Mark I. - Focke-Wulf Ta 152H-1 "High-altitude Fighter" - 1:144

The Ta 152H was one of the ultimate and finest German fighters of WWII, primarily designed for high-altitude operations. Its development began in the summer of 1943 with an aim to supersede the Fw 190D-9. It was a single-seat monoplane of an all-metal structure, featuring an enclosed pressurised canopy and a retractable landing gear. It was powered by a Jumo 213E in-line piston engine and its armament comprised three cannons. The prototype, designated the Fw 190V33/U1, flew in July 1944 and the Ta 152 series production began in late 1944. Eventually, only some 43 machines were built, including 20 pre-production H-0 aircraft and a batch of the first series Ta 152H-1s.

The first Ta 152s entered service with the Luftwaffe in January 1945 and although being capable interceptors, they came too late to be used in their role and to make a significant impact on the air war over Europe.

A number of Ta 152Hs fell into Allied hands and some of them were examined in Britain and the USA post-war.

Colour schemes included in the kit:

1) Fw Ta 152H-1, Black 150167 (W.Nr. 150167), Luftwaffe, Erfurt-Nord airfield, Germany, May 1945

2) Fw Ta 152H-1, Green 3, Stab/JG 301, Luftwaffe, Stendal/Neustadt-Glewe airfield, Germany, April 1945

3) Fw Ta 152H-1, Green 9 (W.Nr. 150168), Stab/JG 301, Luftwaffe, Neustadt-Glewe airfield, Germany, April 1945

4) Fw Ta 152H-1, “AIR MIN 11” (W.Nr. 150168), Royal Aircraft Establishment, Royal Air Force, Farnborough, U.K., November 1945