This very manoeuvrable British fighter plane appeared on the Western Front in July 1917 and soon demonstrated its superiority over the German fighters. Over 5,500 were produced. Manfred von Richthofen was shot down by a Camel in April 1918.

In the First World War history was written by Baron Manfred von Richthofen in his red Fokker tri-plane. The Dr. 1 was the most manoeuvrable of all the aircraft in use and achieved high rates of climb. The Dr. 1 that was delivered to the troops in June 1917 was withdrawn from the front at the end of 1917, but Richthofen continued to fly it until April 1918.

Paints Required: 36 79 88

One of the most successful USAAF fighter bombers in World War II was the P-47, which was also used initially by the Eighth Air Force as a fighter interceptor. It was robust, reliable and able to withstand heavy impacts. The main batch was the D series.

Paints Required: 36 46

The Fokker D VII was by far the best German fighter of the First World War. It dominated the sky from January 1918. Power plant: 185 hp 6 cyl. BMW III engine; max. speed: 200 km/h at 1000 m altitude.

Paints Required: 5 8 35 36 56 67 79 85 88 91 364

Model-details:,Antennae for the FGA.9 version
Surface details with recessed panel lines
Detailed cockpit with instrument panel
Detailed ejector seat Detailed landing gear
Landing gear optionally extended or retracted
Optional cannon strike fairings
Radar warning systems and antennae for the Mk. 58 version
230 and 100 gallon auxiliary tanks plus rocket pods for the FGA.9 version
Maverick guided missile
Decals for several RAF and Swiss air arm versions
Colors required not included: 36 65 79 89 99

Model-details:Structural details on surface
Detailed radial engine, Pilot figure
Decals for a British Royal Navy Air Squadron version
Colors required not included: 35 46

The DC-3 embodies a piece of flying history like few other aircraft. Exactly 32 years after the first motorized flight by the Wright brothers on 17th December 1935, the DC-3, designed as a sleeper transport of the skies made its maiden flight. Barely two years later the DC-3 went into service with Swissair also. On 8th July 1937 the HB-IRA carried its first passengers on the Zürich to London route. A new era of commercial aviation had begun: the age of the DC-3, which was to make history like no other aircraft before or since. By the time production ended in 1946, 10,655 had been built. KLM also introduced the DC-3 in 1936 and retained it in active service until 1970.

The B-1B is still one of the largest, fastest and most advanced long-range USAF bombers and forms the backbone of the Strategic Air Command. This variable geometry wing bomber is capable of carrying an internal weapon load of 34 tonnes and 26 tonnes externally with a range of 12,000 km at service ceiling. The B-1B underwent its baptism of fire in "Operation Desert Shield" in the Iraq War. As the planned successor to the B-52, the B-1A had already made its maiden flight in 1977. The first B-1B was delivered to the USAF on 27.7.1985. The radar cross section of the B-1B is only 25% of that of the B-52 and the weapons load has been enormously increased. Three tiers of internal weapons enable Cruise missiles can be carried on a rotating suspension system as well as conventional bombs. The four GE F 101 engines each generate 13,608 kp with afterburner. The maximum speed at an altitude of 15,000 km is Mach 1.25.

The DH 2 reconnaissance plane went into service in large numbers at the French front from February 1917 and soon proved its superiority over the German aircraft. The Royal Flying Corps used this unusual type of aircraft successfully until the end of 1917.

The A-26 Invader was one of the few aircraft that were developed, built and used by the USA in World War II. Development began in 1940. Equipped with two Pratt & Whitney engines delivering 2000 hp each, the A-26 reached a top speed of 580 km/h and was therefore 128 km/h faster that the B-25. In October/November 1944 the USAAF 415th BG was the first unit to be completely equipped with the A-26 Invader. This unit also received a larger number of the A-26B with a fixed nose cannon. The Korean War that began in June 1950 caused to the transfer to Korea of the only (A)B-26 unit, the 3rd Bomb Group, still stationed in Asia, where the Invader also proved its worth. During the Vietnam War the French air force received 112 Invaders from stocks of machines that were no longer needed by the USAF.

The Phantom was one of the most powerful and versatile aircraft of the nineteen seventies and eighties. It was in service in eleven countries including 5 NATO states. The German air force flew 273 of these "Hot ovens", out of a total build of 5,000. The prototype of this fighter interceptor flew for the first time in 1958. Derived from the RF-4C, the RF-4E version went into service with the German air force in 1971. It was then the most powerful tactical reconnaissance plane of the western world.
The 88 reconnaissance planes in the Federal German air force were stationed at Leck (AG-52) and Bremgarten (AG-51). The AG-52 from Leck attended the NATO Tigermeet in 1984 in this particularly striking special livery.

