Henschel Hs 129B-2 with interior 1/48

The Hs 129 was developed to fulfil the roles of close-air-support and ground-attack for the Luftwaffe in WWII. After the experiences of the Condor legion during the Spanish Civil War, German analysts concluded that the Luftwaffe needed a specialized aircraft to engage targets on the ground. Henschel put forward a design in 1937 as the sturdy Hs 129 V1 prototype, which was built at Schoenfeld. The airframe was constructed of aluminum, with steel armor plates attached to protect the engines and tiny cockpit, which was protected from the front by a plate of 75mm armored glass. This prototype was powered by a pair of Argus AS 410A-0 engines and began flight tests in May 1939. Another prototype, Hs 129 V2, was completed but crashed within a couple months of testing in January 1940.

Fourteen pre-production Hs 129 A-0’s were rushed into service in France, but poor performance prevented the Hs 129A series from entering full production.  The cockpit was modified to improve visibility, and the engines were replaced with captured French 700hp air-cooled Gnome-Rhône 14M 4/5 14-cylinder radial engines, resulting in the Hs 129B series. Standard armament consisted of two 20mm Mg 151 cannons and two 7.9mm MG 17 machine-guns, with provision for a light bomb to be mounted under the fuselage.  This new series was sent into battle primarily in the anti-tank role on the Eastern Front and North Africa.

Advancing Soviet tank designs required heavier firepower, resulting in the Hs 129B-2 series, which entered service early in 1943. The Hs 129B-2/R1 was armed with two 20mm MG 151/20 cannons and a pair of 13mm MG 131 machine guns, and the Hs 129B-2/R2 introduced an additional 30mm Mk 103 cannon mounted centrally under the fuselage. The Hs 129B-2/R3 omitted the two MG 13’s, which were replaced in favor of a 37mm BK 3,7 cannon. The Hs 129B-2/R4 was armed with a 75mm PaK 40L cannon pod mounted under the fuselage. A total of 866 Henschel Hs 129Bs were built before production ceased in the summer of 1944.

Takom’s 1:48 scale kit delivers stunning realism, featuring clear parts for the upper wing and rear fuselage to showcase the aircraft’s internal structure. With four authentic marking options and highly accurate detailing throughout, this kit captures the engineering excellence of the original aircraft. Every component, from the cockpit layout to the weapon systems, is crafted with precision to ensure an immersive and rewarding build.

Features:
– 1:48 scale plastic model kit
– Detailed representation of the Henschel Hs 129 B-2 ground-attack aircraft
– Includes clear parts for the upper wing and fuselage sections
– Four decal options with historical markings
– Highly accurate surface detailing and excellent fit
– Realistic cockpit, engines, and weapon systems
– Robust and historically accurate design
– Ideal for advanced modelers and aviation enthusiasts
– Perfect for diorama displays or standalone presentation