Luftwaffe night fighters (Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4 / Fw-189 A-1 / Do-17 Z-10) 1:72 ICM 72209

Plastic model aircraft kit: Luftwaffe night fighters (Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4 / Fw-189 A-1 / Do-17 Z-10) 1:72 ICM 72209

A set of plastic models depicting three key designs used by the German air force as night fighters during World War II. The set includes models of the following aircraft: Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4, Focke-Wulf Fw-189 A-1, and Dornier Do-17 Z-10 Kauz II.

At the beginning of World War II, the Luftwaffe command did not prioritize specialized air defense fighters, believing that anti-aircraft artillery would provide sufficient protection for the Reich. However, mass night raids by the British air force demonstrated the ineffectiveness of ground-based guns against airborne targets at night. This forced the creation of specialized night fighter units (Nachtjagd) and the development of new combat tactics.

Since there were no aircraft designed from scratch for night combat at that time, the Luftwaffe adapted standard combat machines. The Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4, painted in dark colors, was used, among others, by Nachtjagdgeschwader 1. Modified Dornier Do-17 bombers, designated Do-17Z-10 Kauz II and equipped with infrared searchlights, were used to intercept bombers at long distances. In turn, the Focke-Wulf Fw-189 A-1, originally a reconnaissance aircraft, also joined the ranks of the night air force after modifications including the installation of the FuG 212 radar and an additional MG 151 cannon firing forward and upward.

• Scale: 1:72
• Total number of parts: 334 (44 + 135 + 155)
• Historical period: World War II
• Models included: Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4, Focke-Wulf Fw-189 A-1, Dornier Do-17 Z-10 Kauz II

Kit for self-assembly and painting. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including nippers, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.