Plastic Model: Imperial Japanese Navy - Special Attack Aircraft Trial - Tachibana (Reissue) 1/48 [Fine Molds]

Japanese Original Edition, Studio Ghibli, Plastic Model

Fine Molds presents a 1/48 scale plastic model of the Tachibana, Japan’s first jet-powered aircraft, developed as a special attack plane by the Imperial Japanese Navy during the final stages of World War II.

Based on technical documents from the German Me 262 jet fighter, the design of the Tachibana began in July 1944. However, delays from indecision within the Navy, material shortages, and repeated engine design changes caused major setbacks. The prototype finally took its first successful flight on August 7, 1945—just days before the end of the war. A second flight attempt four days later ended in failure when the aircraft broke apart during takeoff, marking the end of its development.

This kit includes detailed parts to replicate the RATO (Rocket-Assisted Take-Off) boosters equipped during the second test flight, along with decals for both the prototype and a speculative marking for the 724th Naval Air Group, which was planned to receive the aircraft. A bolt-and-nut set is also included to serve as a nose weight for proper balance.

With just 63 parts, this model is a unique piece of aviation history that captures a moment of desperate innovation at the end of WWII. 

Details:

Maker: Fine Molds 
Material: Plastic
Scale: 1/48
Release Date: 2025/07