Description
Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model
Junkers Ju 87R Stuka – Capitano Raul Zucconi, 208a Squadriglia (squadron), 101 Gruppo, Regia Aeronautica (Royal Italian Air Force), Sicily, June 1941
1:72 Scale. Length: 6”. Wingspan: 7.5”
Limited Edition of 1300 Models Worldwide
In 1940, the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force) negotiated the purchase of Ju 87 Stukas from its Axis ally Germany to replace their SM.85 dive bombers, which had been deemed unsuitable for combat operations. During July 1940, 15 Italian pilots arrived for flight training on the Ju 87 at the Luftwaffe "Stuka" training school in Graz, Austria with a similar number arriving the following month. The first batch of Ju 87s sent to Italy were from existing Luftwaffe units and the original German markings on the aircraft were painted over with Italian emblems and insignia. To further personalize their aircraft the 'Stuka' was re-named 'Picchiatello' by the Italian crews.
Initially equipping 96 Gruppo based in Sicily, the Regia Aeronautica was the first air arm to use the Ju 87 in the Mediterranean Theatre. 101 Gruppo was originally based in Tirana, Albania and used their Ju 87s during the Balkans campaign before the unit transferred to Sicily. The Ju 87R modeled is from 208a Squadriglia, 101 Gruppo as flown by Capitano Raul Zucconi while based at Sicily in June 1941, from where operations were carried out against targets on Malta and on Allied ships in the Mediterranean.
The Ju 87 Stuka was a German two-seat dive-bomber and ground-attack aircraft of early World War II. First flown on September 17, 1935 the Ju 87 entered limited service with the Luftwaffe in 1937. Although accurate and very effective against ground targets, the Stuka was vulnerable to fighter aircraft. Its poor maneuverability and a lack of speed and defensive armament meant that the Stuka often required a fighter escort to operate effectively. Towards the end of the war, the Stuka had been largely replaced by ground-attack versions of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190.
Corgi is a leading manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, die-cast model airplanes. Every model is crafted with meticulous attention to details, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are constructed with precision-made diecast metal and some plastic components.
This model of a Ju 87 Stuka features:
Realistic panel lines
Historically accurate printed markings
Rotatable propeller
Display stand
Numbered collector card
Category: Corgi 1:72 Non-U.S. Military Aircraft Models
Not suitable for children under the age of 14
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