Plastic boat model SMS Viribus Unitis 1/350

SMS Viribus Unitis 1/350

The SMS Viribus Unitis, commissioned in December 1912, was one of the first modern dreadnoughts in history and the flagship of the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

Designed to compete with the powerful European navies, this battleship symbolized the technological and military ambition of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the early 20th century. Its construction was based on remarkable innovations for the time, notably the use of guns and turrets produced by the renowned Skoda arsenal, a symbol of excellence in the arms industry.

The Viribus Unitis was equipped with an impressive main artillery system: four triple turrets, each fitted with 305 mm guns. These guns, capable of firing shells up to 20 kilometers, were the ship’s primary weapon. Additionally, 150 mm auxiliary guns were mounted on the sides, providing extra defensive capability against smaller or closer threats. This armament made the ship a true steel behemoth, at the forefront of maritime technological advancements of its era.

In terms of performance, the Viribus Unitis was equally impressive for its sheer power. Its engines generated 27,000 horsepower, enabling the battleship to reach a top speed of approximately 20.4 knots (about 37.8 km/h). With a hull divided into two parts, special attention was given to its structural design, combining durability and stability at sea.

Despite its technical prowess, the confined geography of the Adriatic Sea severely limited the Austro-Hungarian Navy’s operational scope. The Viribus Unitis spent most of its service moored at the port of Pola, a key naval base for the empire. This strategic limitation, combined with the internal conflicts of the empire, significantly reduced the military impact of this battleship during World War I.

On November 1, 1918, in the final hours of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Viribus Unitis met a tragic end. Italian divers infiltrated the port of Pola and planted a bomb on its hull, sealing the fate of this iconic vessel. The sinking of the Viribus Unitis symbolized the end of an era for the Austro-Hungarian Navy and marked a significant chapter in early 20th-century maritime history.

Today, the Viribus Unitis continues to captivate naval history enthusiasts and model-building hobbyists alike.

A detailed model kit, featuring over 480 pieces, allows for the recreation of this maritime masterpiece. The kit includes a hull divided into two parts, finely engraved wooden deck patterns, photo-etched parts for enhanced realism, and a display stand to proudly showcase the replica.

Every element of this kit highlights the sophistication and complexity of the original design, paying tribute to one of the most remarkable ships of its time.

Scale : 1/350
Model Brief : Length: 434.2mm Beam: 79.7mm
Total Parts : 480+
Metal Parts : anchor chain
Photo Etched Parts : 3 pcs
Total Sprues : 12 sprues and deck
More Features :

• the kit contains over 480 parts
• hull split into two parts
• Deck wood pattern finely rendered
• Contains display stand
• photo etched parts included