WW II Soviet VVS Air Force Aircraft – AIRCRAFT CANOPY – Pe-2 Dive Bomber – RARE!

Rudolf “Rudi” Linz (14 February 1917 – 9 February 1945) was a Luftwaffe fighter ace during World War II. He is credited with 70 aerial victories achieved in an unknown number of combat missions, becoming an “ace-in-a-day” on four separate occasions. All but two of his aerial victories were claimed on the Eastern Front. On 9 February 1945, he was shot down and killed in action in defense of the German destroyer Z33 and posthumously awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on 12 March.

Linz claimed his last aerial victory with 11. Staffel on 3 September, a Petlyakov Pe-2 bomber shot down near Murmansk. Linz was then transferred to the Verbandsführerschule of the General der Jagdflieger (Training School for Unit Leaders) which prepared him to become a Staffelkapitän (squadron leader).

Made of steel, this Main Aircraft Canopy is in EXCELLENT relic condition!  It originated from the Pe-2 Dive Bomber that Rudi Linz shot down flying his Me109 on September 3, 1944.  As it came from a wrecksite, it features some obvious bends, damage, and corrosion, but is VERY solid! Some plexiglass fragments still remain in the framework, as well as the original radio antenna wiring/cable.  In order to get it transported safely from Russia to the USA, the antenna had to be removed.  As such it is currently detached.  It could very easily be affixed permanently again by the winning bidder.  There is also one small weld (see photo) which was done to keep it together during transport.  I have shown its location in the last photos; images of the actual wreck site; scan of the Soviet loss info; and photos of the pilots involved.  VERY LARGE in size (43″ x 35″ x 20″), it would be PERFECT for a centerpiece in your man-cave!  A UNIQUE piece of history with an ACE credit, it is EASILY identifiable, and would make a SUPERB addition to any collection or display!