Junkers Ju-87G-2, Fiezzeler Fi-103 "Reichenberg" and Bachem Ba-349 "Natter" - the Getman aircrafts

The Junkers Ju-87G-2 aircraft was built in 1942 as a version of the standard "Stuka" bomber. Until then, the Germans did not have a specialized aircraft for the destruction of armored ground targets - such as the Soviet Il-2 or the British "Typhoon", but the Ju-87 aircraft produced, which was almost completely unsuitable for defensive warfare, was accordingly reworked and adapted for this purpose. The bombardment equipment was removed from it, two anti-tank guns BK 3.7 cm with a stock of 12 shells for the tube were hung under the wing. The aircraft so armed was used for the first time in the Battle of Kursk and became a real terror for Soviet tank crews. Colonel Hans Ulrich Rudel, one of the most famous German tank aces, fought with this plane and destroyed about 500 enemy tanks. From the publication it is possible to make his plane, which Rudel flew in 1944.

The Fizzeler Fi-103 "Reichenberg" - a guided jet bomb, better known as the V-1 flying bomb - the Retribution weapon of the III Reich - was built in 1942 and was widely used for the destruction of British cities. It was originally an unmanned aircraft, powered by a pulsed liquid fuel jet engine. It was a formidable weapon, but of little battle values due to its poor accuracy. In 1943, tests began with a similar manned plane, which allowed to accurately hit even small targets. In theory, the pilot was supposed to leave the craft just before hitting the target, but this was difficult to do, so it had to be more of a suicide flight. In 1944 tests were carried out and pilots were trained, but it did not reach combat use.

In 1944, due to the intensified Allied bombings in Germany, the Third Reich was urgently looking for means to repel air attacks and destroy bombers. Day and night fighters and anti-aircraft artillery were already severely lacking and their actions were no longer sufficient. The Ba-349 was a rocket-powered aircraft, armed with 24 unguided missiles. After a vertical launch from the launcher, it was supposed to rise to the level of the bomber formation, fire missiles and fall to the ground. The pilot had to bail out with a parachute. The main engine had to parachute down as well, the rest of the plane was crashing, but its structure was wooden and very simple and only meant for one flight. Several test flights were made in December 1944 and March 1945, but the combat use of the Natter did not come due to the end of the war.

The models are designed for modelers of all experience. But the Ju-87 is more complex, has a lot of small details, Fi-103 and Ba-349 - simple. By starting with them and gaining experience, even an advanced beginner and a modeler with little experience, working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, will perfectly stick together three beautiful and valuable models for their collection. It is not necessary to rush and forget about diligence and attentiveness here. Antiquarian publication.