Features:
Detailed Crew Figure(s)
Photo-etched Aerial(s)
Optional Undercarriage Down
Armament/Weapons
One of the most interesting engagements involving a Messerschmitt Me 262
jet fighter during WWII occurred on 10th April 1945, when pilot Lt
Walther Hagenah and his wingman were ordered to intercept a heavy raid
of USAAF bombers attacking an area north of Berlin. Knowing they would
be massively outnumbered by Allied aircraft, the pair intended to attack
the formation at high speed, using cannon and their underwing mounted
R4M unguided rocket projectiles to break up the formation and spread
confusion. With the mighty bomber stream in sight, Hagenah noticed a
flight of six American P-51D Mustangs above them, which immediately
dropped their external fuel tanks as they dived in to attack. Hagenah's
experience told him that if he turned to face them, or made any violent
evasive manoeuvre, the speed of the Mustangs would soon bring him into
their gunsights, so instead, he pushed the throttles to full power and
began a gentle dive towards the ground, but crucially, not changing
heading. His wingman decided to take a different course of action,
turning to face the Mustangs and immediately being enveloped in a hail
of .50 calibre bullets. With his own jet now at full speed, Hagenah
expertly positioned his Messerschmitt for an attack on the American
fighters, opening up on them with everything he had, including
ripple-firing his R4M rockets at the enemy fighter formation.