With the Horten Ho 229 set you have a unique opportunity to create your own model of this extraordinary aircraft in 1:32 scale! Build this mysterious machine block by block, enjoying every detail that makes this plane one of the most iconic in aviation history.
The Horten Ho 229, also known as the Gotha Go 229, was a German experimental jet aircraft that was to revolutionize air warfare. Created during World War II, at a time when Germany was trying to change the course of the war, this plane was part of the so-called "Wunderwaffe" (Wonderful Weapons), aimed at tipping the scales of victory in favour of the Third Reich.
The project was developed by brothers Walter and Reimar Horten, who created a machine with a unique design. The first test of the prototype took place in January 1945. The Ho 229 thus became the world's first flying wing jet aircraft. Over the years, it has been surrounded by myths and legends, and the design itself turned out to be outstanding and ahead of its time, as exemplified by the American Stealth bombers, the French Mirage and the Swedish Cold War fighters.
During the final fighting in 1945, American intelligence captured two examples of the aircraft – one in the process of assembly (Ho 229 V3) and an older model, the Horten Ho IX V1 engineless glider.
In 2008–2009, Northrop Grumman carried out a full-scale reconstruction of the aircraft, although this version was not capable of flying. Electromagnetic tests at a secret range showed that in 1945 the aircraft would have been detectable by a British radar station at a range of 130 km, which was 80% of the detection range of a Bf-110 fighter (160 km).
Although the war ended before the Horten Ho 229 design could be fully developed, the aircraft will forever remain one of the most interesting chapters in aviation history.
Key elements of the Horten Ho 229 set:
954 bricks - The set consists of 954 high-quality pieces that together create a 1:32 scale model of the Horten Ho 229 aircraft.
Flying wing: With an impressive span of 52.5 cm, the model's wings reproduce the distinctive shape that made this aircraft unique - it's big enough to impress any collector, but small enough to fit perfectly on the shelf.
