Heinkel produced three different designs of the P.1078 for the OKL Emergency Fighter competition in 1944. The Heinkel He P.1078A was a single-seat fighter armed with two MK 108 30mm cannon in the nose. The shoulder-mounted gull wing was swept back at 40 degrees. The design called for a single HeS 011 jet engine located beneath the cockpit and exhausting under a central tailboom.

Span: 8.8 m (28' 10.7")
Length: 9.48 m (31' 1.5")††††
Max. Estimated Speed: 980 km/h (609 mph)

THE KIT

Type: Injection.
Parts: 29
Clear Parts: 1
Etched Parts: 1 fret of 14 parts

The kit's light grey parts go together quite well with subtle detailing and panel lines.
Some are a little too soft so may need a light rescribing. There's very little flash and some decent detailing in the rear wheel wells, which could be improved by the more expert amongst us.

The only real criticism is the cockpit assembly is too wide for the space between the fuselage halves and needs some sanding down to fit. Not a massive problem, more an annoyance.

This seems to be a common occurrence with Special Hobby kits, as I've found the same thing with other models by this manufacturer.

CLEAR PARTS

One vac canopy is supplied - tinted a little "blue". Otherwise detail is well defined. However there is one glaring error in that the seating for the canopy on the fuselage is formed as a shallow "V" sloping down from the front and rear to meet mid-way, but the base line of the canopy is flat. So some extra work is needed in building up the fuselage canopy sides to marry effectively. Otherwise you'll get an unsightly gap on each side over the apex of the "V".

ETCHED PARTS

One small fret is provided containing antenna, seat belts, pedals etc. The quality is quite good.

DECALS

Good and including swastikas.

INSTRUCTIONS

All black and white. Good exploded illustrations on one side of a single sheet with camo and decal guide on the reverse.

VALUE

Not a bad kit overall but a little pricey.

CONCLUSIONS

Having just built this kit for the PX 2004 Campaign, I can say it does make up into a nice little plane that looks remarkably modern. I enjoyed making it.

Link to Item

A must for all Luftwaffe fans in spite of the two niggles. But I think because of them, especially the canopy problem, this is a kit for the more experienced.