1/144 Bf-109K-4 ‘Kurfürst’ (2in1 = 2 kits in 1 box) (Luftwaffe, National Republican AF) - Mark I

1/144 Messerschmitt Bf-109K-4 ‘Kurfürst’ (2in1 = 2 kits in 1 box) (Luftwaffe, National Republican AF) - Mark I

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a German fighter aircraft designed in the mid-1930s and it represented the first modern fighter of the era. Originally conceived as an interceptor, later models were developed to fulfil various roles, such as bomber escort, fighter-bomber, day and night fighter, ground-attack or reconnaissance. Various armament modifications evolved in service, using pre-packaged or field kits. The aircraft was of an all-metal monocoque construction, featuring an enclosed canopy and a retractable landing gear.

The Bf 109K was the last in the ‘109’ evolutionary line and also the most uniform model. Work on this version began in the spring of 1943 and the series production started in August 1944 with the K-4 variant.

The standard features were the DB 605D engine, the Erla clear-view canopy, large main wheels with corresponding large oblong wing bulges, deeper oil cooler under the nose and tall tail fin. A long fully retractable tail wheel was fitted, while small mainwheel well outer doors were also provided (although frequently removed in service). The Bf 109K-4 was equipped with an engine-mounted MK 108 cannon and two MG 131 guns in the nose. Some aircraft were also fitted with two underwing MG 151/20 cannon gondola pods (R4 kit) or WGr. 21 rockets. Some 1,200 aircraft were mainly built by Messerschmitt, while Erla plant also supplied a small quantity.

The Bf 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in the aviation history, and besides the German Luftwaffe it served in many other air forces and gallantly fought in all aerial combats of WWII.

Colour schemes included in the kit:
1) Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4, White 1 (W.Nr. 330204), 9./JG 77, Luftwaffe, Neuruppin airfield, Germany, November 1944

2) Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4 (Night Fighter), White 5, I./NJG 11, Luftwaffe, Leck airfield, Germany, April 1945

3) Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4, White 12 (W.Nr. 332380), 9./JG 3, Luftwaffe, Pasewalk airfield, Germany, March 1945

4) Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4, 3�"14 (W.Nr. 333878), 3rd Flight (3a Squadriglia), 1st Fighter Squadron (I Gruppo Caccia), National Republican Air Force (Aeronautica Nationale Repubblicana, ANR), Lonate Pozzolo airfield, Italy, March 1945

Two injection-moulded kits are supplied in this box and each kit contains 26 parts and one clear part (the cockpit canopy). A comprehensive decal sheet is included.

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MKM14474

Available: February 2020
Cost: £14