Undoubtedly one of the most effective aircraft types operated by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, the Junkers Ju 88 was developed as a speedy "Schnell Bomber", but it was flexible enough to become arguably the most useful German aircraft of the entire war. In its C-6 variant configuration, the Junkers had been optimized for the heavy fighter role, easily making the transition to supporting the Luftwaffe's nightfighter force.

Initially, single-engined fighters were used to defend German territory at night, however, due to the limitations of the German night defense network, they had neither the range nor firepower to pose a serious threat to British night intruders. The Junkers Ju 88, however, was a very different proposition, with its size, speed and firepower making this the consummate nocturnal hunter and many a Bomber Command aircraft would fall prey to their guns.

The Luftwaffe airfield at Catania on Sicily was the principle airfield in the region and was used as the staging point for many Axis airborne operations across the Mediterranean and into North Africa. The airfield was also home to the nightfighting Junkers Ju 88 heavy fighters of I./NJG2, even though their fighters were regularly deployed across the entire Mediterranean Theatre.

This aircraft was recalled to Catania during the Summer of 1942, presumably to provide night defense support for the proposed Axis invasion of Malta, as increased Allied night air incursions were expected.

Designed to meet a German requirement for a heavy dive bomber, the Ju 88 was first flown on December 21, 1936. Affectionately called "The Maid of all Work," the Ju 88 was one of the most versatile aircraft to serve in WWII. It was used as a bomber, dive bomber, heavy fighter, night fighter, torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, and was produced in more variants than any other WWII twin-engined German aircraft. The Ju 88 was so successful, in fact, that production continued almost uninterrupted between 1936 and 1945, with more than 16,000 Ju 88s rolling off the line by the end of the war.

Corgi's 1:72 scale Ju 88A series pays tribute to what was perhaps the most versatile German combat aircraft of WWII. Each release spotlights a different role, with features such as a variety of ordnance configurations, detailed dive brakes under each wing for dive-bombing missions and a delicate radar antenna assembly used for night fighters. The large birdcage canopy with moveable machine guns allows for easy view of the flight crew and rearward facing gunner, with a detailed ventral gunners gondola directly below. Detailed annular radiators and engine exhaust stacks help complete this model.

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.

Info: Ju 88C-6 - Luftwaffe 1./NJG 2, R4+HH, Gerhard Boehme, Catania, Sicily, 1942