Focke-Achgelis FA-223 "Drache" - the German multi-purpose helicopter

Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 - German World War II multi-purpose helicopter. The machine is three-strut landing gear, metal construction, most of which is covered with canvas. The first prototype flight took place in 1940, serial production was carried out in 1940-1945. It is believed, that about 15-20 prototypes of this type and the initial series of machines were produced. Power was provided by one BMW-Bramo 323D-2 engine with a maximum power of 1000 h. p. Armament consisted of one 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun. The helicopter could also carry two bombs or depth charges with a total mass of up to 500 kilograms. The Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 continued the line of many design concepts, used in the Focke-Wulf Fw-61, mainly - a system of two main rotors, without a tail rotor. The first prototype of the machine was built in 1940 and made its first flight in the same year. In 1941, a second prototype (Fa 223V2) was produced with a glazed front and windows on the sides of the fuselage, but in 1942 work on this machine was stopped due to British bombing. They were probably resumed only in early 1944. Only then was it decided to start mass production, but since the whole project had a rather low priority, as well as due to the deteriorating economic situation in Germany, serial production was not started until the end of the war. The prototypes and initial series of helicopter entered the only (partially) formed combat unit, were tested on a relatively small scale in field conditions - especially in 1944-1945.

A large, rather complex (although the author writes, that this model is suitable for gluing even by beginners), quite well-designed and richly detailed model for modelers of medium experience and experienced. True, working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, it will definitely be glued by an advanced beginner and a modeler with little experience. However, there will be a lot of trouble with wire structures and their covering with paper details. The model does not forgive haste and carelessness at all. The graphic instructions are good and informative, the textual ones - only general notes, that supplement the graphic instructions. There are no color reserves.