It was one of the first truly modern fighters of the era and featured, among other features, an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed cockpit canopy, and retractable landing gear.
After passing its baptism of fire in the Spanish Civil War, the Bf 109 remained in service at the beginning of the jet age at the end of World War II, forming the backbone of the German Air Force.
On the E-4, the engine-mounted cannon was finally abandoned. The wing-mounted cannons were replaced by the MG FF/M, which allowed for a higher rate of fire.
The cockpit canopy was also modified. It first appeared in July 1940 and played a significant role in the Battle of Britain.
German fighter loss figures show that 249 E-1s, 32 E-3s, and 344 E-4s were lost in the second half of 1940. It would have been relatively easy to upgrade a 109E-3 to E-4 specifications, and this may have been precisely what happened with many of the older fighters.
Plastic model kit
- Photo-etched parts included
- Rubber tires
- Finely detailed engine and cockpit
unbuilt / unpainted
Paint and glue not included
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