The Heinkel Wespe (Wasp) was a project study by the German company Heinkel for a tail-sitting, vertical take off and landing-interceptor aircraft. The aircraft did not have conventional wings, but instead featured a large rotor. The aircraft was to be powered by a turboprop in the center of the airframe which was unusual for having a circular wing and would have had a small frontal area, making it a good platform for attacking bombers. It may have been designed for point defense, but due to the situation in Germany at the time, the engine was not completed and none were ever built.

Designed as a turboprop-powered vertical take-off and landing interceptor, the Wespenever progressed beyond the design study phase and no prototype examples were ever completed.

The Luft-X range presents affordable, ready-made resin models of proposed experimental military aircraft of the Luftwaffe in WWII in 1:72 scale.

Prior to and during the Second World War, German aeronautical engineers working for the Luftwaffe in corporate and university laboratories conceived of, designed and built aircraft that were years ahead of their time.

These secret designs included dramatic improvements in aerodynamics, propulsion and materials. Had there been more time, they may well have changed the outcome of the war. Fortunately for the Allies, the Nazi high command failed to grasp the importance of these advancements until it was too late to make a difference. After the war, captured Luftwaffe designs were studied and integrated into all facets of Allied aircraft development.

The Luft-X collection captures these remarkable aircraft, showcasing the secret developments of WWII German aircraft and posing the haunting question - What if?

Luft-X display airplanes feature:

• Molded resin construction with no assembly required.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Transparent canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".

Info:     Heinkel Wespe Luftwaffe