Skip to product information
Model kit of a Luftwaffe Pilot from First World War Air Crew Series by Replikator Model Corporation.
  • Model kit of a Luftwaffe Pilot from First World War Air Crew Series by Replikator Model Corporation.
  • Model figure of a pilot behind a protective grid on a black background
  • Model figure of a pilot behind a protective grid on a black background
  • Model figure of a pilot behind a protective grid on a black background
  • Model figure of a pilot behind a protective grid on a black background
1/32 Scale Imperial German Pilot (1918) – "The Ace"
$14.99

Complement your Fokker D.VII or Albatros D.V builds with this striking 1/32 scale 3D printed figure. This figure represents a pilot of the Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Air Service), capturing the aristocratic and elite nature of the German fighter squadrons in the final year of the Great War.

  • Aristocratic Pose: The figure stands in a confident, commanding pose with one hand resting on his hip and the other holding his gloves. He sports a period-accurate handlebar mustache, reflecting the cavalry officer origins of many German aces.

  • Distinctive Uniform: He wears a double-breasted tunic, closely resembling the Ulanka style worn by Uhlan cavalry regiments (famous figures like Manfred von Richthofen often retained their regimental tunics). This sets him apart from standard infantry-style uniforms.

  • Hard Crash Helmet: Unlike the soft leather caps common to the RFC, this pilot wears a hard-shell crash helmet (likely a Heinecke or Roold type) with a padded rim, offering superior protection during rough field landings.

  • Practical Footwear: Instead of tall jackboots, he wears leather gaiters (Gamaschen) over ankle boots, a practical choice that offered ankle support while being less bulky in the cramped rudder control area of a fighter.

 

 

The Luftstreitkräfte (German Air Service) in WWI

While often colloquially referred to as the "Luftwaffe" (which actually refers to the WWII-era air force), the WWI branch was known as the Luftstreitkräfte.

  • Knights of the Air: German pilots viewed themselves as the modern successors to medieval knights. Many transferred from elite cavalry units, bringing their traditions, codes of honor, and distinct uniforms into the air service.

  • The Jasta System: By 1918, the German air service was organized into Jagdstaffeln (hunting squadrons) and larger Jagdgeschwader (fighter wings), such as the famous "Flying Circus" led by the Red Baron. These units were highly mobile, moving by train to "hot spots" along the front to achieve local air superiority.

  • Technological Race: In 1918, the Luftstreitkräfte fielded the Fokker D.VII, widely considered the best fighter of the war. Despite being outnumbered by the Allies and suffering from fuel and material shortages, the skill of the German pilots and the quality of their machines made them a formidable adversary until the very end.

 

 

The Pilot and His Gear

German pilot gear in WWI was often a mix of issued flying clothing and private purchase items that reflected their social status and former regiments.

  • The Ulanka Tunic: The double-breasted jacket seen on this figure is a nod to the cavalry heritage. Pilots often removed shoulder boards or modified these tunics for comfort in the cockpit, but the cut remained a symbol of prestige.

  • The Crash Helmet: German aviation authorities were pioneers in head protection. The hard helmet (visible here with goggles resting on the brim) was designed to protect against head injuries during the frequent crash landings caused by engine failure or rough terrain—a safety feature largely absent in Allied squadrons until much later.

  • Gaiters vs. Jackboots: While the "Jackboot" is iconic to the German military, many pilots preferred the combination of ankle boots and leather gaiters. This setup was lighter and more flexible, allowing for the precise footwork needed to manipulate the rudder bar of a sensitive aircraft like the Fokker Dr.I or D.VII.

 

You may also like