Messerschmitt Bf 109
Name
Length
Wingspan
Weight
Max Bomb-load
Armament
Speed
Ceiling
Range
28’ 4â€
32’ 4â€
4,180 lbs.
550 lbs.
1x20mm; 4x7.92mm mg’s
347 mph
34,400’
410 mi.
The Story of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 Fighter: There is something of a myth out there that the Messerschmitt Bf 109 was strictly an “early war†fight, entirely outclassed by the British Spitfire and even by its German rival, the Focke-Wolfe Fw 190. The reality of the situation is far more complex than this. Given an engine in the same weight and horsepower class, a 109 would compare pretty favorably with a Spitfire or a 190, particularly in climbing speed. All three planes went through numerous versions throughout the war years, of which engine upgrades were some of the most important. This is despite the fact that the Bf 109 was the earliest of the three airframe designs, and this shows the fundamental soundness of Willy Messerschmidt’s classic airframe. Nevertheless, at any given time it seemed as though the Germans were usually a step behind in the engine-upgrade race. Its short range also put it at a disadvantage when used as an escort fighter during the Battle of Britain. Only with the introduction of the Merlin-engined P-51 Mustang would finally come a turning point, after which the Bf 109 was beginning to fall decisively behind in the performance race, but even then the latest versions of the Bf 109 were still dangerous opponents not to be under-estimated. The Messerschmitt Bf 109 stands alone as the only fighter to remain a top-notch, front-line fighter all the way from the Spanish Civil War to the end of World War II!
Usage Notes: Use this piece for “Global 1939†and “Invasion of Italy†Variants as a fighter unit. Other German aircraft of interest may be: the Ju-87 “Stuka†Tactical Bomber, & the Ju-89 Strategic Bomber.
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