German medium bomber HEINKEL HE 111 H-3 COBI 5772 - World War II 1:48

HEINKEL HE 111 H-3 MODEL | COBI 5772

This model building kit of the bomber in its standard and most widespread H-3 version features adjustable control surfaces, rotating propellers, a detailed clear cockpit canopy, removable landing gear legs, and an opening bomb bay with a built-in vertical bomb rack. The package also includes a set of 7 SC 50 aerial bombs. Nice details include the fixed upper gun turret, colored wing tips, and brown exhaust pipe extensions on the engine nacelles. The assembled model can stand on its own landing gear or be safely displayed on a sturdy dual-arm stand with a description plate.

Did you know that:

The talented designer Ernst Heinkel built his first successful aircraft entirely on his own while still a student. He was severely injured during a test flight in 1911, but that did not discourage him from flying. Interestingly, the HE 111 aircraft was originally developed in the 1930s for the pre-war Lufthansa as a commercial mail transport plane. The aircraft was exceptionally advanced for its time. This is reflected in the massive effort of the German engineers, who spent a total of 200,000 hours on its design, creating the most modern and fastest aircraft of the 1930s.

Right on its maiden flight in 1932, it broke several records by reaching a speed of 380 km/h with BMW engines. By the way, it is precisely because of its history in aircraft engine manufacturing that the BMW automaker uses its famous roundel logo representing a spinning propeller, as we know it today. When the head of the Luftwaffe, Albert Kesselring, visited Heinkel's office in 1933, he immediately demanded the creation of military versions and the expansion of production right after inspecting the aircraft on display. For the first HE 111 bombers, a new Lofte 7 bombsight was developed, equipped with exceptionally high-quality optics.

The H-3 version represented a major evolutionary step for the He 111 type. The aircraft received greater defensive firepower. The original Daimler engines were needed for the production of Bf 109 fighters, so the Heinkel was equipped with Junkers Jumo 211 D-1 powerplants. The engine was larger and heavier with higher torque, which proved to be an excellent choice. The cockpit armor plating was also significantly reinforced.

A total of 6,508 units were produced across various versions.

Technical Parameters of the Heinkel HE 111:

• wingspan 22.6 m, length 16.4 m, height 4.0 m
• empty weight 7,720 kg
• maximum takeoff weight 13,100 kg
• powerplant: 2 x 12-cylinder inverted V-engine Junkers Jumo D-1, each producing 895 kW
• maximum speed 415 km/h
• flight range 2,000 km
• climb rate 2.4 m/s
• service ceiling max. 8,500 m
• armament: 6x MG 15 machine guns of 7.92 mm caliber + 2,000 kg of aerial bombs

From the memoirs of pilot Heinz Eicke:

"It was a flying aquarium. On one hand, the view from the cockpit was magnificent. The heavily glazed canopy, including the floor, looked impressive. It was a brilliantly designed aircraft for peacetime, but during combat missions, a feeling of exposure overcame us. Imagine riding a bicycle naked through the main square of your hometown while everyone is staring at you. That is exactly the feeling the glass cockpit triggered in the crew. The Heinkel had no hidden vices. It was very docile, even when flying on a single engine. However, every flight without escorting fighters amounted to a suicide mission."

About the COBI building kit:

• The COBI 5772 kit is made of 788 high-quality ABS parts
• number of figures: 0
• collection: World War II
• scale: 1:48
• pad printed - no stickers
• highly authentic design
• manufactured in the EU
• compatible with other building brick brands
• recommended age: 9+