Herpa Wings United Nations Humanitarian Air Service Beechcraft 1900D9H-AFH Scale 1/200 573450

The Beech Aircraft Corporation was founded in 1932 by Olive Ann and Walter Beech in Wichita, Kansas. The company's first aircraft was the legendary Model 17 Staggerwing, which made its maiden flight in November of 1932. During the Second World War, Beech produced several thousand military trainers and transporters. From the 1950s onwards, the company developed successful aircraft families such as the Bonanza and the King Air series, from which the Model 1900 series eventually emerged. The 19-seat commuter quickly became a bestseller for Beechcraft, also due to its pressurized cabin and, in the further developed 1900D version, a higher cabin ceiling which now made it possible to walk upright – a new feature in this class of aircraft at the time. After the trend towards larger jets began, Beechcraft discontinued production of the 1900D in 2002 having completed more than 400 aircraft. To this day, numerous 1900D are still in service with airlines, air force, and also international aid organizations worldwide. UNHAS is managed by the United Nations World Food Program. It is used in particular for the transportation of UN personnel, but its main purpose is to supply populations in need with goods, for example in the event of natural disasters. In recent years, UNHAS has focused its work on Africa and the Middle East. In addition to currently 35 helicopters, it operates a diverse fleet of over 100 fixed-wing aircraft, from Airbus and Embraer jets to small and robust propeller aircraft, such as currently ten Beech 1900Ds. These can also take off from and land on short and unprepared airstrips and help to supply remote areas without infrastructure.