Luftwaffe Fighter Aircraft

Weight: 7496lbs (3400kg).

Engine: Daimler Benz DB 605AM

Maximum speed: 425mph (637kmh).

Service Ceiling: 37,890ft (11,550m).

Range: 620 miles (1000km).

Armament: 1 x 30mm MG 108 cannon firing through the propeller hub, 2 x 7.92mm MG 17's above the engine cowling and 2 x 7.92mm MG 17's in the wings.

Originally designed in the early 1930's, the Messerschmitt Bf109 incorporated one of the most advanced aerodynamic designs of its time, with retractable landing gear, an enclosed cockpit, automatic slats, cantilever wings, and stressed skin construction. The aircraft entered production in 1936 as the Bf109B. The aircraft saw service during the Spanish Civil War where it excelled. The Bf109C, introduced in 1938, retained the twin 7.9mm MG 17 machine guns mounted above the engine, but replaced the single MG 17 firing through the propeller spinner with two MG 17s in the wings.
In early 1939, the Bf109E entered production, fitted with a new engine. It was this version that saw service in the Polish and French campaigns where it fared well. However during the Battle of Britain its short range prevented it from fulfilling its escort duties over England.
The Bf109F began to replace the E series in late 1940. The BF109F had an improved engine, new cooling system and a more streamlined airframe. This type enjoyed considerable success in Russia during 1941.
The limits of the Bf109 design were becoming apparent with the Bf109G series, which entered production in early 1942. Despite the introduction of a new engine which increased its top speed, the Bf109G was less maneuverable than earlier versions. Despite its limitations, the G series was the most numerous of the Bf109 types and remained in production into 1945.
The last major series was the Bf109K, which was very similar to the Bf 109G-10 series. Development problems aggravated by Allied bombing and the rapidly deteriorating war situation limited production of this type to less than 2000.
Even though the superior Fw190 began to replace the Bf109's in some units as early as the summer of 1941, production of the Bf109 actually rose during the closing months of the war and it remained the Luftwaffe's most numerous fighter.

Weight: 10,802lbs (4900kg).

Engine: BMW801D-2.

Speed: 406mph (654kmh).

Service ceiling: 37,402ft (11,400m).

Range: 915 miles (1470km).

Armament: 2 x 20mm MG FF's + 2 x 20mm MG 151's in the wing and 2 x 7.92mm MG 17's above the engine cowling.

Development of this aircraft began in 1938 and the first prototype version was produced in mid 1939. The FW-190V-1 displayed excellent flight characteristics, good stability and was simple to control. The aircraft also had high landing stability thanks to solid gear with a wide track. Several shortcomings were discovered including a bad field of vision when taxiing caused by the cumbersome radial engine and constant engine overheating which led to a temperature increase in the cabin. The cooling system was re-designed and a new engine fitted and the aircraft entered production in early 1941 as the FW-190A1.
In August 1941, production of the improved FW-190A2 modification started. The armament of the modified fighter consisted of two 20mm MG FF cannons, two 20mm MG 151/20 machine guns in the wing and two 7.9mm MG17 machine-guns above the engine. Cockpit armour was improved and consisted of armoured glass, a 14mm headrest, an 8mm armoured back and small 8mm tiles above, below and on the sides of the armoured back.
Further modifications were made to the next variant, the FW-190A3 aircraft, which was introduced in late 1942. The plane was equipped with a new engine and again received attention to the cooling and air intake system. To compensate for the heavy engine, the cockpit was repositioned 30cm back, thereby improving the field of vision and reducing overheating from the engine. The armament of the new fighter consisted of two 7.9mm MG17 machine-guns, two 20mm MG FF wing cannons and two 7.9mm MG 17 machine-guns above the engine. The aircraft's wingspan was also slightly increased to improve stability.
In the course of 1942, the FW-190A-3 was gradually replaced on factory production lines by a new FW-190A-4 modification.

 

Weight: 21,799lbs (9888kg).

Engine: 2 x 1100HP DB 601A inverted V-12 engines.

Top speed: 342mph (550km/h).

Service ceiling: 26,245ft (8000m).

Range: 808 miles (1300km).

Armament: 4 x 7.92mm MG 17's and two 20mm MG FF's in the nose and one 7.92mm MG 15 in the rear cockpit.

Development on this aircraft began in 1934 and entered production in 1938 as the Bf110C-1. Armament consisted of four 7.92mm MG17 machine-guns and two 20mm MG/FF canon mounted under the nose and a rear-firing MG15 for the radio operator. The C-2, C-3 and C-4 models differed from the C-1 in electrical equipment and armament. The C-3 and C-4 received new MG FF/M cannons and the C-4 also introduced additional armour protection for the crew. A sub version of the C-4 was the C-4/B fighter bomber version. It was able to carry 2 x 250kg bombs under the fuselage. The C-5 model was a reconnaissance version with the MG FF's removed and cameras installed in their place. The Bf110D was introduced in mid 1940. It was introduced as a long range fighter and was fitted with either a large ventral fuel tank or external wing tanks.
The Bf110 had a small turning radius for an aircraft of its size, however its slow roll speed made it very vulnerable against more nimble single-engine fighters which could manoeuvre behind it. It was well armed but difficult to control at medium and high speeds. It also suffered later with slow speed compared to mid and late war fighters.
It first saw service during the Polish campaign and then in Norway and France achieving considerable success in bomber escort, free hunting roles and strafing ground targets. However the aircraft suffered heavy losses during the Battle of Britain.
During Operation Barbarossa the aircraft again enjoyed success in the ground attack role attacking Russian airfields, supply lines, troop concentrations and strong points.
However, Bf110 production was halted in 1941 and by the end of that year most units had been withdrawn from the Russian front. However in early 1942, Bf110 production was re-started and several Zerstörer units had returned. The aircraft began to suffer higher losses as the quality of Russian fighters improved. By March 1943 all Zerstörer units were withdrawn from the eastern front. In late 1942 the final variant, the Bf110G-4, was introduced. This was the night fighter version which saw much success against allied bomber forces in the west.