The Messerschmitt 109 A Famous German Fighter

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{detailed description}This is the story of the Messerschmitt 109, longest lived of all fighter aircraft and one of the two whose names most readily come to mind in any mention of the 1939-45 air war. Not only can it claim a longevity far in excess of all other fighters, but the total number of the various types of 109s constructed easily win for it the record of the "most- built" fighter of all time. For these reasons alone it is obviously an aircraft worthy of study. However, there is much more to the story of the 109 than the above two claims to fame and the aim of the author has been to tell the complete story of this famous aircraft from its beginning up to the present time - one cannot say "end," as derivatives of the type are still in use! "MESSERSCHMITT 109 A FAMOUS GERMAN FIGHTER" is the work of Heinz J. Nowarra, the German aviation historian and researcher, widely known throughout the world. In addition to his personal contact with the Messerschmitt aircraft in Germany during the years of the 1939-45 war, he is in the favoured position of numbering among his many acquaintances a host of men who were associated with the type in one capacity or another throughout its life. Their co-operation has enabled him to write a comprehensive story from an authoritative basis, a factor often missing in this type of history. Heinz Nowarra has not been content to limit his history of the Bf 109 to a mere recital of its basic marks. He has, and quite rightly, shown the complete background, whether technical, historical, military or political, to the various facets of the story-factors which alternately bedevilled then expedited the development of the Bf 109 throughout its long history. The format of this book follows the usual HARLEYFORD style and, in accordance with our normal practice, the entire work is copiously illustrated by hundreds of unique and invaluable photographs, most of which are published for the first time. These illustrations are augmented by twenty-three three-view 1/72 scale tone paintings in full markings covering all the important 109 models and a number of experimental variants. In tabular form is presented full data on dimensions and performance of each of the Messerschmitt aircraft discussed, while a complete list of the top German (and other) "Aces" who flew the 109 fighter throughout, or at some time, in their careers provides the readers with yet further invaluable information related to the history of the type.
The book commences with a brief introduction to Willy Messerschmitt and his early exploits in aviation, designing gliders and light aircraft, which led eventually to the formation of the company which bears his name. The influence of the Nazi party on his fortunes through his association with Rudolph Hess are described, along with the technical achievements in the form of his "M" line of aircraft which led up to the Bf 108 "Taifun." From here the story proceeds to the design and introduction of the 109 throughout its various experimental forms until, in 1937, the B-2 model appears in use in Spain with the Condor Legion. The incorporation of lessons learned in the Spanish War and the expansion of the Luftwaffe are next described together with the appearance of the so-called "109R" model. The operations in France against Morane and Curtiss fighters, and in Norway, are related following the initial Polish campaign of the 1939-45 war and thus is reached the Battle of Britain and the mixed fortunes of the Luftwaffe against the R.A.F. Spitfires and Hurricanes. Considerable space is given to the activities of the Bf 109 pilots and their various tasks in this period. Concurrently with the operational story is that of the technical progress, the design of the 109T and introduction of the tropical E, and the F types. The use of the 109 in the African, Russian, Greek and Yugoslavian campaigns is next reviewed with accounts of certain of the "aces" in these theatres. Description of further developments of the type follows-the G, H and Z models, and the Me 209 and 309 prototypes. The difficulties of the Luftwaffe commanders caused by Hitler's interference are discussed, along with such widely differing aspects as the 109 in its night-fighter role; use by the Axis allies, Hungary, Czecho-Slovakia, Bulgaria and Finland ; the two-seat trainer version ; the onset of a breakdown in pilot strength and aircraft production, and the introduction of the final operational 109, the model K. Experimental and projected designs associated with the 109 are also described in full together with the continued construction of its derivatives in Spain and Czecho-Slovakia, after 1945.
{Author / Publisher / Date}by Heinz Nowarra
published by Aero Publishers 1963 1st edn. (Aero Publishers USA) 184pp profusely illustrated with b&w photos. tone drawings colour drawings 22x28
{condition}slightly edge worn otherwise good inc. d/j. (Inscription to previous owner indistinctly signed with the comment "1 and 3 sqdr")
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