The Special Hobby SH72203 1/72 Twin Mustang “Alaskan” All-Weather Fighter is a 1/72 scale model kit of the North American F-82 Twin Mustang, which was an American twin-engine fighter designed at the end of World War II and used post-war for all-weather and night fighter roles. This kit specifically focuses on the “Alaskan” variant, which is interesting for modellers interested in aircraft used in more extreme environments, such as the cold, rugged conditions of Alaska during the Cold War era.Key Features of the Kit:
- Scale: 1/72
- Manufacturer: Special Hobby, known for producing high-quality kits with a focus on less commonly modeled subjects, especially military aircraft with unique histories or configurations.
- Aircraft: The F-82 Twin Mustang is a unique aircraft, essentially a twin-fuselage version of the P-51 Mustang. It was designed to meet the U.S. Air Force’s needs for long-range, all-weather, and night fighter capabilities after WWII. It was primarily used in the early stages of the Cold War and had a relatively short operational history before being replaced by more advanced jet fighters.
- Markings: The kit represents the Twin Mustang in “Alaskan” markings, which are significant as the aircraft was used in remote areas like Alaska, performing all-weather patrols and missions in harsh conditions.
- Quality: Special Hobby is known for its detailed kits, and the F-82 is no exception. Expect a well-crafted kit that includes both plastic and resin parts for added detail, particularly in the engines, cockpit, and other intricate components. There may also be photo-etched parts for fine details such as cockpit instruments and landing gear.
Key Details About the F-82 Twin Mustang “Alaskan” All-Weather Fighter:
- Role: The F-82 was developed for long-range interception, all-weather combat, and night fighting. It had a large range compared to single-engine fighters, which made it especially useful in a vast territory like Alaska.
- Design: The Twin Mustang was essentially two P-51 Mustangs joined together with a common wing and tail section. This twin-fuselage design allowed the aircraft to carry two pilots, providing redundancy and better endurance for long patrols. It retained the iconic P-51 Mustangs long nose and powerful engines, making it a formidable aircraft despite its odd configuration.
- Performance: Powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines (same as the P-51), the Twin Mustang could reach speeds of up to 450 mph (724 km/h), which was quite fast for its time. Its range was considerably longer than most single-engine fighters, making it ideal for missions in remote areas like Alaska.
- Alaska Usage: The Alaskan variant was used primarily for air defence and all-weather reconnaissance in Alaska and the Arctic Circle regions. The aircrafts design was perfect for handling harsh conditions, and it was used in patrols during the early years of the Cold War. With the vast distances involved in Alaska, the long-range capabilities of the F-82 made it a reliable tool for securing the airspace.
- Armament: The F-82 was heavily armed with six .50 caliber machine guns (three in each fuselage) and could carry bombs or rockets on its wing pylons, making it effective for both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions
