Following a series of trials, serial production of the new bomber began in the spring of 1938. The aircraft received the designation HP.52 and the name Hampden, in honour of John Hampden, a 17th-century defender of civil liberties. The first production aircraft entered operational service in the autumn of the same year, and by July 1940, Handley Page had produced 500 units.
Starting in February 1940, English Electric also joined production, manufacturing an additional 770 aircraft by March 1942. The bomber featured a distinctive fuselage design — narrow and vertically deep — which earned it the nickname “Flying Suitcase.” Over time, the HP.52 Hampden underwent several external modifications, including redesigns of the nose section and cockpit glazing.
With the introduction of newer heavy bombers, the Hampden was gradually withdrawn from RAF Bomber Command service. However, it continued to operate with RAF Coastal Command, where it served effectively as a long-range torpedo bomber.
Key Features
- HP.52 Hampden bomber featuring characteristic late-production details
- The geometry and proportions of the original aircraft are preserved
- Detailed rivet detail on the fuselage, wings, and tail surfaces
- The kit includes multiple bomb types that can be placed in the bomb bay and under the wings
- A decal sheet with marking options for four aircraft
Markings Available
- HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AE224 (flown by S/Ldr D.D. Drakes), No. 49 Squadron, RAF Scampton, 1941
- HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AE238 «Popeye», No. 49 Squadron, RAF Scampton, 1941
- HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AD915, No. 420 Squadron, Waddington, Winter 1942
- HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AE269, No. 408 Squadron, Balderton, Summer 1942
Model Information
- Scale: 1:48
- Number of Parts: 462
- Length: 341 mm
- Width: 442 mm
- Includes detailed assembly instructions
- Highly detailed sprues with high accuracy made from quality plastic
- EAN: 4823044412051
- Carton quantity: 12
- Box size: 410 x 260 x 55 mm
At a glance
- Scale: 1:48
- Type: Assembly Kit
- Subject: Aircraft
- Nation: British
- Era: 1939-1945 - World War II
- Brand: ICM
- Product code: ICM48354
Supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and tools are sold separately.
Special Order - ETA 2-4 Weeks. We order this in for you from the UK distributor, so please allow 2 to 4 weeks for it to reach you.
