A spectacular, premium 1:72 scale diecast masterpiece capturing the predatory profile of one of the Luftwaffe's most successful early-war night fighters. This museum-grade replica within Corgi's Aviation Archive Collector Series (AA38802) beautifully represents the Dornier Do 215B-5. It features a highly striking and historic mottle camouflage pattern.
The Dornier Do 215 initially began life as a redesignated, export-oriented evolution of the Do 17 fast bomber. Retaining the ultra-narrow, distinctive fuselage that earned its predecessor the famous nickname "The Flying Pencil," the Do 215 introduced upgraded inline Daimler-Benz engines to deliver a marked improvement in flight performance. Though originally ordered as conventional bombers by the Swedish Government, an immediate wartime embargo halted delivery. The production run of just 105 aircraft built between 1939 and 1941 was subsequently diverted straight into Luftwaffe service as specialized bombers, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, and radar-equipped night fighters.
Designated as the Do 215B-5 "Kauz III" variant, this aircraft was completely transformed into a dedicated nocturnal hunter. The traditional glazed bomber nose was stripped away in favor of a solid nose housing an early infrared searchlight, a delicate nose-mounted FuG 202 Lichtenstein BC radar antenna array, and devastating forward-firing firepower. This heavy armament layout featured four 7.62mm machine guns mounted in the upper nose section and two 20mm MG FF cannons positioned in the lower nose gondola.
This specific model replicates tactical code "R4+DC," the personal machine of legendary Gruppenkommandeur Helmut Lent. Lent operated this heavily armed aircraft while serving with Stab II./NJG 2 out of the critical airfield at Leeuwarden, Holland, during the intense aerial battles of the summer of 1942. Lent would go on to become one of the top-scoring night fighter aces of World War II, making this limited edition replica an invaluable asset for serious military history collections.
Highly coveted for its strict worldwide production run of only 2,000 pieces, this 1:72 scale diecast model highlights Corgi's exceptional tooling fidelity. The airframe boasts an almost sculpted, seamless wing-to-fuselage transition paired with realistic panel lines and pad-printed historical placards. Exquisite collector details include a pair of photo-etched dorsal-mounted radio antennas, structural mass balance counter-weights, and realistically rendered trim tabs on the simulated fabric-stretched dual elevators. Complete with a heavy-duty, all-metal presentation flight stand, this rare release commands immediate attention on display.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA38802
Aircraft: Dornier Do 215B-5 (Kauz III Night Fighter Variant)
Serial / Tactical Markings: R4+DC
Pilot: Gruppenkommandeur Helmut Lent (Night Fighter Ace)
Unit: Luftwaffe Stab II./NJG 2
Operating Base: Leeuwarden, Holland
Date/Period: Summer 1942 (World War II)
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 2,000 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight Diecast Metal with Photo-Etched Components
Special Features: Low worldwide production limit, authentic Luftwaffe mottle night fighter livery, delicate nose-mounted FuG 202 Lichtenstein radar antenna array, molded upper nose machine guns and lower 20mm cannon pods, photo-etched dorsal antennas, fabric-effect twin elevators with fine mass balance weights, original presentation flight stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 8.75" or 22.2 cm
Width (Wingspan): 9.75" or 24.8 cm