1/32 Luftwaffe Pilot School - Henschel Hs-123A (late) with Crew

The Henschel Hs 123 was a German single-seat biplane designed for direct support of ground troops. Series production began in September 1936 and the aircraft was designed as a light attack machine capable of carrying up to 450 kg of bombs and armed with two synchronized machine guns. The Hs 123 took part in combat in Spain, Poland and on the Eastern Front, where it demonstrated reliability and good flying qualities despite the obsolete biplane concept. Thanks to its robust design and ease of operation, the Hs 123 became a popular machine not only in combat units, but especially in Luftwaffe training facilities.

The training of future Luftwaffe pilots took place at special flight schools, known as "A/B Schule". Here, cadets completed 100-150 hours of flight time, with the initial hours with an instructor followed by approximately 25 hours devoted to practicing takeoffs, landings and basic flight maneuvers. The instructors carefully monitored the progress of the students and based on their performance decided on their future specialization - fighter, bomber or reconnaissance aviation. The training schools used both light training machines and obsolete and more modern combat types, among which the Hs 123 had a firm place. Its predictable behaviour, resistance to rough handling and ease of maintenance made it an ideal training machine for the advanced stages of pilot training.

ICM's 1:32 scale kit depicts a late version of the Hs 123A and includes crew figures, making it possible to create a scene from a flight school environment - for example, preparing to fly, briefing or returning after a training flight. The large scale offers scope for detailed work on the aircraft's surface (panel lines, paint wear, exhaust marks) and on the figures (flight suits, helmets, equipment). The model is suitable for both a showcase presentation and as part of a thematic diorama depicting the daily operations of a Luftwaffe training base. The package does not include the paint or glue needed for assembly.