The famous Messerschmitt Bf 109 single-seat fighter was one of the most important warplanes of the Second World War. Originally designed during the 1930s, and a contemporary of the equally-legendary Supermarine Spitfire, it was vitally important to Germanys Luftwaffe and was flown in combat by the highest-scoring fighter pilots in history.It was in service throughout the Second World War and was built in a number of significant versions that proved to be worthy adversaries of the very best of the Allied warplanes that it flew against. Bf 109s operated in all the major areas of conflict where German forces were engaged in combat and, in modified form, the type even had a post-war career in several countries that extended well into the 1950s.
An illustrated history of the renowned fighter aircraft, ideal for modelers and aviation enthusiasts: “Highly recommended.” —AMPS Indianapolis The North American P-51 Mustang was one of the most successful and effective fighter aircraft of all time. It was initially produced in response to a 1940 RAF requirement for a fast, heavily armed fighter able to operate effectively at altitudes in excess of 20,000 feet. North American built the prototype in 117 days, and the aircraft, designated NA-73X, flew on October 26, 1940. The first of 320 production Mustang Is for the RAF flew on May 1, 1941, powered by an 1,100hp Allison V-1710-39 engine. RAF test pilots soon found that with this powerplant the aircraft did not perform well at high altitude, but that its low-level performance was excellent. It was when the Mustang airframe was married to a Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin engine that the aircraft’s true excellence became apparent. Possessing a greater combat radius than any other Allied single-engine fighter, it became synonymous with the Allied victory in the air. During the last eighteen months of the war in Europe, escorting bomber formations, it hounded the Luftwaffe to destruction in the very heart of Germany. In the Pacific, operating from advance bases, it ranged over the Japanese Home Islands, joining carrier-borne fighters such as the Grumman Hellcat to bring the Allies massive air superiority. Yet the Mustang came about almost by accident, a product of the Royal Air Force’s urgent need for new combat aircraft in the dark days of 1940, when Britain, fighting for survival, turned to the United States for help in the island nation’s darkest hour. This is its story, including plentiful photos and information for modelers.
As the Luftwaffe's standard fighter, beginning in 1937 the Bf 109 was produced in large numbers and after the outbreak of the Second World War saw action over every front. With this light, high-performance aircraft Professor Willy Messerschmitt had created a ground-breaking design. The Bf 109 had to remain in continuous development in order to keep pace with advances in Allied fighter design. 1941 saw the advent of the Bf 109 F, a clearly improved version, which was soon replaced by the more powerful and better armed Bf 109 G. The Bf 109 H high-altitude fighter reached a ceiling of 14,000 meters, and the Bf 109 K, the most potent of all the variants of this fighter aircraft, entered production in the last year of the war. This is a complete summary of all versions from the Bf 109 F to K with many photographs, some never before published, and details.
Follow this amazing aircraft from its pre-war prototype development and flight testing through the evolution of the different models, from the 109B through the 109K. Scutts provides details of the 109's different roles throughout the war and the varied battlegrounds over which it flew. Exceptional!
From the nascent days of the Spanish Civil War to the desperate, final defence of the stricken Reich, the Messerchmitt Bf 109 was the Luftwaffe's signature fighter. From the very beginning of its combat career it came to symbolize what could be achieved with a modern monoplane fighter aircraft, instilling fear and respect into Allied pilots wherever it was encountered. 35,000 of the ubiquitous Messerschmitts were eventually built, making it the most-produced fighter in history. This is the first Air Vanguard volume to cover the Bf 109, detailing models A–D. Featuring stunning aerial photos the title explores in depth the technical characteristics and combat performance of the early Bf 109s, including their combat debut in the Spanish Civil War, their employment in the invasion of Poland and showing how the type became one of the most famous names in aviation history.
The most iconic German aircraft of the Second World War, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the Luftwaffe's principal fighter from 1939 until 1942 when the superior Focke-Wulf Fw 190 came into greater prominence. The Bf 109 served in every theater of the war, particularly in the invasion of France and the Low Countries, the Battle of Britain and the invasion of the Soviet Union, the Mediterranean and with Rommel in North Africa. In the later years of the war, the Bf 109 fought with success in the defense of Germany against the Allied bombers. The Bf 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in history and more aerial kills were made with this fighter than any other aircraft. In this selection of unrivaled images collected over many years, and now part of Frontline's new War in the Air series, the operations of this famous aircraft in the early part of the Second World War are portrayed and brought to life.
Includes free decals and masking foil Complete with detailed technical drawings The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt in the early 1930s. It was one of the first true modern fighters of the era, including such features as an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. The first major redesign of the Bf109 came with the E series, including the navalised variant of the Bf 109E, and the Bf 109T (T standing for Trager, or aircraft carrier). The Bf 109E, or 'Emil ' introduced a number of structural changes in order to accommodate the heavier, but significantly more powerful 1,100 PS Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine, the heavier armament and increased fuel capacity. The 109E first saw service with the "Condor Legion" during the last phase of the Spanish Civil War and was the mainstay variant at the start of World War II through until mid-1941. This is a detailed technical guide to this formidable variant of an infamous aircraft, and provides exceptional reference for any modeler or enthusiast. About the Series This series of highly illustrated books presents detailed scale drawings of aircraft and vehicles, with supporting color profile artwork. With detailed captions on the history, combat action and development of each machine, each volume is an exceptional reference tool for modelers, with extras such as free decals, masking foil and photo-etched brass.
