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Messerschmitt BF-109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser during the early to mid 1930s. It was one of the first true modern fighters of the era, including such features as all-metal monocoque construction, closed canopy, and retractable landing gear.
The BF-109 was powered by liquid-cooled, inverted-V12 engines, first by a Jumo 210 of 700 HP, then by DB 601 of 1,100 HP, then DB 605A-1 of 1,475, and up to 2,000 HP. Top speed was 640 km/h and more.
The 109 first saw operational service during the Spanish Civil War and was still in service at the dawn of the jet age at the end of World War II (1945). From the end of 1941 the Bf 109 was supplemented, but never completely replaced in service, by the radial engined Focke-Wulf Fw 190.
Originally conceived as an interceptor, later models were developed to fulfill multiple tasks, serving as bomber escort, fighter bomber, day-, night- all-weather fighter, bomber destroyer, ground-attack aircraft, and as reconnaissance aircraft. The Bf 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with a total of 33,984 units produced up to April 1945.
It was also supplied to several of Germany's allies, including Finland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovakia.
According to some sources, the Bf 109 achieved more aerial kills than any other aircraft. One hundred and five (possibly 109) Bf 109 pilots were credited with the destruction of 100 or more enemy aircraft. Thirteen of these men scored more than 200 kills, while two scored more than 300. Altogether this group shot down nearly 15,000 enemy planes. Official ace status was granted to any pilot who scored five or more kills. Applying this, Luftwaffe records reveal that "Ace" status belonged to more than 2,500 German pilots. Against Soviets, the Finnish-flown Bf 109Gs claimed a victory ratio of 25:1 in favor of the Finns.
Messerschmitt BF-109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser during the early to mid 1930s. It was one of the first true modern fighters of the era, including such features as all-metal monocoque construction, closed canopy, and retractable landing gear.
The BF-109 was powered by liquid-cooled, inverted-V12 engines, first by a Jumo 210 of 700 HP, then by DB 601 of 1,100 HP, then DB 605A-1 of 1,475, and up to 2,000 HP. Top speed was 640 km/h and more.
The 109 first saw operational service during the Spanish Civil War and was still in service at the dawn of the jet age at the end of World War II (1945). From the end of 1941 the Bf 109 was supplemented, but never completely replaced in service, by the radial engined Focke-Wulf Fw 190.
Originally conceived as an interceptor, later models were developed to fulfill multiple tasks, serving as bomber escort, fighter bomber, day-, night- all-weather fighter, bomber destroyer, ground-attack aircraft, and as reconnaissance aircraft. The Bf 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with a total of 33,984 units produced up to April 1945.
It was also supplied to several of Germany's allies, including Finland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovakia.
According to some sources, the Bf 109 achieved more aerial kills than any other aircraft. One hundred and five (possibly 109) Bf 109 pilots were credited with the destruction of 100 or more enemy aircraft. Thirteen of these men scored more than 200 kills, while two scored more than 300. Altogether this group shot down nearly 15,000 enemy planes. Official ace status was granted to any pilot who scored five or more kills. Applying this, Luftwaffe records reveal that "Ace" status belonged to more than 2,500 German pilots. Against Soviets, the Finnish-flown Bf 109Gs claimed a victory ratio of 25:1 in favor of the Finns.