Henschel Hs 123A-1

Plastic model kit for a Henschel Hs 123A-1

• Scale 1:32
• Dimensions (built): Length 330 mm / Wingspan 272 mm
• 220 parts
• Highly detailed engine and cockpit
• Various 50 kg bombs
• 3 marking options
  • Hs 123A, pre-production aircraft, 1936
  • Hs 123A-1, 3./St.G. 165 “Immelmann”, 1937
  • Hs 123A-1, 3./Fliegergruppe 50, pilot - Lieutenant Siegfried Hamann, Langensalza airfield, Summer 1938
• Unbuilt, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

Series production of the Hs 123 began in September 1936. Its main purpose was close air support for ground troops. Armament consisted of two synchronized machine guns and bombs up to 450 kg. The Hs 123 was supplied to infantry air groups for direct support and was frequently used by training units. During World War II, these aircraft demonstrated a high degree of survivability in action during the invasion of Poland and later in France and the Balkans. Early production models were identifiable by the lack of a fairing behind the cockpit.

An interesting story involving one such Hs 123 unfolded in the summer of 1938. Lieutenant Siegfried Hamann, adjutant to the commander of the 3rd Squadron of Air Group 50, who lacked formal pilot training, secretly learned to fly and later confessed this to his commanding officer. After Hamann received permission to demonstrate his skills, he was provided with an Hs 123 that had been painted by ground crew with large, whimsical inscriptions of a humorous and skeptical nature—expressions of their disbelief in his abilities. Despite this skepticism, Hamann's flight was successful; he proved his skill and was promoted to full pilot. In 1939, he joined III./St.G2 as a pilot and participated in the attack on Poland.