Messerschmitt Bf 108B-1 'Taifun'
HISTORY
- When the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW-Bavarian Aircraft Works) company was rebuked in 1933 for building aircraft for export, Prof. Willy Messerschmitt replied that he had never been allowed to do anything else, and so he was awarded a contract for 6 examples of a sporting aircraft for the 1934 Challenge de Tourisme Internationale. That airplane became the Bf 108, and although many of Messerschmitt's political enemies criticized this airplane, it's sheer excellence made it most likely the best and most modern 4-seater built in the world before the Second World War.
- Large numbers were seen in many countries by 1939, and served the Luftwaffe throughout World War 2 as a communications, liaison, ambulance, and utility aircraft. In April 1940 a Taifun belonging to the Luftwaffe got lost and crash-landed in Belgium. Until it was politely returned, the German High Command was very apprehensive, because onboard was a complete set of plans for the invasion of the western countries, planned for May 10, 1940. Avia in Czechoslovakia and Nord in France continued production after the war.
DISTINCTION
- Planes of Fame Air Museum's Bf 108 is in storage pending restoration. The aircraft suffered a belly landing prior to its acquisition by the museum and will require a complete set of fuselage jigs for restoration. (photo not of the museum's aircraft)
SPECIFICATIONS
| Status: Unrestored |
| Manufacturer: Messerschmitt AG |
| Year: 1937 |
| Model: Bf 108B-1 Taifun |
| Registration Number: |
| Serial Number: |
| Crew: 1 + 3 passengers |
| Max T/O Weight: 2,981 lb. |
| Span: 34 ft. 5 in. |
| Length: 27 ft. 2 in. |
| Height: 7 ft. 7 in. |
| Maximum Speed: 190 mph |
| Cruise Speed: 260 mph |
Rate of Climb: 1,100 ft/min
|
| Power Plant: 1 x Argus As 10C inverted V-8 air-cooled engine, 240 hp. |
| Range: 620 mi |
| Service Ceiling: 20,300 ft. |
| Armament: None |
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