set 2005 Luftwaffe Defence of The Reich JG 7

Luftwaffe Defence of The Reich JG 7

In the waning months of World War II, Jagdgeschwader 7 (JG 7) emerged as a pivotal Luftwaffe squadron, deploying the revolutionary Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters. This late-war period not only witnessed technological advancements but also marked a distinctive visual shift across Reich Defense squadrons.

A noteworthy transformation during this time was the adoption of vibrant fuselage bands in 1944, a feature not limited to the Me 262s or JG 7 alone but applied across various aircraft types within Reich Defense units. These colorful markings served dual purposes, acting as prominent visual identifiers for friendly forces amidst the chaos of aerial engagements and symbolizing the collective resilience of all Reich Defense squadrons in the face of advancing Allied forces.

Complementing this visual change was the introduction of a new green fighter camouflage in 1944, replacing the earlier gray tones. This strategic adaptation aimed to enhance concealment, showcasing the Luftwaffe's flexibility in response to the evolving nature of air warfare. The Me 262s of JG 7, adorned with their mottled green camouflage and vibrant fuselage bands, became iconic symbols of the squadron's commitment to defending German airspace.

JG 7 played a vital role in key battles and operations during the war's final stages, notably participating in Operation Bodenplatte on January 1, 1945. This surprise offensive targeted Allied airfields, with the Me 262s proving instrumental in disrupting enemy aircraft both on the ground and in the air. The squadron's involvement in Reichsverteidigung, the defense of the German Reich, underscored its innovative use of technology and distinctive visual markings.

Pilots such as Walter Nowotny, Franz Schall, Hermann Buchner, Erich Rudorffer, and Karl Schnörrer, among others, etched their names in history as aces who flew the Me 262s of JG 7. Their skill and courage contributed significantly to the squadron's legacy, demonstrating the prowess of jet-powered fighters even in the war's final chapters.

As World War II drew to a close, green camouflage, colorful fuselage bands, and Me 262s stood as visual symbols of the squadron's resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges faced by the Luftwaffe, the legacy of JG 7 endures as a testament to the constant innovations made in the pursuit of maintaining air superiority in the face of adversity.

Use Guide for the Luftwaffe Defence of The Reich JG 7

• In the summer of 1944, as part of the Sammelmitteilung Nr. 2 program, a new green camouflage was introduced for German aircraft to replace the green camouflage previously used on bombers and the gray camouflage previously used on German fighters.
• The new green camouflage featured the light green RLM 82 and the dark green RLM 81 (or its purple-brown variant). The lower surfaces were to be painted in light blue RLM 76, the standard previously used for fighters.
• Fuselage bands were widely used to identify Luftwaffe aircraft. When the fighter units defending the Reich were reorganized in October 1944, the use of the fuselage bands increased. New bright colors were introduced to identify aircraft to a particular unit.
• JG 7 received a two-color fuselage band, blue and red. As a rule, they were applied just in front of the tail of the airplane.

Set Luftwaffe Defence of The Reich JG 7 Includes:

• 264 RLM 81a Braunviolett (Brown Purple) - a khaki brown camouflage color of the upper surfaces.

• 263 RLM 82 Hellgrün (Light Green) - an olive green camouflage color of the upper surfaces.

• 269 RLM 76 Lichtblau (Light Blue) -  a light blue color of the lower surfaces of the aircraft.

• 279 RLM 66 Schwarzgrau (Black Grey)- a dark gray cockpit of Luftwaffe aircraft.

• 291 RLM 24 Dunkelblau (Dark Blue) - a violet-blue color of the fuselage bands of the Reich's defense.

• 292 RLM 23 Rot (Red) - a bright red color of the fuselage bands of the Reich's defense.

Collection:

• WW2 Luftwaffe

This Set is Best for:

• Messerschmitt Bf 109
• Messerschmitt Me 262, etc.

Paint Type:

• Acrylic A2015
• Enamel E2015

Paint Finish:

• Semi-gloss

Capacity:

• 6 x 10 ml. (6 x 0.33oz)