Messerschmitt Bf 109G-10/U4 'Gustav' | Planes of Fame Air Museum

» » »

Messerschmitt Bf 109G-10/U4 'Gustav'

HISTORY

Designed by Willy Messerschmitt of the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW-Bavarian Aircraft Works) in the early 1930s, the Bf 109V-0 first flew on 28 May 1935. Following a series of developmental and early production versions, the Bf 1090 ('Dora') underwent its baptism of fire during the Spanish Civil War. The improved Bf 109E ('Emil') series of aircraft were the RAF's primary fighter opponents during the Battle of Britain.
The introduction of higher performance Allied fighters led to the development of the Bf 109F ('Friedrich') series, with an upgraded engine and improved aerodynamics. The Bf 109G (‘Gustav’) series followed, and first appeared in November of 1944. The G-10 model was distinguished by a Daimler Benz 6050 engine and an Erla Haube canopy replacing the heavily framed early canopy. A number of factory and field modifications were made to Bf 109s. The "/U4" in our example's designation, indicates that the aircraft under-went a factory conversion to install a MK 108 Motorkanone engine-mounted cannon installed to fire through the propeller spinner.
Over 31,000 Bf 109s were built; of these some 2,600 were G-10 models. More kills were scored by pilots flying Bf 109s than in any other aircraft.
After its capture in Neubiberg , Germany, Planes of Fame's Bf 109G was transported to Wright Field in Dayton, OH for evaluation. In the late 1950s, it was purchased by Ed Maloney, and is on static display at the Valle. AZ facility.

DISTINCTION