Society and Technology

Messerschmitt BF-109

The Messerschmitt BF-109 was one of the best WWII fighter aircraft of the German Luftwaffe.  It was also the first true modern fighter plane in that it had an all-metal monocoque construction.  The Messerschmitt BF-109 was designed by Willie Messerschmitt in the early 1930s.   The aircraft was put into service in 1937, after winning a competition against other German aircraft.  What really made the BF-109 stand out among the other competing aircraft was the fact that the test pilots were in complete control of the aircraft while doing manuevers like dives, rolls, spins, etc.

The Messerschmit BF-109 was rugged fighter plane and was the workhorse of the Luftwaffe.  There were many variants for this one aircraft because it could serve multiple roles.  Evne though the BF-109 was a great fighter plane that remained competitive with allied aircraft even towards the end of the war, it was not with its short-comings.  For instance, it had a short range, it was difficult to land and take off because of its steep ground angle which made visibility poor while on the ground, and it featured a sideways hinged cockpit canopy which could not be opened in flight.  Nonetheless the Messerschmitt BF-109 was a great aircraft and a true fighter.

 Here's a link to a video of a real Messerschmitt BF-109 in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nj77mJlzrc

Posted at 09:52AM Dec 12, 2008 by Robert Earle in General  |  Comments[0]