Bf110E-2 Messerscmitt Luftwaffe, 3U+AR, 7./ZG 26, Italy 1941 (special weathered version)

Die-cast metal.
Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.
Pre-painted with pad applied markings.
Fully assembled.
Supplied weapons are not permanently attached.
Crew figures
Display stand included.
Option to display model with wheels up or down.
Minimum use of plastic.
Very collectable.

The Beaufighter was built because of Bristol's foresight and was company funded. It was
built as a long-range fighter using parts that were available from the earlier Beaufort. Using
these parts made it possible to complete the first aircraft a little more than 8 months after the
concept. The Beaufighter was over shadowed by the Mosquito's success but it was the
Beau that was there in 1940 and 1941 helping to defeat the German night "Blitz". The Beau
served in the Pacific as well as Europe. The Japanese referred to the aircraft as
"Whispering Death" because of its ability to strike and disappear so quickly. The last
Beaufighter was produced on September 21, 1945 making aircraft 5,562. Of the 5,562 there
were 1,063 Mk.VIs.

In January 1943 the new Beaufighter VI arrived for the 68 Squadron at Coltishall. In
February 1944 the squadron moved to Coleby Grange and on to Fairwood Common (The
Gower) two months later in late March. On May 15th 1944 at about 0200 hours Czech born
Miroslav Jan Mansfeld and Flg. Off. Slavomil Janacek destroyed 2 Do-217's over the
English Channel while flying Beaufighter ND211 WM-K. In June 1944, 68 Squadron left
Fairwood Common and in July 1944 the Beaufighter VI was replaced by the De Havilland
Mosquito.


Specifications for the Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VI

Production – 1,063

Crew – 2

Dimensions
Length – 12.7 m
Height – 4.83 m
Wingspan – 17.63 m

Power plant – 2 X  PE Hercules engines, 1,635 hp/engine

Performance
Maximum speed – 536 km/h
IROC – 10.5 m/sec
Service ceiling – 8,100 m
Range – 2,380 km

Weight
Empty – 6,600 kg
Loaded – 9,800 kg


Armament
6 X  7.69 mm MGs
4 X  20 mm cannons