UPC Code: 4950344992430

About the Messerschmitt Bf109 E-3

Without a doubt, the Messerschmitt Bf109 can be claimed as the most famous and successful German aircraft from the WW2. It was the world's most advanced fighter at the time of its debut in 1936, and remained as the standard fighter for the Luftwaffe throughout the conflict.

Created by the brilliant designer Willi Messerschmitt, it had the smallest possible airframe built around the most powerful engine available. It also boasted many of the then innovative features such as an all metal stressed skin construction, retractable main landing gear, automatic Handley-Page leading edge slats, etc. The Bf109 saw first combat during the Spanish Civil War and fully demonstrated its exceptional maneuverability, inherited from its precedent Bf108 Taifun (Typhoon) multi-purpose sports plane. The Bf109 underwent numerous improvement throughout its career, and mass production of the E variant started late in 1939.

Within one year, about 2,000 "E" aircraft were rolled out. Its excellent performance greatly contributed in the active service of German pilots at the Western Front and during the "Battle of Britain". The E-3 version used an improved Daimler-Benz DB601Aa engine capable of 1,100 h.p. output. This engine had provision for mounting a 20mm MG FF cannon on the crankcase and firing through the propeller hub. The Messerschmitt Bf109E was one of the best fighters of the early WW2 period, on a par with the British Spitfire.

Specifications

• Scale: 1/48
• Wingspan: 8-1/4" (20.7cm)
• Fuselage Length: 7-1/4" (18.3cm)
• Highly detailed 1/48th scale plastic kit for static display.
• Approximately 65 parts in medium grey and clear with fine recessed panel lines.
• Dummy engine eliminates "see through cowl" effect.
• Multi-part canopy may be posed open or closed.
• Rotating propeller: the propeller plugs into a polythene bushing which allows adding it late in assembly so there is less chance of breakage.
• Highly detailed cockpit with accurate instrument panel, seat, control stick and rudder pedals, bulkheads, and sculpted pilot figure.
• Detailed pictorial instructions with separate sheet for color details.
• Separate wheel hubs for easy painting.