Even 30 years after its maiden flight the F-14A Tomcat was one of the most powerful and efficient fighter-interceptors in the world. In particular its long-range capability and ability to attack targets, with its AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, which were way outside its range of sight, made it an ideal fleet defender.The F-14 Tomcat was developed as the successor to the Phantom II which had proved outdated in its fighter-interceptor role. Deliveries of the F-14A Tomcat to the US Navy operations units started in June 1972. The first unit was VF-124 stationed in NAS Miramar, which was also responsible for further pilot training. Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney TF 30-P-4 14A; capacity 2 x 9,852 kg thrust; max. speed 2,485 km/h

Paints Required: 5 36 75 91 99

Requires polystyrene cement and paint to complete the model

The Ju 290 was the only four-engined heavy-duty aircraft used by the Luftwaffe in World War II and was the forerunner of the subsequent transatlantic civil aircraft. In the winter of 1941 the German army encountered the problem of maintaining supplies in sufficient quantities to the combat units. The only way out was the immediate development of the available 4-engined Junkers Ju 90 into a larger and more up-to-date military transport under the designation Ju 290A. One of the features of the Ju 290 was that it had a cargo ramp (the "trapo-Klappe") that could be lowered to enable even tanks to be driven up into the body. In addition the Luftwaffe required a long-range reconnaissance plane to make possible adequate surveillance of the allied convoys. The solution in this case also was the Ju 290, that had a range of over 3,000 km and could remain airborne for over 20 hours. Experience with the pilot-series of the new reconnaissance plane was consolidated in the next series the A-4. After only four aircraft had been built the A-4 series was replaced by the A-5, 11 of which were produced. The majority of these aircraft were used by long-range reconnaissance unit 5 that operated over the Atlantic from Mont de Marsan. Some machines were transferred to the newly formed special unit KG 200. In addition to extensive radio equipment the Ju 290 reconnaissance plane also had the FuG 200 Hohentwiel ship search radar.

Colors: 40 45 48 49 66 74 99

Number of parts 109, length 198mm, wingspan 190mm

Called the "flying sabot" because it was boat-shaped, the BV 138, despite prolonged development and testing and many technical problems that lasted several years, was the German flying boat that would be built in the greatest numbers. By 1934, 3 aircraft companies had been requested by the German Air Ministry to submit designs for a long-range reconnaissance flying boat that would be capable of operating on the high seas. HFB (Blohm & Voss) was then awarded the contract and in the summer of 1936 the HA 138 VI made its maiden flight. The testing of the V2 revealed that further design modifications to the airframe and landing gear were needed, so that the BV 138 A-01 did not achieve a satisfactory flying performance until the summer of 1939. During the Norwegian campaign in April 1940, three aircraft of the nil series were successfully used as transports between Norderney and Narvik. In addition to the production of 25 BV 138-A-1s and 20 BV 138 B-1s, from 1941 onwards, a total of 228 examples of the C-1 range were produced by Blohm & Voss and the Weser Flugzeugbau GmbH. In July 1940 after only a few hours operation the sea reconnaissance units incurred serious damage to the engines and airframes, however despite many improvements these faults could never be totally eliminated. The trial mine sweeper built in November 1942 produced unsatisfactory results, so the testing was discontinued after only a few flights. The production of the BV 138 ceased in December 1943.

The MiG 1.44 is an unarmed technology platform for Russia's new 5th generation combat aircraft designed as the counterpart to the American F-22. This supersonic tactical fighter originally received the designation MiG 1.42. The prototype was built under the greatest secrecy in 1994, then it was kept under wraps for some years. It was not officially brought out until January 1999. Great manoeuvrability, powerful engines, long-range radar and advanced avionics and fly-by-wire control systems together with a large arsenal of modern guided missiles make the MiG 1.44 an outstanding and respected aircraft. It remains to be seen when it will go into production.

High speed supersonic bomber and sea patrol aircraft. Development of the TU-22 began in 1955 in order to compete with the growing combat effectiveness of the Western air defence systems. The aim was to be capable of penetrating further into enemy air space at higher altitudes and higher speeds. The TU-22 had its first public showing in 1961. Service ceiling: 18.3 km (!), top speed: 1480 km/h.

