Ju 88P-1 “Tank Buster”

In early 1942, the Luftwaffe command became obvious the need to create an anti-tank aircraft that could hit the armor of Soviet medium and heavy tanks. In the summer of 1942, a decision was made to convert a small batch of Ju 88A-4 bombers into anti-tank versions, later they received the designation Ju 88P-1. In the large ventral gondola of these aircraft was a 75-mm PaK 40L anti-tank gun (also known as BK 7.5) with an electro-pneumatic loading system, the gondola in an extreme situation could be dropped using pyrotechnic devices. The aircraft’s engines were protected with armor. Initially, the nose of the aircraft remained glazed, like a regular Ju 88A-4 bomber, but the test results showed that the glass could not withstand the action of gases during the shot. Therefore, the Ju 88P-1 was later modified with a nose section devoid of glass, borrowed from the Ju 88C fighter, and the muzzle brake was also changed. By September 1943, 18 copies of this aircraft were produced, some of them fell on the Eastern Front as part of the Versuchskommando für Panzerbekämpfung. Subsequently, six Ju 88P-1 were transferred to the 1st Hindenburg Bomber Squadron. (Kampfgeschwader 1 “Hindenburg”).

1/48 Ju 88P-1 Tank Buster by ICM delivers a distinctive anti-tank aircraft build for advanced WWII aviation modelling, display collections, and historical diorama projects.

Featuring: Specialised cannon installation: Includes the large under-fuselage 75 mm anti-tank gun unique to the Ju 88P-1 variant.

Detailed cockpit and fuselage interior: Interior parts include crew stations, control panels, and structural details visible through the canopy.

Accurate external surfaces: Fine panel lines, engine nacelles, and armament parts recreate the heavy attack aircraft in scale.

Finished Model Dimensions (Approximate): Length: 30.3 cm Width: 41.8 cm Height: 9.2 cm Technical Specifications: Scale: 1/48 Manufacturer: ICM Model: Ju 88P-1 Tank Buster Parts count: 643 Material: Injection-moulded plastic Assembly: Required Paint/Glue: Required (not included) Recommended Age: 14+ Pilot Figures: Not Included Perfect for: WWII aircraft modellers, Luftwaffe collectors, and hobbyists looking for an unusual heavy attack aircraft subject.

Why this kit matters The Junkers Ju 88P-1 was developed from the Ju 88 bomber series as a heavy anti-tank aircraft for use on the Eastern Front.

Engineers fitted the aircraft with a Bordkanone 7.5 cm cannon mounted in a ventral pod beneath the fuselage.

This weapon was designed to attack Soviet armoured vehicles from low altitude, giving the aircraft a specialised battlefield role.

The heavy cannon made the aircraft powerful but difficult to handle, as recoil and weight affected flight performance.

Only a limited number were produced, and combat use remained restricted compared with standard Ju 88 bomber versions.

Its unusual appearance and rare service history make the Ju 88P-1 one of the most distinctive variants in the Ju 88 family.

How to use it Build using paint and glue.

Display proudly once finished, at home or in your collection cabinet.

This is a plastic model kit.

Assembly, paint, and glue are required.

It is not a toy.

Key Specifications

• Scale: 1:48

Full Specifications