Savoia-Marchetti S.55A hydroplane kit in 1/72 scale - Dora Wings model. The Savoia-Marchetti S.55A is an Italian double-hulled seaplane developed in the 1920s by Savoia-Marchetti. This aircraft became famous for its extraordinary flying feats, especially the massive oceanic crossings made by General Italo Balbo, which brought great notoriety to Italian aviation. Main features: Design: The S.55A had a unique design, with two parallel hulls (one on each side) serving as both floats and fuselage, and a high wing mounted on these hulls. The double-hull configuration improved stability and the ability to carry heavy loads, such as fuel or passengers, during long-distance flights. It was a conventional tailless biplane with two engines mounted above the center wing, arranged in tandem (one in front and one in back), which allowed the aircraft to be more efficient in terms of thrust. Motorization: The Savoia-Marchetti S.55A was equipped with two Isotta Fraschini Asso 750 engines that provided the necessary power for flying long distances and taking off from the water. Role and employment: The S.55A was mainly used as a transport seaplane and for long-range missions, such as the famous transatlantic crossings led by Italo Balbo in the 1930s. During these missions, squadrons of S.55A flew from Italy to North and South America, demonstrating the capability and competence of Italian aviation. The aircraft was also used by the Regia Aeronautica for maritime patrol and reconnaissance duties. Atlantic crossings: The most famous feat of the S.55A was the 1933 mass transflight, when a fleet of seaplanes under Italo Balbo flew from Italy to Chicago to participate in the Century of Progress World's Fair. This feat was a triumph for Italian aviation and a demonstration of the potential of long-distance flights. Performance: The S.55A had a remarkable range for the time, about 4,500 km, which made it suitable for ocean crossings. The top speed was about 230 km/h, a respectable value for a seaplane of the 1920s and 1930s. In summary, the Savoia-Marchetti S.55A is one of the most iconic seaplanes in the history of Italian aviation, famous for its innovative design features and epic transatlantic crossings, which made it a symbol of technological progress and long-distance flying capability in the 1920s and 1930s.
Noorduyn Norseman Mk.IV aircraft kit in 1/72 scale - DORA WINGS model. The Noorduyn Norseman Mk.IV is a Canadian light transport aircraft designed in the 1930s by Noorduyn Aviation. The Norseman is known for its versatility, being able to operate from both land and water runways by being equipped with wheels, skis or floats. It has been widely used for transport, evacuation and liaison missions in remote areas. Key features: Design: Designed by Robert B.C. Noorduyn in the 1930s, the Norseman was conceived to be a rugged and versatile aircraft capable of landing on difficult terrain and improvised runways. It is a high-wing monoplane, featuring a spacious fuselage for cargo or passengers. Engine and Performance: The Norseman Mk.IV was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engine, which provided sufficient power to carry heavy loads under harsh conditions. The aircraft's high-wing configuration and general ruggedness made it ideal for operations in remote areas, such as forests or the Arctic Circle. Military and Civilian Use: During World War II, the Norseman Mk.IV was used by various armed forces, including the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and theUnited States Army Air Forces (USAAF), as a transport and liaison aircraft. It was prized for its ability to transport troops, supplies, and wounded to hard-to-access areas. After the war, it continued to be used in civilian roles as a transport aircraft and for search and rescue operations. Versatility: One of the strengths of the Norseman Mk.IV was its ability to operate on various types of surfaces through the option of using floats, skis or wheels. This made it particularly suitable for missions in Canada and Alaska, where aircraft often had to take off and land on lakes or snowy surfaces. In summary, the Noorduyn Norseman Mk.IV was an extremely versatile and rugged aircraft, used in both military and civilian settings, known for its ability to operate in difficult conditions and over rough terrain.
Republic P-47B Thunderbolt fighter aircraft kit in 1/48 scale - Dora Wings model.The Republic P-47B Thunderbolt was a single-seat U.S. fighter aircraft employed during World War II. The P-47B is one of the earliest variants of the famous Thunderbolt series of aircraft, produced by the Republic Aviation Corporation.Here are some key features of the Republic P-47B Thunderbolt:Armament:The P-47B was equipped with a powerful battery of armament, including eight Browning M2 12.7 mm machine guns, four per wing. In addition, it could carry bombs and rockets under the wings.Engine:This model was powered by an 18-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine, one of the most powerful piston engines ever installed in a combat aircraft. Its power contributed to the excellent speed and altitude performance.Technical Specifications:The P-47B was a rugged aircraft with a solid and sturdy structure. Its high fuel capacity and long range made it suitable for long-range escort missions.Armor and Protection:The Thunderbolt was known for its strength and protection. It was well armored to protect the pilot from enemy attacks.Operational Use:The P-47B Thunderbolt was used extensively by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. It participated in a variety of missions, including aerial combat, bomber escorts, and ground attacks.Subsequent Variants:After the P-47B, additional variants were developed, such as the P-47D, which became one of the most widely produced and used models in the Thunderbolt series.The Republic P-47 was one of the heaviest fighters of World War II, known for its versatility and ability to operate in various combat conditions.
1/48 Republic P-43 LancerThe Republic P-43 Lancer was a monoplane fighter aircraft used by the United States Army Air Corps (the forerunner of today's United States Air Force) in the years before and during World War II. Here is some key information about the Republic P-43 Lancer:Design and development : The P-43 Lancer was developed by the Republic Aviation Corporation as a successor to the P-35, another U.S. Army Air Corps fighter. The project began in the late 1930s.Design and features : The P-43 was a single-engine monoplane with a low wing and retractable landing gear. It was constructed primarily of metal and featured a relatively articulated fuselage.Engine : Most P-43s were equipped with the R-1830 Twin Wasp radial engine, manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, which provided the power needed for fighter performance.Armament : The standard armament of the P-43 included machine guns of caliber .50 mounted in the wings and, in some variants, a machine gun aggiPerformance : The P-43 had reasonable performance for the time, but it was not particularly fast or maneuverable compared to some of the advanced fighters developed by other nations during the same period.Production and Employment : The P-43 was produced in relatively limited quantities. It was used primarily as an advanced training and liaison aircraft, and only a limited number were used in combat missions during World War II.Legacy : The P-43 did not have a major influence on the design of future fighter aircraft in the United States. However, it contributed to the development experience of the U.S. Air Force before and during World War II.
1/72 Savoia-Marchetti S.55 *** discontinued Il Savoia-Marchetti S.55 fu un idrovolante a doppio scafo bimotore prodotto dall'azienda italiana Savoia-Marchetti dal 1923 e protagonista per un decennio in svariati ruoli nella Regia Aeronautica. Poco dopo la sua introduzione batté numerosi record di velocità, altitudine, autonomia e capacità di carico. Con le celebri trasvolate oceaniche, divenne uno dei simboli dell'aeronautica militare e del progresso tecnologico italiano nei primi anni venti.
1/72 Messerschmitt Me-109A/B Legion Condor Il Messerschmitt Bf 109, fu un aereo da caccia monomotore, monoplano ad ala bassa progettato negli anni trenta dall'ing. Willy Messerschmitt, per conto dell'azienda aeronautica tedesca Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG e prodotto, oltre che dalla stessa e dalla Messerschmitt AG che gli successe, anche su licenza in alcune sue varianti dalla romena Industria Aeronautica Româna (IAR) e dalla spagnola Hispano Aviación che lo commercializzò come Hispano Aviación HA-110