Nicknamed the "Butcher Bird," the FW-190 was Germany's best air-to-ground fighter. Faster and more agile than the British Spitfire, it dominated the skies over Europe as a fighter and was the Luftwaffe's most important ground-attack aircraft. Controlled by the skilled hands of aces like Oberleutnant Otto Kittel, the FW-190 gained the reputation of being one of the greatest fighters of all time. This fighter-bomber and anti-tank aircraft was almost impossible to defeat until the introduction of the long-range P-51 Mustang.

First appearing in August 1944 as a result of a special Air Ministry requirement, the Fw 190D-9 was an attempt to produce a high-altitude fighter based heavily on an existing fighter, the Fw 190A-8. The nose was reshaped and lengthened to accommodate a new engine. The Fw 190D-9 proved to be a superb fighter.

This particular 1:72 scale limited edition fighter was flown by legendary ace Gerhard Barkhorn of JG6 based in Lower Silesia during 1945. Comes with a display stand. Only 500 pieces produced. Sold Out!

Dimensions
Wingspan: 5-inches
Length: 5-inches

Release Date: January 2005

Historical Account: "To Soar With Eagles" - Gerhard Barkhorn is credited with the second highest victory tally in WWII, and is only one of two pilots to have reached the 300 level, the other being Erich "Bubi" Hartmann. For most of his combat career, Barkhorn served with JG 52, although he earned his come uppance in July 1939 with JG 2.

While his unit took part in the Battle of Britain, he was never able to score any victories in the skies over England. Afterwards, JG 52 was transferred to the Eastern Front in July 1941, where Barkhorn earned his first victory on the second of the month. This tally soon grew, reaching an astounding 52 kills by August 1942. For this he was awarded "Das Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuz" (Knights Cross of the Iron Cross). His count continued to soar, reaching 175 victories in January 1943, at which point he received the Oakleaves to his Knights Cross.

In September, he was promoted to the rank of Gruppenkommandeur of II./JG 52. He reached the magical mark of 200 kills in November, and gained his 250th victory in February 1944, for which he received the Swords to his Knights Cross with Oakleaves. He eventually claimed 300 victories at the beginning of 1945 and his final kill, an incredible 301 victories, on January 5th, 1945.

On January 15th, he was promoted to the rank of Major and became Geschwaderkommodore of JG 6. In April, he was moved to the "Jagdfliegerheim" for recuperation, before moving to JV 44 -- "The Squadron of Experts" -- under the tutelage of Johannes Steinhoff & Adolf Galland. Called upon to fly the jet-powered Me 262, he was forced to make a crash landing due to engine failure and heavy enemy opposition on April 17th, which left him seriously injured. The injury would put an end to his flying career, which stood at an incredible 1,104 combat missions, spanning much of Continental Europe.