Plastikový model letadla 1/72 Heinkel He 178 V-2 - Re-issue

The Heinkel He 178 made aviation history as the world's first jet aircraft. On August 24, 1939, the machine with pilot Erich Warsitz took off over the airfield for the first time, followed by a real flight three days later. These moments marked a breakthrough in aviation technology and paved the way for the jet propulsion era that would fundamentally change the face of military and civil aviation in the decades to come. The He 178 was the result of the work of Heinkel designers and engineer Hans von Oheim, who developed the HeS 3b jet engine used in the first prototype.

During continued trials, the aircraft was demonstrated to senior officials of the Reich Air Ministry (RLM) on 1 November 1939. During further development, the machine was given a more powerful HeS 6 engine, a longer wing to improve flight characteristics and a retractable landing gear to reduce aerodynamic drag. This improved variant is referred to in some sources as the He 178 V-2. Although the He 178 never entered series production or operational service, its importance lies in the technological advances it represented and in inspiring other jet aircraft projects.

The 1:72 scale Special Hobby kit depicts the V-2 variant and offers modelers the opportunity to build a machine of pivotal importance to aviation history. The package includes two frames of plastic parts, an injection molded cockpit for better cockpit detail, PUR resin parts for finer components, photo-etched parts, and decals with prototype markings. The combination of the different materials allows a high level of detail to be achieved to match the experimental nature of the prototype. For the modeller, the He 178 represents an interesting choice - a less common type with historical significance that is different from conventional fighter aircraft. The kit does not include the paint or glue needed for assembly.