Arado Ar 234C-3 w/V-1 Huckepack by DML

1/72 scale
Kit No. 5011
Retail: $38.00
Decals: One version
Comments: Detailed cockpit, engraved panel lines, PE detail parts, armament includes three 500 kg bombs and a larger experimental bomb in addition to the V-1 carried in piggyback configuration

History

The Arado Ar 234 was developed by Flugzeugwerke GmbH at the request of the Reichluftministerium in the Autumn of 1940. The RLM specification for a jet-powered bomber was no doubt motivated in part by the mauling that then-existing front-line Luftwaffe bombers such as the Heinkel He 111 and Dornier Do 17 were receiving at the hands of the RAF during the Battle of Britain which reached its climax in September 1940. The specification was actually for a medium-range reconnaissance aircraft to be powered by the new jet engines then being tested by BMW and Junkers. But Hitler, who had a penchant for attack aircraft, would compel the use of the twin-engined Ar 234 as a bomber (as he had earlier insisted that the Me 262 be deployed as a bomber). The most famous use of the Ar 234 in the bombing role was its attacks against Remagen Bridge in March 1945.

The Arado project initially resulted in the twin-engined Ar 234B-2 which reached the Luftwaffe’s operational testing units in late September 1944. To improve performance, experiments were conducts with four-engined arrangements and led to the development of a new production series, designated the Ar 234C. The C series prototype flew for the first time on September 30, 1944, and was essentially an adaptation of the twin-engined AR 234B, powered by four BMW 003A-1 turbojets housed in paired nacelles beneath each wing.

In addition to the several prototypes, 14 pre-production and production variants of the four-engined Ar 234C were constructed but fewer received their powerplants and none reached operational units. The Ar 234C multi-purpose variant was designed to incorporate modifications of the Ar 234B such as a redesigned cabin, with a raised cockpit roof to improve visibility, and increased armament in the form of fr 20mm cannon in the nose. More powerful BMW 003C-1 engines were planned for the Ar 234C but their non-availability led to the retention of the BMW 003A-1 turbojets in the five prototypes of this variant.

On October 25, 1944, Arado submitted four proposals regarding the towing or carrying of the Fieseler Fi 103 flying bomb (the V-1) by the Ar 234C. At that time Heinkel He 111 bombers carrying V-1 bombs were just entering service on night operations with Kampfgeschwader 3 and 53. The He 111 was extremely vulnerable to night fighter attack; lacking powered machine gun turrets it could not adequately defend itself, and by 1944 its speed was such that it was easy prey for the latest Allied fighters. In addition, upon launch the V-1 lit up the area around the aircraft for several seconds.

The final design submitted by Arado involved mounting the V-1 bomb on top of the Ar 234C-3 in a so-called “Huckepack” (“Piggyback”) configuration. For launching, it was planned to raise the missile above the parent aircraft by a hydraulically operated cradle (an arrangement that would later be copied, with modifications, by General Dynamics which allowed its F-102 and F-106 interceptors to carry their missiles internally). However, the fortunes of war did not permit sufficient time or resources for development and introduction of the Ar 234C-3 in this configuration, this concept was given no opportunity to prove itself on operational sorties. But had the Luftwaffe been able to bring the Ar 234C-3 “Huckepack” into service in appreciable numbers, the Luftwaffe would have had a formidable platform for the launch of V-1 weapons. The V-1’s would have been much harder to intercept had they been brought into closer range of their targets by the jet-powered mother ships, which themselves could not be easily intercepted given their superior speed.

The Kit

DML’s Arado Ar 234C-3 with V-1 Huckepack is injection molded in grey plastic and consists of 114 parts, including six clear parts for the nose glazing, navigation lights and clear apertures for cameras should modelers opt to build the reconnaissance version. In addition there are 6 photo-etch parts for the radio loop and under-wing antennae. The cockpit is well-detailed with a pilot’s seat featuring armrests and raised relief representing a padded seat back, integrally molded side panel instrumentation, a two-part control yoke, ceiling-mounted periscope, and a floor-mounted main instrument panel that is about half the size of those found on conventional aircraft. A paint guide is provided for the instrument panels.

Construction appears to be uncomplicated and fairly unremarkable until you get to Step 9, offering a choice of payload to be carried underneath the aircraft’s belly. The first of these is a bomb that is at least on something like the order of 500 kilograms. The other is a larger experimental, perhaps rocket-propelled bomb of some kind. Next are the engine nacelles, both of which house two BMW 003 turbojet engines, each of which can be fitted with brackets to carry a single 500 kg bomb (also provided).

The kit’s detail extends to parts for downward-facing cameras to be carried in the rear fuselage and aligned with apertures provided by clear part H3, which is cemented to the ventral surface of the fuselage. Lastly is the V-1 flying bomb consisting of seven parts, along with a four-part cradle that appears capable of being depicted lowered or deployed in preparation for firing the V-1. The V-1, like the Ar 234 itself, is detailed with engraved panel lines. The instructions include a paint guide featuring a four-view schematic of the Ar 234 and a two-view schematic of the V-1 referencing a splinter camouflage paint scheme of Olive Drab and Dark Green over Hellblau. In addition, the instructions include a black and white photo of the finished kit in a mottled camouflage paint scheme, colors unknown. Paint references are for the Gunze Sangyo and Italeri lines.

Markings

Since the AR 234C-3 never entered service, the kit decals are for a single version of an unknown Luftwaffe unit, circa 1945. While the decals are printed in Japan and are of good quality, having maintained their semi-gloss finish, the white portions of the German crosses have been subject to yellowing over time and are probably best replaced by aftermarket examples.

Conclusion

This is a very well-detailed kit of a late-war Arado 234 design that, fortunately for the Allies and especially England, the most likely target for further V-1 attacks, was never deployed by the Luftwaffe. Highly recommended for its quality engineering and historical interest.

Reference

https://www.staplesandvine.com