Numerically the most abundant fighter produced by either side during WWII, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 formed the backbone of the Jagdwaffe on both the eastern and western fronts, as well as in the Mediterranean and North Africa. Of the eight distinct sub-types within the huge Bf 109 family, the most populous was the G-model, of which over 30,000 were built between 1941-45. Despite its production run, only a handful of genuine German Bf 109s have survived into the 1990s, and with the serious damaging of the RAFs G-2 at Duxford in October 1997, only the German-based MBB G-6 and Hans Ditte's G-10 (both composites) are currently airworthy.

Compared to the earlier Bf 109 E, the Bf 109 F was much improved aerodynamically. The engine cowling was redesigned to be smoother and more rounded. The enlarged propeller spinner, adapted from that of the new Messerschmitt Me 210, blended smoothly into the new cowling. Underneath the cowling was a revised, more streamlined oil cooler radiator and fairing. A new ejector exhaust arrangement was incorporated, and on later aircraft a metal shield was fitted over the left hand banks to deflect exhaust fumes away from the supercharger air-intake. The supercharger air-intake was, from the F-1 -series onwards, a rounded, "elbow"-shaped design that protruded further out into the airstream. A new three-blade, light-alloy VDM propeller with a reduced diameter of 3 m (9 ft 10 in) was used. Propeller pitch was changed electrically, and was regulated by a constant-speed unit, with a manual override. Thanks to the improved aerodynamics, more fuel-efficient engines and the introduction of light-alloy versions of the standard Luftwaffe 300 L (66 imp gal; 79 US gal) drop tank, the Bf 109 F offered a much increased maximum range of 1,700 km (1,100 mi) compared to the Bf 109 E's maximum range figure of 660 km (410 mi) on internal fuel and with the E-7 with a 300 L (66 imp gal; 79 US gal) drop tank, double the range, to 1,325 km (823 mi).

Corgi's 1:32 scale Messerschmitt features exceptional levels of intricate detail including; removable engine covers with fully detailed engine, opening cockpit canopy with detailed pilot figure, removable gun covers with fitted machine guns and ammunition, moving flaps, rudder, ailerons and elevators, fully retractable undercarriage, rotating propeller and cradle display stand. Pre-order! Ship Date: October 2026.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 12-1/4-inches
Length: 11-1/4-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "The Star of Africa" - Of the 130 most successful air aces in history, all but one flew with the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, with an incredible 107 achieving 100 or more aerial victories. Among this elite group, one name stands above the rest according to his peers: Hans Joachim Marseille. Despite a troubled start to his career, marked by disciplinary issues and a playboy reputation, Marseille would become the highest scoring Luftwaffe ace not having fought on the Eastern Front.

Deployed to North Africa, Marseille flourished under fighter leader Eduard Neumann, who recognised exceptional talent in the young pilot. With the desert offering none of his usual distractions, Marseille perfected the art of deflection shooting and became a master of aerial combat. His victory tally climbed rapidly, with multiple kills on single missions earning him the legendary title 'Star of Africa'.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109F 'Friedrich' was his favoured mount, which he regarded as the perfect fighting machine. Between 24th August and 25th September 1942, he scored at least 49 victories in this aircraft type, including an extraordinary 17 kills in a single day, a feat that remains unmatched in aerial warfare history.