Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA32516
Junkers Ju 87B Stuka Diecast Model
Regia Aeronautica 208a Squadriglia, "Picchiatello", Raul Zucconi, Sicily, June 1941 | Limited Edition
1300
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Junkers Ju 87B Stuka | | 6.25" | | 7.5" |
In 1940 the Regia Aeronautica of Italy, negotiated the purchase of JU87 'Stukas' from its Axis ally Germany to replace its own SM85 divebombers that had been declared unsuitable for combat operations. During July 1940, 15 Italian pilots arrived for intensive training on the JU87 at the Luftwaffe 'Stuka' training school in Graz, Austria with a similar number arriving the following month. The first batch of JU87s supplied were from existing Luftwaffe units so Italian emblems and insignia were painted over the original German markings. To further personalise their aircraft the 'Stuka' was re-named 'Picchiatello' by the Italian crews. Initially equipping 96 Gruppo based in Sicily, the Regia Aeronautica was the first air arm to use the JU87 in the Mediterranean Theatre. 101 Gruppo was originally based in Tirana, Albania and used their JU87s during the Balkans campaign before the unit transferred to Sicily. The JU87R-2 modelled is from 208a Squadriglia, 101 Gruppo as flown by Capitano Raul Zucconi while based at Sicily in June 1941, from where operations were carried out against targets in Malta and on Allied shipping. Designed to function as a close support aircraft, the Ju 87 was first flown on September 17th, 1935. The Ju 87 had an innovative design that included automatic dive brakes under each wing-a feature that protected against the consequences of pilot blackout by ensuring recovery from an attack dive. Crewed by a pilot and rear gunner, the Ju 87 had twin 37mm cannons and a bomb that swung away from the propeller on an elongated U-shaped crutch. Its inverted gull wings improved pilot-to-ground visibility, gave the undercarriage a shorter height and made the Ju 87 instantly recognizable to its enemies. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. Corgi's 1:72 scale Stukas faithfully replicate the gull-wing or "cranked" wing pattern, which with the spatted main gear was one of the most notable and unusual features of this aircraft. Delicately assembled dive-brakes can be seen be seen beneath each wing. A 250kg bomb is mounted to the U-shaped crutch below the fuselage. The top engine cover can be removed to reveal the inverted Junkers Jumo 211D engine with the correct main engine support frames. Additional features include all-metal braced elevators, engine radiator detail, slotted ailerons and flaps and a rearward-facing machine gunner manning the M15 machine gun. © Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored. Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature: - Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
