The Me262 A-2a was the fighter/bomber version of the Me262. When Allied bombing raids on the German homeland were rapidly intensifying, the Luftwaffe proposed the hastened deployment of the revolutionary Me262 A-1a jet fighter/interceptor. However, Hitler issued strict contrary orders prioritizing the deployment of the A-2a fighter/bomber version of the Me262.
In June 1944, deployment of the A-2a fighter/bomber began. The A-2a was equipped with only two 30mm MK108 guns (compared to the A-1a's four guns) but had an extra fuel tank in the rear part of its fuselage and could carry up to a 1-ton payload of bombs. The Me262 A-2a would see active service up till the end of World War II.
About the Model
Tamiya presents a scale model of the German Airforce's (Luftwaffe's) Me262 A-2a Fighter/Bomber jet.
1/48 scale, total height: 221mm, total width: 264mm.
Form of the Me262, with its swept-back wings and attached engine pods has been faithfully recreated in this model.
Details of the cockpit and 30mm cannons have also been accurately portrayed. Canopy and cannon covers can be assembled opened or closed.
Two types of bomb racks are available for assembly. Replicas of two 250-pound bombs and two take-off assistance booster rockets have been provided in kit.
Front landing gear bay has been made of die-cast aluminium and is weighted for balance.
Kit features 1/48 scale Kettenkraftrad towing vehicle.
Three pilot and ground crew figures included. Kit also features decals for recreation of three different planes.
About the Kettenkraftrad
The German Army produced a unique half-track motorcycle deployed to the front lines and known as the NSU Kettenkraftrad. Originally intended to be used by airborne units, this vehicle went into production on a massive scale and was used for a variety of functions such as providing a power source, as well as for transportation, communications, and towing.
One of the Kettenkraftrad's highlight features was its three forward gears and one reverse gear, which each had high/low gears, permitting the half-track to take on rugged terrain. Due to fuel shortages at the end of the war, the Me262 was restricted from self-propelled ground movement when positioning for take-off. As such, the Kettenkraftrad and other ground vehicles were used to pull the Me262 to the runway.
About the Model
1/48 scale, total length: 65mm, total height: 21mm.
Authentic scale model of the unique Kettenkraftrad ground vehicle. Front wheel and caterpillar tracks crisply recreated without sparing the slightest detail.
