Messerschmitt Bf-109 G-5 (Profipack Edition)
Eduard 70158

Model Characteristics

This kit allows you to build a detailed model of the German Messerschmitt Bf 109G-5 fighter in ProfiPACK edition. The model represents the high-altitude version of the Bf 109, featuring a pressurized cockpit designed for operations at high altitude.

The kit combines plastic model parts with additional details to enhance the level of reproduction. It also includes photo-etched parts, a painting mask and a Brassin resin component representing the acoustic duct of the Eberspächer exhaust system.

• plastic model parts by Eduard,
• color photo-etched parts,
• painting mask,
• Brassin resin component – Eberspächer acoustic duct,
• decals for 6 marking options.

The model is intended for self-assembly and painting. Glue and paints are not included and must be purchased separately.

Marking Options

The decals allow you to build six specific Bf 109G-5 aircraft operated by Luftwaffe units in 1943–1944. The selection includes both standard fighters and aircraft equipped with Rüstsatz equipment intended for specific operational roles.

• Bf 109G-5/R3 – 1./JG 50
  Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany, July–October 1943.
• Bf 109G-5/R3/R6, W.Nr. 26082 – Flg. Victor Widmaier
  7./JG 11, Oldenburg, Germany, October 1943.
• Bf 109G-5/U2/R3, W.Nr. 26099 – Lt. Walter Bohatsch
  5./JG 3, Amsterdam-Schiphol, Netherlands, November 1943.
• Bf 109G-5/R3 – Lt. Ingomar Feldmann
  8./JG 54, Ludwigslust, Germany, February 1944.
• Bf 109G-5/U2/R3 – 3./JG 300
  Bad Wörishofen, Germany, July–August 1944.
• Bf 109G-5/U2/R3, W.Nr. 15564 – 2./JG 25
  Gardelegen, Germany, August 1943.

The Original Aircraft

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a single-seat, single-engine fighter with an all-metal construction. The aircraft was developed in the mid-1930s as an advanced fighter for Germany's newly re-established air force. The first prototype flew on May 29, 1935, and the design quickly became the Luftwaffe's principal fighter.

The G series, known as the Gustav, represented a further stage in the development of the design. The introduction of the Daimler-Benz DB 605A engine provided improved performance compared with the earlier variants powered by the DB 601.

Bf 109G-5

The Bf 109G-5 was developed primarily for high-altitude operations. Its most important feature was the pressurized cockpit, which helped maintain suitable conditions for the pilot when operating at high altitude.

Structurally, the G-5 was closely related to the Bf 109G-6. Both variants featured the characteristic bulges on the engine cowling housing the breeches and ammunition feeds for the two MG 131 13 mm machine guns.

The standard armament consisted of two MG 131 machine guns mounted above the engine and a single MG 151/20 20 mm cannon firing through the propeller hub. Depending on the Rüstsatz equipment fitted, the aircraft could also carry additional armament, including underwing cannon pods, or external fuel tanks.

Performance and Specifications

• crew: 1,
• engine: Daimler-Benz DB 605A, 12-cylinder inverted V-type engine with direct fuel injection,
• power: approximately 1,475 hp at maximum take-off power,
• maximum speed: approximately 640 km/h, depending on altitude, configuration and engine variant,
• service ceiling: approximately 12,000 m,
• fixed armament: 2 × MG 131 13 mm machine guns and 1 × MG 151/20 20 mm cannon,
• cockpit: pressurized, designed for high-altitude operations.

An important advantage of the DB 605A engine was its direct fuel injection system. Unlike many carbureted engines, it allowed the aircraft to perform abrupt manoeuvres involving negative G-forces without the typical interruption of fuel delivery to the engine.

Rüstsatz Equipment

Some of the aircraft represented in the kit were fitted with additional equipment designated as Rüstsatz. These kits allowed the standard airframe to be adapted for specific roles without creating a completely new aircraft variant.

• R3 – long-range equipment, including provision for an external fuel tank,
• R6 – additional MG 151/20 cannon in underwing gondolas, increasing firepower against heavier targets,
• U2 – equipment associated with the GM-1 system, which provided a temporary performance boost at high altitude.

Combinations such as R3/R6 or U2/R3 indicate that more than one equipment set was fitted. As a result, individual Bf 109G-5 aircraft could differ considerably in configuration despite belonging to the same basic variant.

Interesting Facts

• The Bf 109G-5 was one of the Bf 109 variants equipped with a pressurized cockpit, which was particularly important for high-altitude operations.
• The G-5 was produced alongside the closely related Bf 109G-6, which did not have a pressurized cockpit.
• G-5/U2 aircraft used the GM-1 system, in which nitrous oxide temporarily increased engine performance at high altitude.
• The Bf 109G-5 could be fitted with different Rüstsatz equipment, allowing the same basic airframe to perform different operational roles.
• The pressurized cockpit required solutions for ventilation and sealing of the canopy. Heated air from the compressor was among the systems used to maintain suitable conditions inside the cockpit.

FAQ

What does the ProfiPACK edition include?

In addition to the plastic model parts, the kit includes color photo-etched parts, a painting mask and a Brassin resin component representing the Eberspächer acoustic duct.

How did the Bf 109G-5 differ from the G-6?

The most important difference was the pressurized cockpit of the G-5. Both variants had a very similar structure and armament, but the G-5 was intended primarily for operations at high altitude.

Do all the aircraft represented in the kit have the same configuration?

No. The individual aircraft were fitted with different Rüstsatz equipment, including R3, R6 and U2. As a result, the configuration varies between the individual marking options.

Are glue and paints included?

No. The model is intended for self-assembly and painting, so glue and paints must be purchased separately.