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In the world of manned research submersibles, the Shinkai 6500 is a super star. Later this month a limited edition kit of this intrepid little craft will become available.

From Wikipedia:
Capable of reaching depths of 6,500 m, this research vehicle was completed in 1990 and until 2012 it had the greatest depth range of any manned research vehicle in the world. The Shinkai 6500 is owned and run by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and it is launched from the support vessel Yokosuka.

Two pilots and one researcher operate within a 73.5 mm thick titanium pressure hull with an internal diameter of 2.0 m. Buoyancy is provided by syntactic foam.

Three 14 cm methacrylate resin view ports are arranged at the front and on each side of the vehicle.

Hasegawa has had two previous releases of this craft - one of its original design and one with advanced thrusters. Now their latest version kit of the kit (No. HSGSP329) icludes PE details and deep sea marine animal figures. Kit features are:

- 69 parts
- PE for sample collection baskets
- 135.5 mm (5.33") in length when completed
- 4 deep sea animals

Decal options include:
- original look from 1990
- after the 2012 renovation
- 25th anniversary markings (May 2015 - shown in images to the right )

The included sea creatures are a giant squid 84mm in length and 3 Rhubarb Gusokumushis (an arthropod that seems to enjoy a celebrity status in Japan that warrants the nastiest looking phone case I've ever seen) 8mm in length.

Hobby Link Japan has the item listed for preoder for ¥3,040 ($24.65 USD) plus shipping.