Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a “White 8”

Aircraft

Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a “White 8”

Pilot & Markings

Major Walter “Nowi” Nowotny — Kommando Nowotny, November 1944

Scale & Kit

1/72 Academy Scale Model

History

Having entered into service in April of 1944, the Messerschmitt Me 262 was the first operational jet fighter in the world. Although the production of this aircraft numbered over one thousand, very few made it to the frontlines due to shortages of pilots, fuel and parts.

The first unit to service the frontline was Erprobungs kommando 262 commanded by Major Walter Nowotny. Later, in September of 1944, the unit was disbanded and became known as “Kommando Nowotny”. This unit did not have much success and took heavy losses in the remaining days of the war. On November 8, 1944, after claiming victories against a B-24 Liberator and a P-51 Mustang, Nowotny radioed in and reported a failing engine. His final transmission was unclear, but did contain the word “burning”. Adolf Galland was among the witnesses that saw Nowotny’s Me 262 “White 8” dive vertically out of the clouds. The fatal crash was near the village of Epe, just east of Hesepe. During his career, Major Walter Nowotny achieved 258 aerial victories, including three in the Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter. He achieved most of his victories in the powerful Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and the Messerschmitt Bf 109.

This small 1/72 scale model aircraft measures approximately 145mm (5.75 in.), with a slightly longer wingspan. A great example of the Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a “White 8”, the final aircraft flown by Major Walter Nowotny. Enjoy the photos

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