ICM 48239 – Junkers Ju 88C-6b, 1:48 WWII German Night Fighter

Plastic model kit of the Junkers Ju 88C-6b aircraft in 1:48 scale

ICM 48239 represents the Junkers Ju 88C-6b — a night fighter version based on the A-4 airframe that entered service in 1943. Unlike the C-6 daytime heavy fighter, it was equipped with FuG 202 Lichtenstein BC or FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2 radar for detecting bombers in darkness, and many aircraft were fitted with upward-firing MG FF cannons mounted inside the fuselage (the so-called Schräge Musik system), allowing attacks from below and outside the defensive fire arcs of Allied bombers. Ju 88C-6b aircraft served with Nachtjagdgeschwader 1, 2, 4, and 5 on both the Western and Eastern Fronts between 1943 and 1945.

The model expands upon the C-6 tooling with radar components and Schräge Musik equipment. The decal sheet includes markings for aircraft flown by famous night fighter aces, making this kit a particularly attractive choice for collectors interested in Luftwaffe night aviation.

Inside the box:

• Plastic and clear sprues
• Solid fighter nose with armament (MG FF + 3× MG 17)
• Ventral gondola with MG FF cannons
• FuG 202/220 radar components and Schräge Musik system parts
• Water-slide decal sheet for 4 NJG marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalog number: 48239
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Finished model length: approx. 300 mm, wingspan: approx. 418 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires self-assembly.

Model assembly:

Assembly is similar to the C-6 version, with the additional stage of installing the radar antenna arrays and Schräge Musik components. The FuG 202/220 radar antennas are delicate parts — for improved durability and realism, aftermarket metal replacements may be worth considering. Night fighters were usually painted in dark camouflage schemes such as RLM 22 Schwarzgrün or combinations of RLM 76/75 with night black, depending on the unit and service period.

Essential tools:

• Modeling sprue cutters for removing parts from the frames
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper
• Plastic cement
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Model wash for highlighting details

About the aircraft – Junkers Ju 88C-6b:

The Ju 88C-6b was one of the most effective night fighter variants of the Ju 88 family, demonstrating the exceptional versatility of the airframe. The FuG 202/220 radar systems enabled bomber detection in complete darkness, while the Schräge Musik installation allowed attacks from below, where the fighter was protected from defensive gunfire. Notable Ju 88C-6b pilots included Hauptmann Wilhelm Beier of NJG 1 (more than 40 night victories) and Major Heinrich Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein of Stab.IV/NJG 5 (83 victories), who was killed in combat in 1944. Altogether, Ju 88 fighters and night fighters of all variants were responsible for the destruction of thousands of Allied bombers.

Technical specifications of the original aircraft (Ju 88C-6b):

• Length: approx. 14.4 m
• Wingspan: 20.08 m
• Crew: 3
• Powerplant: two Jumo 211J engines, approx. 1,340 hp each
• Maximum speed: approx. 480 km/h
• Armament: 1× MG FF + 3× MG 17 (nose) + 2× MG FF (ventral gondola) + optionally 2× MG FF Schräge Musik
• Radar: FuG 202 Lichtenstein BC or FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-2

About the manufacturer – ICM:

ICM is a Ukrainian model company based in Kyiv whose 1:48 scale Ju 88 series covers all major combat variants of this aircraft — including rarely modeled night fighter versions. ICM kits are distinguished by the precision of their injection molds, recessed panel lines, and highly detailed interiors, while the steady release of new sprues and decal sheets ensures that the series continues to expand.