MAQ-7236 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf-109G-10/R2 German WW2 fighter model kit | 
Maquette 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf-109G-10/R2 German WW2 fighter model kit. Pic.1
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On the eve of the German invasion to the Soviet Union the aircraft designers
in Augsburg commenced the creation of the new modification of their fighter
- Bf-109G, which was fated to become the most numerous mark of this fighter.
The installation of the more powerful DB-605 engine required overall
re-enforcement of the airframe and resulted in the increase of weight. This
lead to the introduction of new more rigid undercarriage legs. But the
developers considered the deterioration of flight characteristics of series
G fighters as a good price for the increase in speed. As a result when the
first fighters of G modification were delivered to the frontline many of
more experienced pilots evaluated the new machine as a certain "step back".
And though initially G fighters looked exactly as Bf-109F and carried the
same armament, its introduction started the constant increase in the weight
of every new modification, which had impact on the planes maneuverability
and other flying characteristics.
In the beginning of spring 1944 the mass production of Bf-109G-10 began. The
new plane has received a new BB-605D engine with more powerful compressor
and higher compression rate (increased from 7.3/7.5 to8.3/8.5). The engine
generated 1800 horsepower at take off and 1530 hp at the height of 6000
meters when C3 96 octane gasoline was used. When injection of MW 50 was used
alongside with C3 gasoline the take off power reached 2000 hp and 1800 hp at
the height of 5100 meters (for DB605DC). The armament of the fighter
consisted of 20-mm MG 151 cannon with 150 rounds or 30 mm MK 108 canon with
60 rounds, and two synchronized 13 mm MG 131 machine guns with 300 rounds
each. Bf-109G-10 had the highest speed among the G series fighters, being
capable to reach 550 km/h at ground level and 680 km/h at 7400 meters,
without external stores and with the weight of 3100 kilograms. 6000 meters
were reached for 5.8 minutes. Unfortunately for Bf-109G-10, it was supplied
to the frontline already equipped with a predefined "armament kit". For
instance, Bf-109G-10/R1 was equipped with ETC bomb rack for one 250 kg bomb
or four 50 kg bombs, as well as bomb release selector and 5 mm armoured
plate below the oil tank. Bf I09G-10/R2 with DB 605DB engine was a
reconnaissance plane and was not equipped with 13 mm machine guns but
carried either Rb 50/30 or 75/30 camera. Having a take-off weight of 3300 kg
(including 300 liters additional fuel tank) the reconnaissance version
reached the speed 645 km/h at 9000 meters, the flying distance at 620 km/h
at 8300 meters was 840 km.. Bf 109G-10/R4 with DB 605D engine carried a pair
of 30 mm MK 108 guns in under-wing gondolas. Bf 109G-10/R6 was only
different from the later that it carried 20 mm MG 151 guns.
Some other "kits" were also used including the retractable tail wheel,
Galland hood - a type of canopy with the altered framing and the steel armor
over the head fo a pilot replaced with armored glass, thus improving the
view backwards.
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