Messerschmitt ME 109

The Messerschmitt Me- or Bf-109 was the mainstay of the German Luftwaffe from the Spanish Civil War in 1935 to 1942. It was a revolutionary design, being the smallest aircraft that could be built around a powerful engine. The first operational version, the Bf109B had some major problems that became apparent during the Spanish Civil War. It had serious wing flutter, and tail buffeting. Overall, its advantages were good performance and handling, and a simple construction; its disadvantages were restricted vision, bad landing characteristics due to the narrow-set landing gear, and the inability to carry heavy armament without adverse affects on handling. The Me109 was quite advanced for 1935 when it was contemporary with biplanes like the Fiat C.R. 32, Polikarpov P-21, the Gloster Gladiator and the Brewster "Peashooter". but, by 1943 it was seriously outdated and was largely replaced on the Western Front by the superb Focke-Wulf 190. It stayed on in large numbers in North Africa, Russia, Italy and the Mediterranean.


	Classic Combat Aircraft \| home Messerschmitt ME 109 The Messerschmitt Me- or Bf-109 was the mainstay of the German Luftwaffe from the Spanish Civil War in 1935 to 1942. It was a revolutionary design, being the smallest aircraft that could be built around a powerful engine. The first operational version, the Bf109B had some major problems that became apparent during the Spanish Civil War. It had serious wing flutter, and tail buffeting. Overall, its advantages were good performance and handling, and a simple construction; its disadvantages were restricted vision, bad landing characteristics due to the narrow-set landing gear, and the inability to carry heavy armament without adverse affects on handling. The Me109 was quite advanced for 1935 when it was contemporary with biplanes like the Fiat C.R. 32, Polikarpov P-21, the Gloster Gladiator and the Brewster "Peashooter". but, by 1943 it was seriously outdated and was largely replaced on the Western Front by the superb Focke-Wulf 190. It stayed on in large numbers in North Africa, Russia, Italy and the Mediterranean. Type: Single-seat fighter Crew:1 Engine: Engine: 1 Daimler-Benz 601Aa Liquid Cooled Inverted V12 1,150hp Dimensions: Wing span: 32 ft. 4.5 in. Length: 28 ft. 8 in. Height: 8 ft. 10 in. Weight: 5,520 lb. Performance: Speed: 357 mph at 12,300 ft. Range: 412 Miles Ceiling: 36,000 ft. Armament: Two 20mm MG/FF mounted in the wings with 60 rounds per gun Two 7.9mm MG 17 mounted above engine with 1,000 rounds per gun