Airfix 1/24 A50176 Messerschmitt BF109E German WW2 Fighter Gift Set

Designed by Professor Willy Messerschmitt, a director of the Manufacturers Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG, the prototype Bf 109a first flew in 1935. Progressive development led to several speed record-breaking flights, the Bf 109B and C models seeing active service with the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War.

In 1938, the company was renamed Messerschmitt AG, though the Bf prefix was officially retained throughout the war for the 109 series. A few Bf 109D models were produced before the first major production variant, the Bf 109E, was introduced into Luftwaffe service in December 1938. The E model was more powerful, better armed and armoured, and by the fateful summer of 1940 over 500 were in service for the offensive against Great Britain. The bitterly fought campaign, which reached its crisis point in mid-September 1940, became known as the Battle of Britain; the Bf 109, Allison with the British Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire, became the most famous of all fighter aircraft. By late 1940, early models of the improved Bf 109F had been introduced, and by late 1941 the E model was largely replaced in front line Luftwaffe units. The markings included with this kit are or two Bf 109Es representative of the Battle of Britain period.
The unusually marked machine in the grey camouflage finish was flown by Hauptmann Wilhelm Meyerweissflog, a Staff officer of Jagdgeschwader (JG) 53, operating from Guernsey in the Channel Islands during July 1940. His aircraft was shot down near Manston on 5th September, and he was taken prisoner. The alternative scheme is for 'Yellow 1', one of the more attractively marked Bf 109Es flown by the famous Luftwaffe ace Josef 'Pips' Priller who, in October 1940, was Staffelkapitan of 6/JG 51 based at Mardyik in Belgium. At this time he had 20 aerial victories, plus two against ground targets, these being marked on the fin of his aircraft. By late 1944, his score had risen to 101 victories, making him the third highest scoring Luftwaffe ace on the Western front during World War 2.
Powerplant: one Daimler-Benz DB 601A 12-cylinder liquid-cooled engine rated at 1,100 h.p. Maximum speed: approximately 570 km/h (354 mph) at 3,800m (12,480ft). Range: 663km (412 miles) at cruising speed of 400 km/h (250 mph). Dimensions: Wing span 9.85 (32ft 4 1/4in). Height (over nose, tail on ground): 2.58m (8ft 5 1/2in).
Armament: two wing-mounted 20mm MG FF cannons and two nose-mounted 7.9mm MG 17 machine guns.

Polystyrene Cement and Paints Required

Technical Specification & Detail