The MiG 3 was delivered to the Soviet Air Force in the spring of 1941 as an improved MiG-1. This high performance aircraft proved to be absolutely superior in high-altitude air combat with German aircraft. By the beginning of 1942, 3172 examples of this single-seater, designed as a fighter-interceptor for medium and high altitudes, had been built.

The Soviet air force used the La-5FN for the first time at the front in the summer of 1943. It proved to be altogether comparable with the Bf-109. At low altitudes it reached a speed of 580 km and in the hands of an experienced pilot it was an opponent to be taken seriously.

One of NATO's most sophisticated interceptor planes, the Tornado F.3 is used in the defence of seaways, for early warning duty and in the RAF air defence system. The all-weather fighter plane can be deployed against highflying,as well as low-flying targets, detecting them as early as 185 km away thanks to its state of the art radar system. Two RB 199 turbofans generate a thrust of 71 kN (13,140 kgf) with reheat. The maximum speed is 2.2 mach at an altitude of 11,000m. The Royal Air Force receives a total of 165 machines, the Royal Saudi Force is down for 24 interceptor planes.

The He111 was the German bomber that was built in greatest numbers during World War II; it was derived from a commercial aircraft dating back to 1936. By the end of summer 1939 the first He111 H-1 had left the Heinkel works in Oranienburg and in October 1939 they appeared on the front. The He111 squadrons were used primarily during the Battle of Britain and suffered heavy losses. Within the H series the H-6 played an outstanding role. With over 1600 machines built, it was the most numerous He111 after the H-16. Equipped with more powerful armament from the outset it was designed for used as a torpedo bomber against shipping targets. However it could also carry two heavy bombs of 1000 kg each on external racks under the fuselage. By the time production ended in 1945 a total of 6508 of these aircraft had been built in different versions.

Single-engine flying boat, suitable for catapult launches, became famous as a maritime rescue aircraft.

Scale 1:72, No.of parts 57, wingspan 192mm, length 161mm

The Halifax is regarded as one of the most famous British World War II bombers. It was the second four-engine heavy bomber to go into active service with RAF Bomber Command in 1941. Although many problems arose during its development and the Halifax was always overshadowed by the Avro Lancaster, in the course of the war it ultimately proved to be the best-known Allied bomber. In addition to its principal role with Bomber Command (B1/B11 versions) it was often flown by RAF Coastal Command (GR 11) and Transport Command in the Near, Middle and Far East. It had a top speed of 420 km/h and a bomb load of 6,000 kg. The last Halifax was in service with Coastal Command until 1952.

The heavy American bomber B-17 is without doubt one the symbols of the WW2. Used from 1941 by the 8th air fleet and the RAF, this heavy four-engined bomber seemed an easy target for the German fighter planes. However, the remendous firing power of up to 11 machine guns in flexible positions or turrets turned the B-17 into fyling fortresses. The much improved B-17 F was produced from 1942 until September 1943 when the figure stood ar 3405 units. It served successfully util the end of the war. The four Curtiss Wright R-1820 engines delivered 1,200 PS each. Maximum speed 480 km/h, range 2,960 km, armaments 13 MGs, bomb load 7,850 kg.

Paints Required: 9 15 45 46 66 75 78 91 99

One of the most powerful combat aircraft ever was the A-1 Skyraider that was flown for the first time in 1945. By 1956, 3180 had been built - mainly single seaters. The AD-5 with its wide two-seat cockpit, longer fuselage and larger tail unit, is generally reputed to be the best Skyraider. It was used in Vietnam by the US Navy and USAF for close support and rescue operations. The Wright R-3350 radial engine delivered 2700 hp and a top speed of 518 km/h at an altitude of 5400.

The stub-wings of the Mil Mi-24 - Nato code Hind - contribute 25 percent of the aerodynamic lift.
This makes the Mi-24 an amazingly fast helicopter despite the immense weight of its armour plating. Unlike many other helicopters, its undercarriage is fully retractable.

The Bell AH-1W Super Cobra used by the US Marines is an upgraded navalized version of the "Huey Cobra" combat helicopter equipped with 2 engines. The AH-1W is used for fire support, escort flights and amphibian operations and has a large arsenal of weapons, including Hellfire and TOW guided missiles and a 20 mm cannon. The so-called "Whiskey Cobras" have demonstrated their fire power in numerous conflicts, most recently in the Gulf War of 2003.

Deliveries of the successful Bell UH-1D multi-role helicopter to the US Army began in August 1963. 352 of these machines were made for the army by Dornier in Germany. The earlier production models were powered by a 1,100 shp Avco Lycoming turboshaft.

