1/72 Martin Type 166 Late

The prototype Martin B-10 (Martin Type 139) bomber first flew in 1932 and marked a major technological leap in military aircraft design. The all-metal airframe, retractable landing gear, covered engines, enclosed gunports and internal bomb bay made the B-10 a machine that faster than the fighters of the day and instantly obsoleted most existing bombers. This concept became the model for almost all other bombers until the advent of the jet era.

Export versions of the Martin 139 spread to many countries, but the most important foreign user was the Dutch Air Force in the Netherlands East Indies (ML-KNIL). Based on operational experience, the design was further improved and the Martin Type 166 version, designated WH-3 and WH-3A, was created. The latter received more powerful Wright Cyclone engines, a slightly swept wing, modified tail surfaces, and a new long cockpit and rear gunner's overlap. Type 166 aircraft formed the backbone of the ML-KNIL bomber force just before the outbreak of the Pacific War.

After the Japanese attack in December 1941, these bombers were heavily deployed in the defense of the Dutch East Indies, Singapore, Borneo, Sumatra and Java. Although they suffered heavy losses in combat with the Japanese air force, they were able to make a number of successful attacks on the invasion fleet. Several machines fell into Japanese hands and some were later handed over to Thailand, where they served until 1945. The Martin Type 166 Late thus represents a lesser known but historically very significant bomber from the early years of World War II. The package does not include the paint or glue needed for assembly.