Numerically the most abundant fighter produced by either side during WWII, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 formed the backbone of the Jagdwaffe on both the eastern and western fronts, as well as in the Mediterranean and North Africa. Of the eight distinct sub-types within the huge Bf 109 family, the most populous was the G-model, of which over 30,000 were built between 1941-45. Despite its production run, only a handful of genuine German Bf 109s have survived into the 1990s, and with the serious damaging of the RAFs G-2 at Duxford in October 1997, only the German-based MBB G-6 and Hans Ditte's G-10 (both composites) are currently airworthy.

The G series, or Gustav, was introduced in mid-1942. Its initial variants (G-1 through G-4) differed only in minor details from the Bf 109F, most notably in the more powerful 1,475 PS (1,455 HP) DB 605 engine. Odd-numbered variants were built as high-altitude fighters with a pressurized cockpit and GM-1 boost, while even-numbered variants were un-pressurized, air superiority fighters and fighter-bombers. Long-range photo-reconnaissance variants also existed. The later G series (G-5 through G-14) was produced in a multitude of variants, with uprated armament and provision for kits of packaged, generally factory-installed parts known as Umrust-Bausatze (usually contracted to Umbau) and adding a "/U" suffix to the aircraft designation when installed. Field kits known as Rustsatze were also available for the G-series but those did not change the aircraft title. By early 1944, tactical requirements resulted in the addition of MW-50 water injection boost and high-performance superchargers, boosting engine output to 1,800-2,000 PS (1,775-1,973 HP). From early 1944, some G-2s, G-3s, G-4s and G-6s were converted to two-seat trainers, known as G-12s. An instructor's cockpit was added behind the original cockpit and both were covered by an elongated, glazed canopy.

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109F-2 "Friedrich" fighter that was piloted by Hauptmann Hans von Hahn, who was attached to Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet", then deployed to Russia during 1941. Pre-order! Ship Date: Early December 2024.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 8-inches
Length: 7-1/2-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "In the Beginning" - Hans von Hahn was born on August 7th, 1914, at Frankurt in Main. He joined the navy as a sea-cadet in 1934 but transferred to the Luftwaffe in 1935. On September 16th, 1939, von Hahn was appointed Staffelkapitan of 8./JG 53. He served under the command of Hauptmann Werner Molders (115 victories, RK-Br, killed in action 22 November 1941), Gruppenkommandeur of III./JG 53. He recorded his first victory on December 22nd, 1939, when he shot down a RAF Hurricane fighter of 73 Squadron northwest of Metz in France. Von Hahn recorded five confirmed victories during the French campaign. Von Hahn was appointed Gruppenkommandeur of I./JG 3 on August 27th, 1940.

During the Battle of Britain, von Hahn added a further six victories to his tally, including two Hurricanes on October 7th to record his 10th and 11th. victories. Operating over the Eastern front, von Hahn raised his victory total to 31. He claimed three Russian twin-engine bombers shot down near Brody on June 26th, 1941, to record his 14th through 16th victories. Von Hahn recorded his 20th victory on July 6th, when he shot down two Russian DB-3 twin-engine bombers near Shepetowka. Hauptmann von Hahn was awarded the Ritterkreuz on July 9th, 1941, for 21 victories. He recorded nine victories in July, including three Russian SB-2 twin-engine bombers shot down near Berdichev on July 14th (25-27).