Horten Ho 229

The history

Reimar and Walter Horten built three airframes of their H IX flying wing. The V1 was an unpowered glider that first flew on 28 February 1944. The V2 carried two Junkers Jumo 004 turbojets and made its first flight on 2 February 1945, becoming the first jet-powered flying wing to fly.

It flew only three times. On 18 February 1945 one engine failed, the aircraft went into the ground at Oranienburg and test pilot Erwin Ziller was killed.

The V3, built by Gotha at Friedrichroda, was still unfinished when US troops captured the factory. It is the only surviving airframe and stands today at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center. No production Ho 229 was ever completed.

The build

This was my first experience with a Zoukei-Mura kit, and I was especially curious to see whether the brand lived up to its reputation.

The Ho 229 immediately stood out with its fully detailed internal structure, engines and framework, all of which can be displayed on the finished model. Despite the complexity, the build proved remarkably enjoyable. Fit was excellent, the instructions were clear, and every stage felt carefully engineered.

By the end of the project, I understood why Zoukei-Mura kits have such a strong reputation. The Ho 229 was not only an impressive model, but also one of the most enjoyable builds I have completed.

Two Jumo 004 engines

Both engines are built up in full. One goes back into the wing; the other ends up on the hoist in the diorama.

Jumo 004 engine parts painted in metallic tones — Engine sub-assemblies

Completed Jumo 004 engine on its stand — Engine sub-assemblies

The steel-tube centre section

Like the real aircraft, the kit has a welded steel-tube centre section that carries the cockpit and both engines.

Steel-tube centre section with both engines installed — Engines in the tube frame

Centre section frame standing on its landing gear — Engines in the tube frame

Paint

A black base with white mottling went down first, then the camouflage over it.

Airframe in black base coat with white mottling — Black base and white mottling

Camouflage applied over the upper surfaces — Black base and white mottling

Finished

Build the scene

Two ground crew figures working on the Jumo 004 under the hoist — The engine change

Engine on the hoist beside the open wing — The engine change

Zoukei-Mura Super Wing Series Horten Ho 229, 1/48 (SWS48-03). The Jumo 004 engine stand comes in the box.
ICM Luftwaffe Airfield Equipment, for the hoist, ladder, drums and crates.
Ground crew: ICM German Luftwaffe Ground Personnel 1939-1945 (48085), with its two black-overalled mechanics, plus figures from a Tamiya tank maintenance crew set.