RS Models – 94032 – Bücker 131D “Nadia Russo”

Description:

The Bücker Bü 131D Jungmann was a German two-seat biplane trainer, widely used before and during World War II. Introduced in the mid-1930s, it was praised for its excellent handling, agility, and reliability — making it ideal for both basic flight instruction and aerobatics. The “D” variant typically featured a Hirth HM 504 engine and minor upgrades from earlier versions.

Nadia Russo-Bossie was a remarkable Romanian aviator, born in 1901 in Tighina (then part of the Russian Empire, now in Moldova). She became one of the few female military pilots in Europe during World War II. Russo earned her pilot license in the 1930s and

The Race of the Little Entente (Fliegerwettbewerb „Kleine Entente“) was an international aviation competition held from August 26 to September 5, 1938, involving pilots from Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia. Nadia Russo, a pioneering Romanian aviator, participated in this competition. Flying her personal Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann aircraft, she was notable for completing the entire 4,000-kilometer course solo, without a co-pilot or flight attendant. This remarkable feat distinguished her among the participants and highlighted her exceptional piloting skills.

Her outstanding performance earned her the Order of Aeronautical Virtue (Gold Cross class) from King Carol II of Romania, recognizing her contribution to Romanian aviation and her role in the competition.

She joined the White Squadron (Escadrila Albă), an elite group of Romanian women aviators who flew medical evacuation and liaison missions on the Eastern Front. These courageous women flew small aircraft like the Bücker Bü 131, RWD-13, and other light liaison planes, often without weapons or defensive systems, navigating dangerous airspace to extract the wounded and deliver critical supplies. Nadia Russo stood out not only for her flying skills, but for her bravery and composure under pressure — earning the Gold Cross of Valor for her service.

After the war, like many Romanian military aviators, she suffered under the new communist regime. She was imprisoned and later marginalized, only to be rehabilitated decades later and recognized as a pioneer of Romanian aviation.

Limited edition kit of the RS Models Bücker Bü 131 kit with a new decal sheet. Kit include PE (photo-etched) parts.

Markings

• Bücker 131D, YR-NAD, Nadia Russo, Competition Little Entente States, Prague 1938
• Bücker 131A, YR-PRV, Aeroclub Prahova, Romania , 1939 

Strante to our eyes but decal sheet also includes a marking for Constantin Cantacuzino Bücker 133, see Bücker Bü 133 kits.