Features:
Armament/Weapons
Detailed Crew Figures
Photo-etched Aerial(s)
Optional Undercarriage Down
Rotatable Propellers
This distinctive Messerschmitt Bf 109E fighter from Nachtjagdgeschwader 1
was equipped with a Telefunken designed Peil Gerat IV electronic radio
direction finder unit, one of the first airborne interception units of
its kind to be fitted in a Luftwaffe nightfighter. More of an onboard
direction indicator than an actual interception radar unit, the Peil G
IV featured the installation of a new cockpit indicator display which
required the pilot to keep a needle coated in luminous paint in the
centre of the display and he knew that if he kept the needle in this
central location, his aircraft was heading for the transmitting aircraft
detected. Although still relatively primitive, this system allowed the
pilot to fly his aircraft and effect the interception, as opposed to
being preoccupied with constantly checking his course, something which
greatly helped pilots of single seat fighters. Although actually not all
that effective in operation, the Peil Gerat IV unit would provide
valuable research data for use in future projects, which would
eventually lead to the introduction of much more capable systems. In the
specialised role of night interceptions, single seat Luftwaffe fighters
were not particularly suitable for the task, as their lack of
range/loitering capability and the sheer workload placed on the pilot
were both significant limiting factors and it didn't take long before
the larger twin engined Messerschmitt Bf 110 and Junkers Ju88 aircraft
were assigned to this role.
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