1/24 Messerschmitt Bf109E-4/E-3 Airfix A12002A

Number of Parts: 146Dimensions (mm): L375 x 425Designed by Professor Willy Messerschmitt, a director of the manufacturers Bayerische Flugzeuwerke AG. The prototype Bf109A flew first in 1935 and the first major production variant, the Bf109E, ws introduced into Luftwaffe service in Decemeber 1938.The E-model became more powerful, with better armourement and weaponry by the summer of 1940, over 500 were in service against Great Britain. By this time the Bf109E had already proved to be very competant, if not the world’s best fighter aircraft in the skies above Poland, France and the Low Countries.The 109E became a symbol of the Luffwaffe over England during the Battle of Britain and along with the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, it became one of the most famous fighter aircraft of all time.In 1940, the short comings of the Bf109E were first exposed in the skies over southern England, its range was limited with the endurance over London being just five minutes. The Messerschmitt was unable to¬†maneuver a turn with either the Spitfire or Hurricane, although it had superior cannon armament compared to Great Britain. This aircraft later served on the Eastern Front as well as over the Western Desert.Maximum Speed: 354mphRange: 412 miles at 250mph crusing speedWingspan: 9.85mHeight: 2.58m (over nose tail on ground)Armament: two wing mounted 20mm MG F Cannons and two nose mounted 7.9mm MG17 Machine Guns