AZ Model Plastic Model kit Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 In Swiss Service — 1:72

Manufacturer

AZ Model is a Czech specialist manufacturer known for limited-run and less commonly represented aircraft subjects. The AZ7490 was produced as a special/limited boxing concentrating on Swiss-operated Bf 109G-6 aircraft, rather than a generic Luftwaffe G-6.
Kit contents

The AZ7490 is a 1:72 injection-moulded plastic aircraft kit representing the Bf 109G-6 configuration.

The kit contains the principal components needed to build the aircraft, including:

Injection-moulded fuselage

Upper and lower wing sections

Tailplane and rudder

Cockpit and pilot's position

Engine cowling

Propeller and spinner

Retractable landing gear

Radiator and oil-cooler components

Armament and external fittings

Clear canopy components

Decals for Swiss-service aircraft

Assembly instructions

The AZ Model Bf 109G tooling was offered in several closely related boxings, including AZ7488 “In Romanian Service,” AZ7489 “Aces,” AZ7490 “In Swiss Service” and AZ7496 “Captured.”
History of the full-size aircraft

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was Germany's principal single-seat fighter during much of the Second World War. Designed by Willy Messerschmitt's Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, the prototype first flew in 1935.

The design was unusually advanced for the mid-1930s, incorporating an all-metal stressed-skin structure, enclosed cockpit, retractable undercarriage and a liquid-cooled inline engine.

The Bf 109 went through numerous versions as increasingly powerful engines and improved armament were introduced. The Gustav, or Bf 109G, became the most numerous major production family.
Bf 109G-6

The G-6 was introduced in 1943 and became one of the most numerous Bf 109 variants.

It was developed partly in response to the increasing armament and performance requirements of the air war. The standard G-6 carried two 13 mm MG 131 machine guns mounted above the engine and a 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon firing through the propeller hub.

The larger MG 131 installation required characteristic streamlined fairings on the upper engine cowling. These gave the G-6 its familiar “Beule” or bulged-cowling appearance.

The aircraft could also carry additional weapons or external fuel tanks depending on its mission.
Engine and performance

The Bf 109G-6 was powered primarily by the Daimler-Benz DB 605A liquid-cooled inverted V-12 engine, producing roughly 1,475 hp in its standard configuration.

Typical published specifications include:

Engine: Daimler-Benz DB 605A

Power: approximately 1,475 hp

Maximum speed: approximately 640 km/h at altitude

Armament: one 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon plus two 13 mm MG 131 machine guns

Crew: 1

Role: Fighter/interceptor

First G-6 deliveries: 1943

Performance varied substantially according to altitude, engine variant, equipment and external stores.
Swiss service

The Swiss Air Force operated the Bf 109 for many years and is an especially interesting part of the aircraft's history.

Switzerland initially acquired earlier Bf 109 variants during the 1930s. During the Second World War, Switzerland remained neutral but maintained an active air force to defend its airspace.

Swiss Bf 109s were used to intercept aircraft that violated Swiss airspace. The Swiss pilots consequently encountered both Allied and Axis aircraft during the war.

Switzerland also acquired and operated Bf 109G-6 aircraft, making the subject of AZ7490 historically distinct from the much more commonly modelled Luftwaffe G-6.
Swiss neutrality and airspace interceptions

Swiss Bf 109s became involved in a number of airspace incidents during the Second World War. Switzerland's position in the centre of Europe meant that Allied bomber formations and German aircraft could enter Swiss airspace, deliberately or accidentally.

Swiss fighters were scrambled to intercept intruders, and there were several aerial confrontations.

The Swiss Air Force's Bf 109s therefore performed a genuine operational role despite Switzerland remaining officially neutral.
Swiss markings

Swiss Bf 109s are particularly attractive modelling subjects because of their distinctive national markings.

Swiss aircraft carried the white Swiss cross on a red square rather than the German Balkenkreuz. Swiss camouflage and individual aircraft markings also differed from standard Luftwaffe schemes.

The AZ7490 boxing was specifically created around these Swiss-service machines, making it distinct from the company's standard Luftwaffe Bf 109 boxings.
Post-war service

The Swiss continued to operate Bf 109s after the Second World War. The type remained in Swiss service into the 1950s, making Switzerland one of the last operators of the Bf 109.

The aircraft was eventually replaced by more modern jet fighters as Switzerland modernised its air force.

This gives the Swiss Bf 109 an unusually long operational history: it began as a pre-war European fighter, served through the Second World War in Swiss neutrality patrols, and survived into the early jet age.