HK Models A-20G Havoc over Europe 1:32 – build review

Full review with Rob Ruscoe

The Havoc was designed to meet an Army Air Corps requirement for a medium bomber. It went on to be developed into attack, night intruder, night fighter and reconnaissance versions during WW2. It was ordered by the French Air Force and it was some of these aircraft which were the first to see action before the fall of France. The remainder of the order was taken over by the Royal Air Force who operated the aircraft under the name of Boston. The early A-20s were fitted with the Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engine of 1100 hp, similar to the Dakota transport, and proved somewhat underpowered. A major re-design saw the introduction of a deeper fuselage to accommodate a third crew member. In addition the aircraft was fitted with Curtiss Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone engines of 1400 (later 1600) hp, which gave it a much more sparkling performance. A total of almost 7500 were produced, 3400 of which were delivered to the Soviet Union where the aircraft was well liked.

The A-20G model introduced a powered turret in the rear fuselage and a solid nose containing four 20mm Hispano cannon and two .50 calibre browning machine guns although, some aircraft were retro-fitted with four more Brownings replacing the Hispanos. With a Max AUW of 24,127 Ib (10,944 Kg), a maximum speed of 325 mph (510 km/h), more importantly it had a high cruise speed of 280 mph (450 km/h). The aircraft could carry 4000 lb of bombs or four triple tube rocket launchers.

Of the survivors, three remain in airworthy condition in the USA.

The Kit

For a full description of what you get inside the suitably large box, please refer to the Here Now Review I carried out previously. Suffice to say here that this is a model which I was really eager to start building.

Starting the Build…