A substantial and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a Luftwaffe Heinkel He 111P-2 operating during the Battle of Britain. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA33703 depicts an aircraft of Kampfgeschwader 55 “Greif” based at Chartres in France during 1940.
Kampfgeschwader 55 was one of the Luftwaffe's most active bomber formations and served across numerous theatres throughout the Second World War. During the summer and autumn of 1940, the unit took part in sustained operations against targets in Britain as the Luftwaffe attempted to weaken RAF Fighter Command and disrupt British infrastructure.
This Heinkel He 111P-2 operated from Chartres and is presented in a highly distinctive mottled camouflage scheme. Irregular dark markings cover the grey upper surfaces of the wings, fuselage and tail, helping to break up the aircraft's outline during night operations. Black and white Balkenkreuz national markings and the unit's prominent “Greif” insignia complete the historically striking appearance.
The Heinkel He 111 first flew in 1935 and was originally developed under the restrictions imposed on Germany following the First World War. Its streamlined fuselage, glazed cockpit and twin-engine configuration gave it a modern appearance and helped establish the aircraft as one of the Luftwaffe's principal medium bombers during the opening years of the Second World War.
During the Battle of Britain, the He 111 carried out bombing missions against airfields, ports, industrial areas and cities. Although relatively fast and well armed for its generation, the aircraft proved vulnerable to determined attacks by RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes. The type nevertheless remained in widespread service as a bomber, torpedo aircraft, transport and glider tug throughout the conflict.
Limited to 3,000 pieces worldwide, this sizeable Corgi release is particularly appealing to collectors of Battle of Britain aircraft and Luftwaffe bomber subjects. The model features heavyweight diecast construction, an extensively glazed cockpit containing crew figures, multiple defensive machine-gun positions and a detailed ventral gondola. Additional features include opening bomb-bay doors revealing an internal bomb load, a detailed ventral aerial, removable landing gear and the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA33703
Aircraft: Heinkel He 111P-2
Unit: Luftwaffe Kampfgeschwader 55 “Greif”
Campaign / Event: Battle of Britain
Theatre / Base: Chartres, France
Date/Period: 1940
Operator / Country: Luftwaffe / Germany
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 3,000 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited edition release, distinctive mottled night camouflage, authentic KG 55 Greif markings, extensively glazed cockpit with crew figures, multiple defensive machine-gun positions, detailed ventral gondola, opening bomb-bay doors, internal bomb load, removable landing gear and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 9" or 22.9 cm
Width (Wingspan): 12.25" or 31.1 cm
