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Built Review
172
Lippisch P11

by: Peter Allen [ FLITZER ]

After much work during the late summer of 1942, Alexander Lippisch's P.11 twin-jet fast bomber was overlooked as the Horten Ho IX was chosen instead by the RLM. All work on the P.11.ceased.

One year later, the RLM then issued an official contract to develop a "Very Fast Bomber" that was based on Lippisch's earlier research. The project was renamed "Delta VI" after the design work on an unpowered glider, which was to serve as the initial prototype, was completed.

The RLM gave the highest priority to producing a fighter version. The LFA (Aviation Research Institute) constructed models, mock-ups and carried out wind tunnel experiments and began preparations for production. By February 1944, design work for the proposed fighter, fighter-bomber and heavy fighter was virtually complete. The wing was swept back at 37 degrees, and the low wing loading promised a good climb capability and excellent manoeuvrability.

Armament was to be two MK 103 30mm cannon mounted in the wings, with a provision for an additional two MK 103 30mm cannon or one BK 7.5 75mm cannon in an external pack. Dr. Lippisch hoped to commence flight tests with the unpowered glider by April 1944, with the two Jumo 004B turbojet powered version to be flying by July 1944. The centre section of the of the unpowered glider Delta VI was captured by American troops at Salzburg, this being the only part of the aircraft to be completed.

Span: 10.8m (35' 5.5")
Length: 7.49m (24' 7.1")††††††††††
Max. Speed: 1040 km/hr (646 mph)†

tHE KITS
Type: Resin

The kit's contents are:
Resin Parts: 33
Clear Parts: 1
Decals: For 2 aircraft (Number choice only)


MAIN PARTS
The familiar buff resin parts have very good detailing and panel lines. The wings and fuselage assembly are hollow cast, coming in two parts, a top and a bottom, joining along the leading and trailing edges. There are small casting stubs on the nose of the upper part and on both upper and lower port wing tips. Careful filing/sanding off is needed, but they should not cause too many problems. Additionally, a light clean-up to all edges of the parts should be enough to see them ready for assembly.


SMALL PARTS
As with the larger parts, the small ones are good and many have some extra detailing in and around the cockpit. This should prove sufficient for the more keen extra-detailing buffs as the cockpit aperture is quite small and therefore will offer only a limited view when complete.

Again most of the small parts come in groups attached to large and thin resin flakes for transit protection. Careful removal is necessary, but as the flakes are thin its a pretty straightforward exercise to remove them.

The undercarriage "knees" are very fragile and extra care is needed on removal and clean up, or a resort to after-market etched metal ones might prove a good idea. In fact I broke one during removal for the photo.

All parts need a little clean up and a wash in soapy water and rinse to get rid of any casting release agents.

CLEAR PARTS
One vacuformed canopy is provided and is nice and clear with good frame marking, but would benefit a dip in Future/Klear.

INSTRUCTIONS & DECALS
A single sheet carries a very good camo scheme on one side with a good assembly guide on the other.
The decals are good albeit basic but swastikas are provided.

CONCLUSION.
Having built this kit a few years ago I can honestly say it goes together very well and simply. The one area to watch is the joining of the two fuselage/wings parts, as they are quite large, care is needed to align them properly.

Not only would the more experienced modellers enjoy this kit, but it is relatively simple so beginners should with care have nothing to fear. An ideal first time resin kit.

Overall this is an excellent kit for its type and is still as good as most available.

Again I have included a pic of the one I made a few years ago (Pre Armorama) as a guide only.
SUMMARY
Percentage Rating
80%
  Scale: 1:72
  Mfg. ID: 067
  Suggested Retail: £25.95
  PUBLISHED: Oct 19, 2004
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 72.42%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 82.13%

About Peter Allen (flitzer)
FROM: ENGLAND - NORTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

Greetings to all. My real name is Peter Allen and I have recently returned to UK from working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a creative director in an advertising agency. My home town is Wigan in the north of England. I’m married to Emily, a Polish lass who tolerates my modelling well. I’ve wor...

Copyright ©2021 text by Peter Allen [ FLITZER ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.


   
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Photos
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  • LI_P2_1
  • PLA6772
  • P2_LARGE
  • P2_SMALL
  • P2_DECS
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