Corgi Aviation Archive Series Die-cast Model

Messerschmitt Bf 110E - II./NJG 1, Luftwaffe, Deelen, Holland, Spring 1942

1:72 Scale.  Length: 6.75".  Wingspan: 8.9"


Limited Edition of 1,000 Models Worldwide

Seeing service on the Eastern Front, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, the extra range and firepower possessed by the Messerschmitt Bf 110 helped it to live up to its reputation, especially when not facing effective fighter opposition. It would however, be night operations against RAF Bomber Command which proved to be the Bf110 most suited operating environment, especially when it was equipped with the Luftwaffe’s latest interception radar equipment. With many of the world’s most successful nightfighter aces perfecting their skills while flying the Bf 110, this would become an important aircraft in the nocturnal struggle against RAF bombers crossing the coast of Northern Europe each night. This sinister looking all-black Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 Bf 110E is equipped with the early FuG 202 Lichtenstein B/C air interception radar, which was introduced during 1942 and featured the complex ‘Matratze’ aerial antenna array on the aircrafts nose. The radar operator in the rear cockpit would use a pair of oscilloscopes to help him direct his pilot to a possible interception.

The Messerschmitt Bf110 was a German twin-engine heavy fighter used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. Later in the war it was developed into a formidable night-fighter aircraft. First flown on May 12, 1936, the Bf 110 entered service in 1937. It was used with considerable success in early campaigns against Poland, Denmark, Norway and France. Being a relatively large aircraft it lacked the agility of single-engine fighters such as the British Spitfire and Hurricane. This flaw was exposed during the Battle of Britain when some Bf 110-equipped units were withdrawn from combat after very heavy losses and redeployed as night fighters, a role that the aircraft was well suited for. It had a successful period following the Battle of Britain as an air superiority fighter in other theatres. During campaigns in the Balkans, Northern Africa and on the Eastern Front, the Bf 110 rendered valuable ground support to the German Army as a fighter-bomber.


The Corgi Aviation Archive features a wide selection of high quality, ready-made, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are built with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a Messerschmitt Bf 110 features: