ICM 48227 1/48 WWII USAAF/RAF Ju 88 Bomber

Markings
Ju 88A-5 HM509, No. 1426 (Enemy Aircraft) Flight RAF, Collyweston, 1942
Ju 88A-4, 86th Fighter Squadron USAAF, Foggia, October 1943

Model size (length x width) 300 x 418 mm

During World War I, the belligerent sides used enemy aircraft as fully functional combat units. In addition to purely combat use, the captured technology helped assess the technological development level of the enemy and identify its strengths and weaknesses. The same practice continued during World War II. Both the Allied and Axis powers extensively used captured enemy aircraft in their air forces.
For example, a Ju 88A-5 bomber from 2/KGr 106 of the Luftwaffe mistakenly landed in England on November 26, 1941. The aircraft was given British identification markings, a new camouflage, and the serial number HM509, and it flew as part of the RAF until May 1944.
Another interesting story involves a Ju 88A-4, captured by American forces in Italy in the fall of 1943. This bomber was incorporated into the 86th Fighter Squadron of the USAAF, where it received its original paint scheme and a bright emblem featuring an image of an Indian on the left side of the fuselage. Later, it was flown to the United States, where its appearance initially caused panic among air surveillance observers, as its silhouette was recognized as an enemy aircraft. The captured Ju 88A-4 was later stationed at several US Air Force bases and used in various public events.

** This model kit is supplied in unassembled and unpainted plastic components. Please note that glue, model paints, and other basic modelling tools are required and sold separately.