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-109G-6 "Gustav" fighter that was piloted by Ofw. Alfred Surau, who was attached to 9./Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet", then deployed to Germany during September 1943. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: December 2021

Historical Account: "Eye Candy" - Sporting elaborate eye markings on the cannon bulges, this Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 of 9. Staffel was flown by one of the Luftwaffe's shortest lived, but most effective aces. Alfred Surau scored his first kill on February 28th, 1943, while flying on the Russian front. When III./JG3 was transferred to the Western Front his kill tally had reached 41 in just six months. The skilled veterans of the Eastern Campaign made III./JG3 one of the most effective in the Luftwaffe at downing the USAAF heavy bombers that now threatened German cities and industry on a daily basis.

While the Bf109G-6 was not the most effective machine for tackling the big heavy bombers it was still capable of some successes. Surau's winning streak was not to last. On October 14th, 1943, return fire from a B17, his 46th and final kill, fatally injured him. He bailed out but died of his injuries later that day.