LEGO Technic 42113 Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey: the set has been removed from the Shop

20/07/2020 - 12:00 Lego news

LEGO Technic 42113 Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

It was one of the three novelties of the LEGO Technic range scheduled for August 1: The set 42113 Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey has been removed from the official online store while it was so far online alongside the two other planned boxes and it is difficult not to make the connection with the petition launched by the association German Peace Society - United War Resisters (DFG-VK) to obtain the withdrawal of the product and the end of the collaboration between LEGO and Boeing / Bell Helicopter.

Despite LEGO's attempt to offer a "civilian" version of the model, the tilt-rotor aircraft offered in the set in question is indeed above all a machine used by the American army since 2007. But the DFG-VK association is there. also sees a source of funding for the manufacturer of the "real" version of the aircraft: The set is officially licensed by Boeing and Bell and the two manufacturers would therefore receive royalties if the product is marketed. DFG-VK therefore sees it as an indirect contribution to the financing of companies manufacturing military vehicles.

42113 Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

Protest rallies are already planned in front of several German LEGO Stores and the manufacturer has already reacted more or less softly by specifying that the product had been developed with in mind a use in rescue operations but that the launch of this product featuring a device mainly used in military operations on August 1 would be subject to a "reassessment":

The LEGO Technic Bell Boeing Osprey V-22 was designed to highlight the important role the aircraft plays in search and rescue efforts.  

While our set depicts a rescue version of the plane, the aircraft is predominately used by the military. We have a long-standing policy not to create sets which feature military vehicles and in this case we have not adhered to our own internal guidelines.  

As a result, we are currently reviewing our plans to launch this product on August 1. 

The DFG-VK association details in detail and across its motivations at this address. It's up to you to judge whether the arguments developed are well founded or whether it is above all a question of trying to cling to the branches and make a good publicity stunt by relying on the reputation of LEGO.

Anyway, putting all the above considerations aside, I would find it a shame that the product was not available, it was still sexier than the concrete mixer in the set. 42112 Concrete Mixer Truck or the umpteenth construction machine in the set 42114 6x6 Volvo Articulated Hauler marketed next August.

Update : LEGO confirms the definitive withdrawal of the product from its catalog and it's already the fair on eBay.

The LEGO Technic Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey was designed to highlight the important role the aircraft plays in search and rescue efforts. While the set clearly depicts how a rescue version of the plane might look, the aircraft is only used by the military. 

We have a long-standing policy not to create sets which feature real military vehicles, so it has been decided not to proceed with the launch of this product. 

We appreciate that some fans who were looking forward to this set may be disappointed, but we believe it's important to ensure that we uphold our brand values.  

LEGO Technic 42113 Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

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