Name: Messerschmitt Me 262 A-2a 1:32 Model Kit by Trumpeter
Brand: SCH Models
SKU: TRU02236
Price: 59.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

Messerschmitt Me 262 A-2a 1:32 Model Kit by Trumpeter

£59.99

Model Features

1:32 scale plastic model kit
Accurately represents the Messerschmitt Me 262 A-2a "Sturmvogel" fighter-bomber
Highly detailed cockpit with authentic instrument panel and pilot's seat
Finely engraved panel lines and realistic rivet detail
Detailed Junkers Jumo 004B turbojet engines with optional open access panels
Accurate nose-mounted cannon bay with optional open panels
Detailed landing gear and wheel wells
Includes bombs and external stores specific to the A-2a ground-attack variant
Separate control surfaces for enhanced realism
Clear multi-part canopy with excellent transparency
Photo-etched detail parts included
Precision-moulded plastic parts
Waterslide decal sheet featuring authentic Luftwaffe markings
Illustrated assembly instructions
Ideal for World War II aviation collections, Luftwaffe displays, or late-war jet aircraft diorama projects.

Specifications

Brand: Trumpeter
Scale: 1:32
Subject: Messerschmitt Me 262 A-2a Sturmvogel
Material: Injection-moulded plastic
Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced modellers
Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
Recommended Age: 14+
Parts: 380+
Photo-Etched Parts: Included
Model Length: 331mm
Wingspan: 391mm

What's in the Box

Plastic sprues
Clear canopy parts
Photo-etched detail parts
Detailed Jumo 004B engines
Bomb load for fighter-bomber configuration
Waterslide decal sheet with Luftwaffe markings
Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Aircraft

The Messerschmitt Me 262 A-2a Sturmvogel was the fighter-bomber variant of the world's first operational jet-powered combat aircraft. Developed by Messerschmitt AG, the Me 262 represented a revolutionary leap in aviation technology and marked the beginning of the jet age during the closing stages of the Second World War.

The Me 262 first flew under jet power in 1942, and the fighter entered operational service with the Luftwaffe in 1944. While the standard A-1a Schwalbe was designed primarily as an interceptor, the A-2a Sturmvogel ("Storm Bird") was adapted for ground-attack missions following Adolf Hitler's insistence that the aircraft be used as a fast bomber. This decision delayed its widespread use as a dedicated fighter, despite its overwhelming performance advantage over Allied piston-engined aircraft.

Powered by two Junkers Jumo 004B axial-flow turbojet engines, the Me 262 A-2a could reach speeds of approximately 870 km/h (540 mph)—far faster than any Allied fighter of the period. Its swept wings, advanced aerodynamics, and jet propulsion made it extremely difficult to intercept, although the engines were relatively fragile and required careful handling.

The A-2a retained its formidable armament of four 30mm MK 108 cannons, capable of destroying heavy bombers with only a few hits. In addition, it could carry two 250 kg or one 500 kg bomb, allowing it to attack bridges, troop concentrations, transport hubs, and other strategic targets while maintaining high speed throughout its mission.

Although introduced too late and in insufficient numbers to alter the course of the war, the Me 262 demonstrated the future of military aviation. Its design influenced many post-war jet fighters developed by both the United States and the Soviet Union, and numerous captured aircraft were extensively evaluated by the victorious Allies.

Today, the Me 262 is recognised as one of the most significant aircraft in aviation history. The A-2a Sturmvogel variant illustrates Germany's attempt to combine revolutionary jet performance with tactical strike capability during the final months of the conflict.