Avia C-2 1:72 Smer 0957

Plastic model airplane to assemble: Avia C-2 1:72 Smer 0957

The Avia C-2 model kit in 1:72 scale from Smer is an excellent choice for aviation and modeling enthusiasts who want to recreate one of the most famous training aircraft from World War II. The Avia C-2 is the Czechoslovak version of the German aircraft Arado Ar-96B, which was widely used by the Luftwaffe as an advanced training aircraft.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Smer
• Catalog number: 0957
• Material: Plastic
• Purpose: Model to assemble

History and significance of the Arado Ar-96:

The Arado Ar-96, designed by engineer Walter Blume in 1938, was one of the most technically advanced training aircraft of its time. Its design was based on a metal frame covered with duralumin sheets, providing strength and durability. This aircraft was equipped with a large, glazed cockpit that allowed for excellent visibility, which was crucial during training.

The first prototype Ar-96 V1 was powered by an Argus As 10 C engine with a power of 176 kW. After successful test flights, the aircraft quickly made it onto the Luftwaffe's order list for 1940. The production version Ar-96B was powered by an Argus As 410 A-1 engine with a power of 342 kW (465 HP) and became the main production series. Variants of this version included both unarmed aircraft for pilot training and armed models for training fighter pilots and dive bomber pilots.

The Arado Ar-96 was a key element in the training of Luftwaffe pilots, serving as a transitional aircraft between basic training aircraft and fighters such as the Messerschmitt Bf-109B and Focke-Wulf Fw-190. These aircraft were used in various training units, including Jagdschulgeschwader and Ergänzungsjagdgeschwader.

Production and post-war fate:

The production of the Arado Ar-96 was mainly carried out by Ago Flugzeugwerke, and later by Avia in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia and Letov in Prague. By the end of the war, a total of 2891 units of all versions had been produced. After the war, the production of the Arado Ar-96B continued in Czechoslovakia under the designation Avia C-2 until 1948.

Kit for self-assembly and painting. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and glue for plastic models (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.