HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I WWII British Bomber

 WWII British Bomber Plastic Model Kit This model kit depicts the Handley Page HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I, a British medium bomber developed to replace aging biplane designs. The Air Ministry issued Specification B.9/32 in August 1932, and Handley Page's HP.52 design was selected for development. The prototype flew successfully in June 1936, achieving 426 km/h and carrying over 1,800 kg of ordnance. Following Air Ministry approval on October 4, 1937, the aircraft entered service as the Hampden B.Mk.I. Production commenced in spring 1938 with Handley Page building 500 aircraft by July 1940. English Electric contributed 770 additional airframes between February 1940 and March 1942, with Canadian production following. From WWII's start, the Hampden conducted bombing raids, ground attacks, anti-ship missions, and mine-laying operations with Bomber Command until autumn 1942, subsequently transferring to Coastal Command where many were converted to torpedo bombers. Markings for HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I L40 are included. ---