ACE-015 - FOKKER DR1 586/17, Jasta 4, May/June 1918 (Consign) (RIS)

Ltn. Ernst Udet took over the black & white striped DR1 586/17 , which had originally been flown by Ltn. Hans Kirschstein who had returned to Jasta 6. Udet took command of Jasta 4 and flew the aircraft called the "optical illusion", the stripes were designed to confuse an enemy attacking the plane. He added his personal marking "LO" and flew this aircraft until Jasta 4 was re-equipped with the Fokker D.VII.

Ernst Udet (26 April 1896 – 17 November 1941) was the second-highest scoring German flying ace of World War I. He was one of the youngest aces and was the highest scoring German ace to survive the war (at the age of 22). His 62 victories were second only to Manfred von Richthofen, his commander in the Flying Circus. Udet rose to become a squadron commander under Richthofen, and later, under Hermann Goring.

Udet spent the 1920s and early 1930s as a stunt pilot, light aircraft manufacturer, and playboy. In 1933, he joined the Nazi Party and became involved in the early development of the Luftwaffe. He used his networking skills to be appointed as director of research and development for the air force. He was especially influential in adoption of dive bombing techniques and the development of the Stuka dive bomber. By 1939, Udet had risen to the post of Director-General of Equipment for the Luftwaffe.

Udet had the letters "LO” painted on the side of his aircraft. This was an abreviation for his fiances nickname "Lola’, Eleanore Zink.

He married "Lo" on February 25, 1920; however, the marriage lasted less than three years. They divorced on February 16, 1923. It has been said that Udet had many lovers.

Scale 1:30 / 60mm