For some reason, model manufacturers have been omitting pilot figures from their kits. Many after market producers have stepped in to fill the pilot seat void. Czech model manufacturer Aerobonus has a new release in its 1/72 Modern German Luftwaffe/ Marine Fighter Pilot. Like most pilot figures being released recently, this figure is standing, but can easily be made to sit with some razor saw surgery.

The post-World War II German Air Force had its creation on 24 September 1956 when its first ten pilots earned their wings. As technology progresses, so does the human element. I am certainly not an expert in German flight suits, but this pilot looks the part of a Luftwaffe or Marineflieger pilot. The provided color call out guide states that this figure could pilot German fighters from the F-104G Starfighter, F-4 Phantom II, Tornado, and Alpha Jet. It could also probably be used for the 394 current aircraft inventories including the Eurofighter Typhoon, and former East German aircraft MiG-29, L-299, etc, that have recently been phased out of service.

I painted my pilot as a Marineflieger as the orange flight suit pops out. This is a well molded and detailed pilot figure that will take a model to the next level standing next to his aircraft. Thanks to Aerobonus for producing this eye-catching pilot figure.

Profuse thanks to Aires Hobby Models (https://www.aires.cz/en/) and IPMS-USA for providing the review sample.