Messerschmitt Me 262 B-1a/U1

The Me 262 was the first and only fully operational jet-powered fighter aircraft developed during World War II.
Due to the unique flight characteristics of a jet compared to a propeller-driven aircraft, a two-seat conversion was necessary for training.
This aircraft was designated the Me 262B-1a and was equipped with a second seat for the instructor, full dual controls, and two external fuel tanks.
The need for a night fighter version outweighed the additional time required for the conversions, so it was decided to convert the training version with the FuG 218 Neptun radar system and the FuG 350 Naxos heat sensor unit, which allowed the fighter to track the exhaust fumes of enemy aircraft.
This received the designation Me 262B-1a/U1, and the first of these aircraft were delivered to the experimental night fighter unit Kommando Welter in February and March 1945.
This unit served in the defense of Berlin and became NJG11, but had only received a dozen of these new jet aircraft by the end of the war.

Plastic model kit

• with photo-etched parts

Scale 1:32

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included