Messerschmitt Bf 109
by: RLindsey
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Word Count: 200
The most famous German fighter of World War II. It is estimated that over 35,000 were produced! Beginning in 1935, the Messerschimitt Bf109 was sent to Spain before being used as part of Hitler’s Blitzkrieg and the Battle of Britain.
The Messerschmitt 109 went through several versions using different engines and arms. The 109E was the one in use at the beginning of the war in Europe, and North Africa, and the 109G is probably the most common. Many pilots preferred the 109 even after more advanced planes came out. This says something about the plane, because the cockpit was cramped, the view limited, and the handling could be awkward, but it was fast and powerful. Germany’s highest scoring Ace, Erich Hartmann, stayed with the Bf 109 to the end of the war.
Type: Fighter
County: Germany
Length: 29 feet 7 inches (9.02 m)
Wingspan: 32 feet 6.5 inches (9.92 m)
Speed: 387 mph (623 km/h)
Ceiling: 38,550 feet (11,750 m)
Range: 450 miles (725 km)
Engines: one 1,475 hp Daimler-Benz DB-605A inverted V-12 water-cooled
Crew: one
Armament: two nose-mounted 0.31-inch (7.92 mm) MG 17 machine guns, one hub-mounted 1.18-inch (30mm) MK 108 cannon, two 0.79-inch (20mm) MG 151 cannon under wings, 1,100 lbs (500 kg) bomb
About the Author
Robert M. Lindsey
http://lindseyfreelancing.com/
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