Breathtaking flying manoeuvres, spectacular rescues and a medical team racing against time. The focal point of the new RTL Medical Action Series Medicopter 117 - every life counts - is two rescue teams with their helicopter. The BK 117 equipped with two turbines is one of the most successful multi-purpose helicopters.

The SA 365 Dauphin 2 is a twin-engine helicopter with retractable landing gear, powered by two Textron Lycoming engines, providing 680 shp each. With the U.S. Coast Guard it is deployed for medium range rescue missions under the designation HH-65A Dolphin. In France, the Dauphin 2 is mainly used as a light transport and liaison helicopter.

EC145 modern rescue & transport helicopter

Scale 1:72, No. of parts 75, length 156mm, rotor dia 153mm, skill level 9

The North American T-6 was one of the must successful trainers of all time. Generations of pilots throughout the world gained their initial flying experience in this type of aircraft. After World War II the firm CC&F in Canada obtained a licence to manufacture it under the name of Harvard. The final total number of Harvard Mk.4s built was 555. The newly formed Federal German Air Force received 135 of these.

The He 177 represented a revolutionary construction and was the only Luftwaffe four-engined bomber. It came into service in 1942. The He 177 was powered by two Daimler-Benz DB 601 engines coupled together and driving, via a differential gear system, a single propeller on a joint shaft. Overheating continually caused flame-outs in the engines and quickly gained the He 177 the nickname "German Fire Brand". Later the He 177 would be used primarily for the operational glide bombs. The Henschel HS 293A was the most successful guided missile used in the Second World War. It had a capacity of 590 kp thrust, a top speed of 700 km/h and an explosive charge of 3325 to 500 kg. To reinforce the defence weaponry of the He 177 the A-6 series was planned which would have a quadruple gun mount in the tail turret. In 1943 to test these attachments six of the available He 177s were equipped with an experimental electro-hydraulic tail gun mount (4 x calibre 13 mm MG 131). Despite all its problems the He 177, due to its capability, was a very popular aircraft with the crews.

Until the war's end the Albatros D.III was the most representative and most numerous german airplane on almost every front. German pilots liked it because of its good power performance. Between 1916 and early 1918 a total of 1340 machines had been delivered.

Model-details:
- Structurally detailed surfaces
- Pilot figure
- Movable propeller
- Decals with markings for Ltn. Voss and von Budde

Colors: 55 85

During the Second World War the Do 24 gained a legendary reputation as an emergency air sea rescue aircraft. In 1935 the Dutch government commissioned the Dornier company in Friedrichshafen to develop a flying boat for naval use on the high seas in the territory of the Dutch East Indies. Flight trials began with the maiden flight of the Do 24 V3 on 3rd July 1937. Although the first Do 24 machines were built by Dornier at Friedrichshafen and Altenhein, Aviolanda in Holland also began to produce them under licence. After World War II broke out the German army took over these production facilities in 1940 and the machines built there were taken over by the Luftwaffe as the Do 24N-1 for air sea rescue. The Do 24 T was developed for long-range reconnaissance and transport and was equipped with three BMW Bramo 323 R-2 radial engines with a capacity of 1000 hp each. However in addition to these duties, very many of these machines found their way into the Luftwaffe air sea rescue squadrons. Here they played an outstanding role particularly as no distinction was made between friend and foe when rescuing shot down pilots. During the war Aviolanda and DeSchelde built 154 machines in Holland and another 46 in France. The last ones went to the French navy 9th flotilla at Saint Mandrier in December 1944. At the end of 1944 manufacture under licence began in Spain and these flew rescue missions until the seventies.

The MiG-31 is one of the most powerful long-range fighter interceptors in the world to date. Developed in 1972 from the MiG-25 fighter interceptor, the MiG-31 two-seat long-range fighter was designed chiefly to counter the newest threat from low-flying cruise missiles and stealth aircraft. It made its first flight on 16th September 1975. In order to reduce the weight of the MiG-31 that went into production in 1979 at the Gorky Works, the airframe was constructed with a higher percentage of aluminium and titanium. The first Soviet Air Defence unit to be equipped with the MiG-31 was fully operational by 1983. In total more than 500 of the MiG-31 and MiG-31B were produced. In the summer of 2003, 22 world records were set by an aircraft in service with the Russian air force. The MiG-31 equipped with 4 R-33 rockets and an operational cannon climbed to an altitude of 21 km without any special preparatory training for the crew.