The Messerschmitt Bf.109 (also referred to as Me-109) was one of the most famous German fighters used in the Second World War. More were produced than any other fighter it is claimed, nearly 34,000 aircraft. Development started in the nineteen thirties and it was one of the first fighters to have an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, a retractable landing gear. Tried out in the Spanish Civil War, the experience was used to improve the aircraft and for pilots to learn how to fly it. Designed as a fighter, it later was also used in fighter-bomber roles by the Luftwaffe.
Messerschmitt Bf.109G-10
This Bf.109G-10 with serial 611943/13+ was made in 1944 in Germany and also served at the East Front during the War. The G10 version had a strong DB605 engine and better armament.
The aircraft as seen here was rebuilt from scrap and built-up with various parts. It is now a museum exhibit as "yellow 13" at the Planes of Fame museum at Chino, California.
Photographed November 2013 by Cees Hendriks (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland
Bf.109E
This Bf.109 E is seen at a display as "4" code German WerkeNr 1190, at Hangar 4 of the Imperial war Museum, Duxford, United Kingdom.
Photographed February 2015 by Cees Hendriks (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland
Bf.109G
This Bf.109 G-2 "tropical" is WerkeNr. 10639 seen a the RAF museum at Hendon, London, United Kingdom.
Photographed February 2015 by Cees Hendriks (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland
Hispano HA-1112 M1L “Buchon”
Messerschmitt agreed that their Bf-109G would be manufactured under license by the Hispano Aviación company in Spain. But this company lacked the parts necessary to complete the contract. Post-war, when alternative engines and propellers became available, several variants were constructed. The Museum’s aircraft is being restored. It is an M1L variant, was one of 172 aircraft built using a Rolls Royce Merlin engine and Rotol propeller. This aircraft probably flew for the Spanish Air Force in the 1950s in Africa. It was sold into private ownership and because of its close resemblance to a Bf-109, appeared in the film “Battle of Britain” (1969). It was damage shortly afterward in a landing incident. The Planes of Fame museum acquired the aircraft in 1982 and restored it in 1989. It appeared in Battle of Britain segment of the 2001 film “Pearl Harbor.” During the filming, the aircraft suffered a second landing incident.
It is being restored to flying condition and many components are "newly made", so not original. It is painted in a German Luftwaffe livery.
Photographed Summer 2018 by Cees Hendriks (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland
Many, many scale models have been released of the Bf.109 in many many scales. In 1/32 scale Revell Germany has a nice kit at a reasonable price.
This walk around page was first created January 2014 by M. de Vreeze