EDK70151 1/72 Avia S-199 bubble canopy

The Czech aircraft manufacturers, Avia, continued production of the Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 after the war but ran out of the DB605 engines so a Jumo 211F (the same engine that powered the He111 bomber) was substituted and the resulting aircraft was the Avia S-199. The engine was not as responsive as he DB605 and the torque from the large propeller meant the aircraft was difficult to control during landing and take off, so much so the Czech pilots called it the Mezek (Mule).

Despite its shortcomings it was made famous by the Israeli Air Force. In 1948 after the founding of Israel, Egypt went to war to prevent Israel being an independent state. The Avia S-199 was the only fighter the Israelis could get hold of, so they bought 25. Despite proving unreliable and a poor fighter, they managed to cause enough damage to convince the Egyptians that the Israelis were much stronger than they were, and helped Israel win independence. In Israeli service it was officially known as the Sakeen (Knife) but was more commonly called the Messer or Sakin (also Knife). They were replaced in service as soon as possible by the Spitfire IX.

This is an all new kit from Eduard and it gives us the first chance to see what their forthcoming Messerschmitt Bf109G kits will be like, as the Avia was based on a Bf109G. The kit looks excellent as ever from Eduard and comes with the usual masks and etch parts, as well as decals for 6 different Czechoslovak aircraft.