Junkers Ju 88A-5 – 8./KG 76, Luftwaffe, Orscha-Sud, Russia, Operation Barbarossa, December 1941
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Corgi Aviation Archive 1/72 scale AA36713: Junkers Ju 88A-5 of 8./KG 76, Luftwaffe, Orscha-Sud, Russia, Operation Barbarossa, December 1941. Limited Edition of 1,200 Pieces.
Length 7.75 inches Wingspan 11 inches
As arguably the most versatile German aircraft of the Second World War, Luftwaffe Junkers Ju-88 units were probably the most capable strike assets they had available at the start of Operation Barbarossa and they would be used extensively throughout the campaign. During the opening attack in the early hours of 22nd June 1941, hand-picked, experienced Ju-88 crews were sent as pathfinders to “light up” the Soviet airfields closest to the western edge of the invasion, illuminating targets for the main attack force which followed just minutes later. Immediately returning to their bases, they were refuelled and loaded with standard bombs, so they could head back to the target airfields and participate in the rout of the Soviet Air Force. In other sectors, the Ju-88s of KGs 76 and 77 reported the inexplicable loss of several experienced crews, losses which have since been attributed to friendly fire incidents during the melee of the initial attacks.
As the German invasion gathered momentum, Ju-88 units would be constantly employed in attacking Soviet airfields ahead of ground units, but would also become extremely proficient at targeting Soviet troop and armour concentrations which were threatening the flanks of advancing German columns. This attractive 8./KG.76 Ju-88 came down behind German lines during the early winter of 1941, probably due to engine trouble, as it was later recovered and returned to operational condition. Looking resplendent in its winter whitewash, it also features the distinctive wasp emblem of the unit on its front fuselage.
Designed to meet a German requirement for a heavy dive bomber, the Ju 88 was first flown on December 21, 1936. Affectionately called “The Maid of all Work,” the Ju 88 was one of the most versatile aircraft to serve in WWII. It was used as a bomber, dive bomber, heavy fighter, night fighter, torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, and was produced in more variants than any other WWII twin-engined German aircraft. The Ju 88 was so successful, in fact, that production continued almost uninterrupted between 1936 and 1945, with more than 16,000 Ju 88s rolling off the line by the end of the war.
Weight | 1.6 kg |
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