ICM ICM48353 1/48 WWII British HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I Torpedo Bomber

The model features the characteristic differences of the HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I torpedo bomber-a modified lower gun position and redesigned lower fuselage section
Detailed rivet imitation on the fuselage, wings, and tail
Includes Mk.xII torpedo with trolley
Decal with marking options for four different aircraft

Markings
HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I AT147, No. 489 Squadron, 1942
HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I AJ991, No. 32 Operational Training Unit, Patricia Bay, Canada, April 1943
HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I AE261, No. 489 Squadron, RAF Leuchars, 1943
HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I AE386, No. 455 Squadron, RAF Leuchars, 1943

Serial production of the HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I bomber began in the spring of 1938, and the first aircraft reached operational units by the autumn of the same year. With the outbreak of the Second World War, these bombers were actively employed by the Royal Air Force and bore the burden of the early combat operations.
By late 1941, the use of the HP.52 Hampden as a torpedo bomber was proposed. The concept of employing this aircraft for maritime strike operations had been considered as early as 1935, during the design stage, when it was planned to widen the fuselage to accommodate two torpedoes. However, wartime conditions demanded simpler and more practical solutions that did not require major structural changes to the fuselage.
The designers succeeded in installing a single Mk.xII torpedo in the lower section of a standard HP.52 Hampden without significant modifications. Converting the bomber into a torpedo bomber required the reconfiguration of the ventral gunner's position, modification of the rear part of the bomb bay, changes to the position of the movable bomb bay doors, and the installation of a special torpedo mounting.
The take-off weight of the torpedo bomber increased by approximately 450 kilograms, while the aircraft retained the ability to carry bombs under the wings-the bomb racks for two 227kg bombs remained in place. In total, 144 aircraft were converted to the torpedo bomber role; this modification was designated HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I.
The torpedo bombers served with five squadrons of RAF Coastal Command-Nos. 144, 408, 415, 489, and 455 Squadrons-which operated over the waters of the North Sea and the Arctic.