Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33715
Heinkel He 111H-6 Diecast Model
Luftwaffe 1./KG 26, 1H+BB, Bardufoss Airfield, Norway, Arctic Convoy Attacks 1942 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Heinkel He 111H-6 | | 9" | | 12.25" |
Arguably the most effective version of the famous Heinkel He III series of bombers and certainly the one that was built in most numbers, the He III ‘H’ attempted to address some of the shortcomings of the earlier models and upgrade the performance of this widely used Luftwaffe aircraft. Although the Heinkel He III could no longer claim to be an adequate attack bomber on the Western Front following defeat in the Battle of Britain, it did go on to serve with distinction in a variety of different roles and in every theatre of Luftwaffe operation. Successive upgrades enabled the aircraft to deliver a more effective weapons payload, whilst also providing the crew with much better defensive armament. The internal weapons bay was no longer used to carry bombs, but was converted to house an additional fuel tank, which allowed for much longer patrols and was particularly useful for maritime operations. This development also allowed these later Heinkels to carry larger and more effective weapons from their external hard points.
Perhaps the most interesting missions carried out by ‘H’ model Heinkel He IIIs were those of the torpedo carrying maritime attack bombers, which flew at wave-top height, before delivering their payload of two air launched LT F5b torpedoes. Operating from the airfield at Bardufoss in northern Norway, the anti-shipping Heinkels of KG26 were involved in the infamous attack against Arctic convoy PQ17, which proved to be one of the most disastrous episodes in the history of the Royal Navy. Leaving Iceland, bound for Arkhangelsk in Russia, the convoy consisted of 35 merchant vessels and a large protecting force of naval ships. Quickly detected by the Germans, the first attack came from 25 Heinkel torpedo bombers of KG26 – warned of their approach, the escort vessels put up a murderous wall of defensive fire, which claimed four of the Luftwaffe bombers destroyed. Determined in their attack, the torpedoes did their damage and a number of ships were sunk and the defensive shield of the convoy disrupted. Worried by the ferocity attack and intelligence reports suggesting that the mighty German battleship Tirpitz was steaming towards the battle, naval commanders ordered the escorts to withdraw and the convoy to scatter. Over the course of the next few days, Convoy PQ17 came under repeated attack from U-boats and Ju88 bombers, which claimed 23 of the defenseless ships. July 2017 will mark the 75th Anniversary of this naval disaster.
Designed in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles, the Heinkel He 111 first flew on February 24, 1935. Masquerading as a transport aircraft, the He 111 was actually a fast medium bomber that went on to become the most prolific Luftwaffe bomber used during the early part of WWII. During its early service career, the He 111 had the distinction of being one of the fastest aircraft in the world, with speeds exceeding 250 mph. It was also versatile, serving as a medium bomber, strategic bomber and as a torpedo bomber. By late 1944 the Luftwaffe halted bomber production, and the He 111 became a transport aircraft. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale He 111 series replicates this famous symbol of the WWII German bomber forces (Kampfwaffe). This model is constructed using only the smallest amount of plastic, with its fuselage and distinctive massive elliptical wing and tail in diecast metal. The large offset "greenhouse" nose canopy allows for easy viewing of the pilot and forward gunner/bombardier lying prone over the bomb site. The model features many defensive machine gun positions, such as a rotating dorsal mounted gunner, waist gunners and an intricate ventral birdcage gondola. Additional features include opening hinged bomb doors to reveal bomb details, an intricate ventral antenna and subassembly landing gear.
© Copyright 2003-2017 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
