August 25, 2026

MiniArt's new 48th scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9. JV 44 “Sachsenberg Schwarm” - Basic Kit

Art, features & sprues of the most colourful of MiniArt's 1/48th scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9's - the JV 44 “Sachsenberg Schwarm” "Basic Kit". Check it out in our preview...

MiniArt's 48th scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 JV 44 “Sachsenberg Schwarm” - Basic Kit

Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 JV 44 “Sachsenberg Schwarm” - Basic Kit
From MiniArt Models
Kit No: 48045
1/48th scale
The kit contains two marking choices in the box.
The Subject:
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9, affectionately nicknamed the "Dora-9", served a unique and hazardous role in the closing months of World War II with the legendary Jagdverband 44 (JV 44). Formed by Lieutenant General Adolf Galland in early 1945, JV 44 was an elite squadron of highly decorated Luftwaffe aces flying the revolutionary Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter. While the Me 262 was unmatched in the air, it was incredibly vulnerable during takeoff and landing due to the slow throttle response of its early jet engines. To shield these prized jets from prowling Allied fighters, a specialised protection flight known as the Platzschutzschwarm (Airfield Protection Flight) was created, equipped entirely with the high-performance, piston-engined Fw 190 D-9.

This iconic photograph was taken in May 1945 at Ainring Airfield in Bavaria, Germany. The aircraft belonged to the legendary Luftwaffe unit Jagdverband 44 (JV 44), specifically assigned to its specialised airfield defence flight (Platzschutzschwarm).
Operating under the command of Lieutenant Heinz Sachsenberg, this small defence unit flew low-altitude patrols directly over and around the jet bases, most notably at München-Riem. Because German anti-aircraft flak batteries surrounding the airfields were notoriously twitchy and prone to firing at any aircraft, the Dora-9s required a drastic visual identifier to prevent friendly fire. The solution was as bold as it was famous: the entire underside of each aircraft was painted a brilliant, solid red and intersected by stark white longitudinal stripes. This unmistakable marking allowed German gunners on the ground to instantly recognise the friendly defenders as they engaged Allied P-47s and P-51s at tree-top level.

At Stade Airfield in May 1945. This base functioned as a massive surrender dump and collection hub at the close of hostilities. British forces captured the base and gathered scores of abandoned, broken, or surrendered Luftwaffe aircraft right on the grass surrounding the main brick control tower. This is another aircraft in the kit's marking choices.
Life in the Platzschutzschwarm was intense, brief, and marked by dark humour, famously reflected in the witty, cynical slogans painted on the sides of their colourful aircraft, such as "Verkaaft's mei Gewand 'ich kumm in Himmel" (Sell my clothes, I'm going to heaven). Despite the overwhelming numbers of the Allied air forces, these colourful Fw 190 D-9s successfully kept the skies clear just long enough for the Me 262s to safely transition to and from combat. Today, the "Red 1", "Red 3", and "Red 13" of JV 44 remain among the most iconic, highly studied, and visually striking aircraft in aviation history, symbolising the desperate innovation of the war's final weeks.

This particular aircraft is a highly celebrated Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9 (specifically Werknummer 600424, known as "Red 1"). It belonged to one of the most famous and unusual units in the history of the Luftwaffe: Jagdverband 44.

The kit: 1/48th scale Focke-Wulf FW 190D-9 JV44 "Basic Kit" from MiniArt Models.
Another in their series of "Basic" kits, this new-tooled Fw 190D-9 kit from MiniArt replicates the machines produced in the Mimetall factory and flown by Jagdgeschwader 301 during WWII.
We have some CAD images of the kit to show you some of the features so far.

Features of this kit:
A highly detailed 1:48th-scale model of the FW 190D-9
Accurate exterior with finely reproduced panel lines and rivets
Detailed cockpit with instrument panel and seat
Optional open or closed canopy
Clear parts included
2 decal options included

The CAD Sprue Layouts.
The engine exhausts & shrouds, posable flying surfaces, wings' internal supports and cockpit tub are some of the larger parts of this sprue.
The main and rear wheels, instrument panel and other small parts of the kite are here.
Posable flaps with the upper and lower wing halves are split horizontally and finely riveted on these two sprues.
The large paddle prop, the supercharger and the cowling gun cover are on these smaller sprues.
The two fuselage halves with the engine cowlings moulded shut on this basic edition of the kit.
two camopy choices are offered; check your references for this one.

Marking choices & decals
There are three marking versions on one decal sheet included in the instructions with the national markings, nose art & serial numbers. The markings for the propellers & the instrument panel are included along with some serials & stencils that cover the aircraft.
The two marking choices – we have seen these kites in the introduction above.

That is all we know about this kit so far. See more about all of MiniArt's kits on their website...