JUNKERS JU 87B STUKA LUFTWAFFE 2./STG 3, DERNA, LIBYA, 1941 - CORGI AA32506 1/72

On 19th April 1941, the only fighter unit that was sent to the desert, I/JG 27. carried out its first mission in tropicalized Bf 109E-7s. From February 1941, the AfrikaKorps was active in Libya to support the Italians, who were in full rout after the disaster of Beda Fomm. FliegerFuhrer Afrika was created at the same time, but the detachment of fighters necessary (in the event the I./JG 27) to escort the bombers in operations carried out their missions only from April 19th 1941. By late 1941 several Bomber Stab had joined the ranks including the Stukas of 2./StG 3. seen here in traditional desert colouring, with black codes on the fuselage and the white theatre band running around it.

Junkers Ju 87B Stuka

Designed to function as a close support aircraft, the Ju 87 was first flown on September 17th, 1935. The Ju 87 had an innovative design that included automatic dive brakes under each wing-a feature that protected against the consequences of pilot blackout by ensuring recovery from an attack dive. Crewed by a pilot and rear gunner, the Ju 87 had twin 37mm cannons and a bomb that swung away from the propeller on an elongated U-shaped crutch. Its inverted gull wings improved pilot-to-ground visibility, gave the undercarriage a shorter height and made the Ju 87 instantly recognizable to its enemies.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honoured.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
• Pose able presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
• Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
• Limited Edition model – certificated 2,900 produced worldwide