Description
German Air Force Ho 229A Flying Wing w/ pilot figure.
The Ho 229 was an experimental jet-powered flying wing developed in Nazi Germany by the Horten brothers, Reimar and Walter, known for their innovative tailless glider designs. Their concept merged aerodynamic efficiency with the emerging power of jet engines, resulting in a futuristic-looking aircraft.
Commissioned to meet the Luftwaffe's "1000/1000/1000" requirement (carry 1000 kg over 1000 km at 1000 km/h), the Ho 229 featured a 55 ft (16.8 m) pure flying wing wingspan, twin Junkers Jumo 004B turbojet engines, projected top speed of 607 mph (977 km/h), armed with 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon.
Six prototypes were planned but not all were completed.
• V.1: Completed as a glider (no engines) and tested for flight handling.
• V.2: First powered version; crashed during a test flight due to a suspected stall. Pilot Ziller was killed.
• V.3: Never flown. Partial airframe captured and shipped to the U.S. where it survives at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Virginia.
• V.4–V.6: In various stages of build; never completed. V.4 was intended as a two-seat night fighter.
Though it never reached operational status, the Ho 229 remains iconic for its radical design and influence on later stealth aircraft such as the B-2 Spirit.
New tooling. Pilot figure, photo-etch, and clear parts included. Choice of 3 markings. W: 52.5 cm.
Box code: No.32001.
Box description: Ho 229A.
1:32 scale plastic model kit from Takom, requires paint and glue.
