The Messerschmitt Me262 A-2a with Kettenkraftrad ground vehicle has returned for a limited time only! The limited-edition model kit recreates the Me262, which was the first jet fighter to ever be deployed into combat. The kit includes Tamiya’s first ever 1/48 scale military ground vehicle, the Kettenkraftrad, which toed the Me262 A-2a at airfields during the war.
About the Messerschmitt Me262 A-2a
The Me262 A-2a was the fighter/bomber version of the Me262. When Allied bombing raids on the German homeland were rapidly intensifying, the Luftwaffe proposed the hastened deployment of the revolutionary Me262 A-1a jet fighter/interceptor. However, Hitler issued strict contrary orders prioritizing the deployment of the A-2a fighter/bomber version of the Me262. In June 1944, the deployment of the A-2a fighter/bomber began. The A-2a was equipped with only two 30mm MK108 guns (compared to the A-1a's four guns) but it had an extra fuel tank in the rear part of its fuselage and could carry up to a 1-ton payload of bombs. The Me262 A-2a would see active service up until the end of World War II.
- 1/48 scale, total height: 221mm, total width: 264mm.
- Canopy and cannon covers can be assembled, opened, or closed.
- Two types of bomb racks are available for assembly.
- Replicas of two 250-pound bombs and two take-off assistance booster rockets have been provided in the kit.
- The front landing gear bay has been made of die-cast aluminum and is weighted for balance.
- The kit features a 1/48-scale Kettenkraftrad towing vehicle.
- Three pilot and ground crew figures are included.
- Includes decals for recreation of three different planes.
About the Kettenkraftrad
The German Army produced a unique half-track motorcycle deployed to the front lines, known as the NSU Kettenkraftrad. Originally intended to be used by airborne units, this vehicle went into production on a massive scale and was used for a variety of functions, such as providing a power source as well as for transportation, communications, and towing. One of the Kettenkraftrad highlights was its three forward gears and one reverse gear, which each had high and low gears, permitting the half-track to take on rugged terrain. Due to fuel shortages at the end of the war, the Me262 was restricted from self-propelled ground movement when positioning for takeoff. As such, the Kettenkraftrad and other ground vehicles were used to pull the Me262 to the runway.
- 1/48 scale, total length: 65mm, total height: 21mm.