He 162 Salamander - Contested Victory paper art print by Craig Tinder

HISTORICAL PAPER ART BY CRAIG TINDER

He 162 Salamander - Contested Victory Art Print

$29.99

Pairs well with

Archival-quality print · Craig Tinder artwork · Made in the USA
ABOUT THE ARTWORK

The Story Behind the Print:

4 May 1945 - Lt. Rudolf Schmitt, a Luftwaffe pilot flying the Heinkel He 162 "Volksjäger," engaged in one of the few documented aerial combat missions involving this late-war German jet fighter. During this encounter, Schmitt reportedly shot down a British Tempest V, piloted by Lt. Tom Austin of the 486 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The He 162, designed as a last-ditch effort by Nazi Germany to defend against the overwhelming Allied air superiority, was one of the most advanced jet fighters of its time, though it saw very limited combat action before the war ended.

This particular engagement is significant due to the rarity of He 162 missions, with most Luftwaffe jets either grounded due to fuel shortages or destroyed on the ground by Allied bombing raids. The battle took place just days before Germany's surrender, during a period of chaos and desperation as the Luftwaffe's capabilities dwindled. The He 162, nicknamed the "Volksjäger" or "People's Fighter," was developed quickly, with young and inexperienced pilots, including Schmitt, flying the aircraft in the face of overwhelming Allied forces.

After the engagement, a German flak (anti-aircraft) unit also claimed responsibility for downing Austin's aircraft, leading to confusion over who deserved credit for the kill. Despite this, Lt. Austin, who survived the crash and was taken prisoner, supported Schmitt’s claim, insisting that the jet fighter, not flak fire, was responsible for bringing down his Tempest V. This testimony provided a rare confirmation of a jet-to-jet victory by the He 162, a remarkable feat considering the aircraft’s rushed production and limited operational use.

The incident remains one of the few confirmed victories by the He 162 in its brief operational history, making it a noteworthy moment in the final stages of World War II’s aerial warfare.

In preparation for this art print, Artist Craig Tinder visited and thoroughly researched the only He 162 on public display in the United States - He 162 "Red 1" (W.Nr. 120077) at Planes of Fame in Chino, California.

This paper print does not include an authentic historical relic.

PRINT DETAILS

ABOUT THE PRINT

Each In Action Print is professionally produced using archival-quality inks on premium fine-art paper selected for excellent detail, color reproduction, and longevity. The larger scene format preserves the atmosphere, historical details, and storytelling of Craig Tinder's original artwork.

AVAILABLE SIZES

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm)
  • 24" × 16" (61 × 40.6 cm)

FRAMING & PRODUCTION

Prints are sold unframed and are sized to fit widely available ready-made frames and mats, eliminating the need for custom framing in most cases. Each print is produced to order; please allow approximately 2–3 business days for production before shipment.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

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SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each print is produced to order and carefully packaged for shipment. Please allow approximately 2–3 business days for production before your order ships. Delivery times vary by destination and shipping method.

International orders are welcome. Customers outside the United States are responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes, or import fees.

CARE

For long-term display, keep your print away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and high humidity. When framing, archival-quality mats and framing materials are recommended to help protect the artwork over time.

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IN ACTION PRINT EXPERIENCE

Framed Display Example

Rich in historical detail and atmosphere, In Action Prints turn Craig Tinder's full-scene artwork into a striking framed display.

Created by Artist Craig Tinder

Each print begins with Craig Tinder's original historically researched artwork.

Print Size Reference

Compare available print sizes and see their approximate scale.