Messerschmitt Me410A-1 1:72 Airfix 04069

This kit requires self-assembly and painting. Paints and glue are not included. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including pliers, files, and tweezers), paints, brushes, and glue for plastic models (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.

Details:

• Scale: 1:72
• L: 17,5 cm
• Wingspan: 22,6 cm
• No. parts: 149
• Level: 2
• Marking options: 2

1. Messerschmitt Me410A-1, WNr.10185, U5+KG, 16./Kampfgeschwader 2, Amsterdam-Schipol, Holandia, październik 1943.
2. Messerschmitt Me410A-1, U5+CX, 13./Kampfgeschwader 2, Coulommiers, Francja, sierpień 1943.

Messerschmitt Me 410 History and Use:

The Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse (Hornet) was a heavy fighter and fast bomber (Schnellbomber) designed and produced by the German company Messerschmitt. The aircraft was used by the Luftwaffe during the latter half of World War II.

The Me 410 was powered by larger Daimler-Benz DB 603 engines, had a lengthened fuselage, and automatic slats on the leading edges of the wings. Series production began in January 1943. The A-1 version was a lightly armed bomber, but other variants existed, such as the A-1/U1 reconnaissance aircraft, the A-1/U2 bomber destroyer, and the A-2/U4 night fighter.

The Me 410 was used for night bombing missions over the British Isles, where it often evaded interception by RAF fighters. It was also used as a bomber destroyer against USAAF day bomber formations. Although initially successful against unescorted bombers, it was no match for lighter Allied fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and Spitfire.

By mid-1944, despite being Adolf Hitler's preferred bomber destroyer, the Me 410 was withdrawn from the Reich defense in favor of more heavily armed single-engine fighters. Ultimately, the Me 410 was used as a reconnaissance aircraft.