1/700 Horten Ho 229 - (x3) 3D Printed - World's First Stealth Jet Fighter!

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here a set of three beautifully super detailed 1/700 scale Horten Ho 229 models that have just come out of the 3D printer!
NO RESERVE. We're offering here a set of three beautifully detailed 1/700 scale Horten Ho 229 V3 models that have just come out of the 3D printer! The Horten 229 has been shrouded in mystery for 60 years. Among the most unorthodox and advanced combat aircraft actually built during World War II, the Ho 229 was the world's first jet-powered flying wing. It became the pet project of Reichmarshall Hermann Göring and was the only aircraft capable of meeting his seemingly impossible '3 x 1000' performance requirement of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb) of bombs a distance of 1,000 kilometers (620 mi) with a speed of 1,000 kilometers per hours (620 mph). The V1 protoype that first flew on 1 March 1944 showed great promise. The V2 prototype showed dramatic improvement largely due to its more powerful engines in several flights in early 1945 but was lost in an accident in 18 February. The V3 was originally intended to be powered by two BMW 003 turbojets but the two Jumo 004C engines that were substituted had a 10% greater thrust than the Jumo 004B engines used on both the Me 262A and Ar 234B jets then becoming operational. Armament was to consist of two 30mm cannon mounted in the wing roots. The V3 was constructed of a center pod made of welded steel tubing that was blended with the wings made from thin carbon-impregnated plywood panels that were
glued together with a mixture of charcoal and sawdust. These unusual materials combined with the absence of propellers or any vertical and horizontal tail surfaces resulted in a much smaller radar signature than any other aircraft of the day and, in effect, made the Horten history's first stealth aircraft. In fact, research done for the 2009 National Geographic documentary, Hitler's Stealth Fighter , determined that the frontal radar cross-section of the 229 V3 would have been only 40% that of a much smaller Bf 109 fighter and, given it's high rate of speed (estimated to be 607 mph at 39,000 ft), would have given the British defences just two and a half minutes to respond to an incoming attack! Production of the V3 was about 75% complete when it was captured by US troops in April 1945 and subsequently sent to the USA for study.
This is the first model of the Horten 229 ever offered as a 1/700 scale model. We believe that the detail on these little beauties exceeds comparable WEM resin and Pit-Road white metal models by a good margin but we've posted high resolution photos so you can judge the quality for yourself. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the detailed canopy and the very well integrated jet engine intakes and exhausts which are about the only interruptions to the smooth shape of the wings.
The surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that needs to be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it. While the landing gear is represented in the retracted in-flight position, it should be fairly straight forward to add photo etch parts for a "gear down" rendition, perfect for an air base diorama.
These amazing Horten 229 models should be a welcome addition to any wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in "Luftwaffe '46" what if scenarios. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction as well. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.