1/32 Hs 123A-1, WWII German attack aircraft
The ICM 1/32 Hs 123A-1 is a plastic kit of an early version of the German biplane battleship developed in the 1930s for direct support of ground troops. The Hs 123A-1 featured a simple and durable design, carrying a pair of synchronized machine guns and armament of up to 450 kg bombs. The early machines can be recognised by the absence of a cover behind the pilot's seat. The aircraft proved their worth in Poland, France and the Balkans, where they were renowned for their exceptional durability. The 1/32 scale model presents a detailed treatment of this first production run.
The Hs 123 was developed in the mid-1930s as a battle biplane designed to directly support Luftwaffe ground forces. Series production began in September 1936, and the aircraft quickly gained a reputation as an exceptionally robust and reliable machine that could operate even in challenging conditions. Its armament consisted of two synchronized machine guns supplemented by bombs up to a total weight of 450 kg, making it an unexpectedly effective platform for attacks against ground targets. The early version of the Hs 123A-1 was characterized by the absence of an aerodynamic cover behind the cabin, one of the main distinguishing features of the early production series.
During World War II, the Hs 123 was deployed in the campaign against Poland, then in France and during operations in the Balkans. In these conflicts, it repeatedly demonstrated remarkable resilience - even with significant damage, it was often able to return safely. This made it popular with pilots and ground personnel alike, even though it was a structurally obsolete biplane in an era of rapidly developing aviation.
There are also a number of interesting stories associated with the Hs 123. One of them took place in 1938, when Lieutenant Siegfried Hamann, then Adjutant of 3./Fliegergruppe 50, secretly mastered the piloting of the aircraft, although he had not undergone formal training. When he confessed his "secret", the commander allowed him to make a demonstration flight. Ground personnel, however, decorated the aircraft with giant joke signs expressing their doubts about Hamann's abilities. Despite this, he made a clean, successful flight, earning him recognition and official pilot status. By 1939, he was already serving with III./St.G 2 and taking part in the campaign against Poland.
The ICM 1/32 Hs 123A-1 kit faithfully captures the appearance of the early variant with its distinctive two-plane construction, characteristic cockpit and details of both armament and landing gear. This is an attractive and historically interesting model of one of the most unique battle platforms of the early war.
The package does not include the paint or glue needed for assembly.
| Category: | Aircraft 1/32 |
|---|---|
| EAN: | 4823044409655 |
| Scale: | 1/32 |
| Nationality: | German |
| Period: | WW2 |
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