Messerschmitt Bf 109G-10. The Messerschmitt Bf 109 began as an entry by the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke in a Luftwaffe (German Air Force) fighter competition in the early 1930s. Willy Messerschmitt's creation incorporated one of the most advanced aerodynamic designs at the time, with retractable landing gear, an enclosed cockpit, automatic slats, cantilever wings and stressed skin construction. During the trials, the Bf 109 clearly outperformed the larger and heavier favorite, Heinkel's He 112. The first production model, the Bf 109B, began coming off the lines in 1936. The redesignation of the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (Aktiengesellschaft or Corporation) to the Messerschmitt AG in 1938 led many to call it the Me 109, although the official Luftwaffe designation of the aircraft remained the Bf 109 throughout the war.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: One 30mm MK 108 cannon and two 13mm MG 131 machine guns
Engine: One Daimler-Benz DB 605D inverted V rated at 1,850 hp for take-off
Maximum speed: 426 mph at 24,280 ft.
Range: 373 miles
Ceiling: 41,400 ft.
Span: 32 ft.
Length: 29 ft. 5 in.
Height: 8 ft. 2.5 in.
Weight: 5,800 lbs.