. The aircraft were actively used in naval combat and bombing raids over German-occupied territory. From around 1943, most British Bristol Beauforts were primarily used for training and auxiliary roles. Markings Bristol Beaufort Mk.IA DX135, No.5 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit , Long Kash, 1943 Bristol Beaufort Mk.IA LR906, No.2 Torpedo Training Unit, Castle Kennedy, September 1943 Bristol Beaufort Mk.IA DW816, 22 Squadron, Ceylon, April 1944 Specifications Model size (length x width): 289 х 368 mm Box size: 410 x 260 x 55 mm Number of details: 240

Martin B-26G Marauder France and RAF

ICM 48325 Martin B-26F Marauder WWII American Bomber 1:48 Model Kit

Marauder Mk.III WWII RAF/SAAF Bomber The American factory in Middle River, which built B-26 Marauders, produced 200 bombers for British military aviation that were delivered to the RAF and SAAF. These aircraft, designated Marauder Mk.III with serial numbers HD402 through HD601, were based on the B-26F Marauder model. The B-26F featured significant wing modifications compared to earlier versions, along with a new ventilation mast for fuel tank air access and redesigned nose glazing. The Marauder Mk.III had only minor differences from the B-26F. All Mk.IIIs featured spoked nose wheel landing gear, whereas B-26Fs typically used solid wheel discs. The tail gun position was also modified—the plexiglass covering near the machine guns was replaced with canvas. Some sources indicate that Marauder Mk.IIIs were equipped with British-designed bomb sights. These aircraft served in the RAF’s 14th and 39th squadrons as well as in the South African Air Force’s 12th, 21st, 24th, 25th, and 30th squadrons. As part of the SAAF, they provided support during the Allied landing in Italy. Markings Marauder Mk.III HD545, Martin Field, Baltimore, Spring 1944 Marauder Mk.III HD561/B "Bliksem", 21 Squadron (SAAF), Italy, 1944-1945 Marauder Mk.III HD505/V "Vindictive Viking", 12 Squadron (SAAF), Italy, winter 1945 Model size (length x width) : 387 x 454 mm Specifications Model size (length x width): 387 x 454 mm Box size: 410 x 260 x 55 mm Number of details: 380

The Hudson was an American-built twin-engine light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft adapted from the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra airliner. It entered service just before World War II, became widely used by the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth forces, and proved especially valuable for patrol, anti-submarine, transport, and training duties.  Specification Model: 48330 Scale: 1/48

Operation Gothic Serpent In 1988, civil war erupted in Somalia, plunging the country into terror and chaos while combat operations triggered widespread famine. Early 1993 negotiations between warring parties failed to achieve peace. The American command then developed “Operation Gothic Serpent”, aimed at capturing General Mohammed Farah Aidid, a prominent anti-government leader. On October 3, 1993, forces attempted to capture two of Aidid’s clan leaders in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. The operation involved a special forces unit supported by 16 helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, including MH-60L Black Hawks. While the initial capture succeeded, the unit faced intense resistance from rebels and local civilians, including women and children. Two MH-60L helicopters were shot down, resulting in casualties and requiring UN forces in Mogadishu to mount a rescue operation. The engagement would later be described as the most intense close combat American soldiers had experienced since Vietnam. Ultimately, the operation failed to change Somalia’s trajectory, and by 1994, both UN and US forces withdrew from the country. Markings MH-60L Black Hawk 91-26324 (Super 61 ‘Thunderstruck’), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Somalia, autumn 1993 MH-60L Black Hawk 89-26186 (Super 62 ‘Rude Dude’), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Somalia, autumn 1993 MH-60L Black Hawk 90-26257 (Super 63 ‘Grim Reaper’), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Somalia, autumn 1993 MH-60L Black Hawk 89-26188 (Super 64 ‘Venom’), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Somalia, autumn 1993 MH-60L Black Hawk 91-26363 (Super 66 ‘Gun-Slinger’), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Somalia, autumn 1993 MH-60L Black Hawk 90-26288 (Super 68 ‘Razors Edge’), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Somalia, autumn 1993 Specifications Model size (length x width): 414 х 111 mm Box size: 410 x 260 x 55 mm Number of details: 310

During the Second World War, RAF aircraft used a wide range of suspended aircraft weapons. Depending on the mission, bombers and torpedo bombers could use bombs, torpedoes, or sea mines. The bomb armament consisted of several dozen models, among which the most common in the first half of the war were GP bombs, which could be of different weights, ranging from 40 to 4000 pounds. Later, MS-type bombs were produced, which had a higher ratio of explosive to bomb weight. For attacks on warships and transports, naval aviation and Coastal Command aircraft could use SAP semi-armor-piercing bombs. All types of bombs were most often colored dark green, but yellow bombs were also used in the early part of the war. In addition to bombs, RAF aircraft also used torpedoes during combat missions at sea. British aviation also mined enemy ports and harbor routes from the air, using airborne sea mines. Features The kit includes British 250-pound GP, MC, and SAP bombs, 500-pound GP and MC bombs, a bomb carrier, an aircraft sea mine, and an aircraft torpedo with torpedo carriage. The kit can be used in conjunction with ICM’s BristolBeaufort or other RAF aircraft from the Second World War period. The kit includes stickers with markings for different types of bombs.

During World War II, U.S. military engineering units used special plates called Marston Mat (or PSP—Pierced Steel Planking) to rapidly construct temporary field airfields. These steel plates withstood heavy loads and enabled the installation of stable, durable airfield surfaces for various aircraft on soft or unstable ground. Their perforated design allowed water to drain easily from the surface without compromising the covering’s quality. The Marston Mat, named after its first testing location near Marston, North Carolina, in November 1941, became widely used in combat operations across the Pacific theater, North Africa, and Europe. U.S. Army and Navy engineering units could construct airfields of various sizes in just days using these plates. After the war, the plates found new life in peaceful applications, particularly in building temporary roads and platforms. Specifications Model size (length x width): 224×255 mm Box size: 247 x 183 x 33 mm Number of details: 8

In the end of 60s the Mikoyan Design Bureau was developed the world’s first interceptor fighter with speed of Mach 3 – the MiG-25. At the same time high reconnaissance-bomber modification was designed, which was called the MiG-25RB. These perfect reconnaissance planes served in Soviet (later – Russian) Air Force, and were delivered to Iraq and Syria. MiG-25RB Iraqi Air Force was used for bomb attacks during the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-1988. Specification Markings:  MiG-25RB, 154th lndependent Air Detachment, Cairo-West (ARE), Мау 1974. MiG-25RB, Soviet Air Force, late 70s. MiG-25RB, 63d lndependent Air Detachment, UAR, 1971-1972. MiG-25RB (late production), lraqi Air Force, 1980. Model size (length x width): 473 x 283 mm  Box size: 410 x 260 x 55 mm Number of details: 224