Airfix A17003 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-5/6 1:24 Model Kit

Airfix A17003 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-5/6 1:24 Model Kit Description

Messerschmitt Bf109G-5/G-6

Arguably the most important Luftwaffe fighter aircraft of the Second World War, the BF109 was designed by Professor Willy Messerschmitt. The prototype first flew in May 1935. The Bf109 E appeared in late 1938, becoming a symbol of the Luftwaffe in the skies over England, dogfighting the RAF's Spitfires and Hurricanes.

During 1940, Messerschmitt were working on the Bf109 F, which featured the DB601E engine and much improved aerodynamics. The wings were reduced in area and featured new rounded wingtips. The DB605 engine was developed to be easier to manufacture than the complex DB601E, and the power output was raised to 1455bhp. The BF109 when fitted with this engine became the Bf109 G "Gustav".

In February 1943 the nose-mounted 7.92mm MG 17 guns were upgraded to the 13mm MG 131, leading to the distinctive bulged cowlings of the G-5 and G-6 models. The G-5 and G-6 were the most produced variants, with over 12,000 aircraft manufactured. The high-altitude G-5 featured a pressurized cockpit, with an engine driven compressor and sealed canopy glazing. The Bf109 G could be fitted with two additional MG151/20 cannon in under-wing gondolas, as well as a 300l fuel tank, rockets and bomb racks. Tropical equipment allowed the Bf109 G to serve in the dusty conditions of North Africa.

The G-6 first equipped JG 27, 51, 53 and 77 in the Mediterranean theatre, and went on to equip many Luftwaffe fighter units in Western Europe and the Eastern Front, where the highest scoring fighter ace, Erich Hartmann, achieved a claimed 352 aerial kills.

Model Build Options & Features:

- 406 parts & 5 decals
- Wingspan: 414mm, Length: 378mm
- Model can be built with or without the fully detailed DB605 engine.
- Engine cowlings and oil cooler can be posed in open or closed position
- Choice of two types of engine cowlings (MTT and Erla)
- Canopy can be posed open or closed (two canopy types included)
- Additional engine and cockpit parts included for G-5 (pressurised cockpit version)
- Optional 300l fuel tank and wing cannon "Gondolas"
- Ailerons, elevators and rudder can be offset to add life to the model.
- Radiator and wing flap position can be customised
- Many optional parts to suit specific aircraft builds, such as rudder pedals, gunsights, trim wheels, instrument panels, undercarriage wheels/tyres and windscreens
- Detailed nose armament with machine guns, gun mounts and ammunition boxes included
- Slide moulding used to allow the capture of fine detail on engine cowlings, fuselage, exhausts and gun barrels

Includes:

- Exclusive pre-cut masking sheet included (contains masks for all exterior glazing and some paint marking options, e.g. spinner spirals)
- 44-page colour instruction manual including detailed technical information, scheme histories and parts diagrams