SS-501 „Sōryū“/SS-502 “Unryū“ – the diesel – electric submarines

The “Sōryū”-class submarines (16SS) are diesel-electric attack submarines. The first boat in the class entered service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in 2009. The design is an evolution of the „Oyashio”-class submarine, from which it can most easily be distinguished by its X-shaped stern combination diving plates and rudders. The “Sōryū”s have the largest displacement of any submarine, used by post-war Japan. It is Japan's first air-independent propulsion submarine. From “Sōryū” to “Shōryū” are fitted with Kockums Naval Solutions Stirling engines, license-built by “Kawasaki Heavy Industries”, allowing them to stay submerged for longer periods of time. Furthermore, “Ōryū” is the world's first lithium-ion battery submarine. The cost of the sixth submarine (Kokuryū) was estimated at 540 million USD. In 2019 the replacement to the “Sōryū”s, the “Taigei”-class submarine, entered the planning phase.

An uncomplicated, small, well-detailed and designed model for modelers of all experience. Even a modeler with little experience, working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, will perfectly stick to this model without much trouble. Excellent graphic instructions, instructions in Polish and English. From the publication one of two Japanese MSDF submarines can be assembled: SS-501 "Sōryū" or SS-502 "Unryū" - different details are given for both vessels.