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Variants
Bf 109 Versuchs Prototypes
Bf 109B-0 Pre-production batch (10 built) Armed
with 3 × MG 17 guns, the third placed between the two cylinder banks,
firing through the hollow propeller shaft.
Bf 109B-1 1 × Junkers Jumo 210Da inverted-Vee
(30 built)
Bf 109B-2 Propeller replaced by a VDM (Hamilton
Standard) three-bladed metal propeller of the constant speed type. Dimensionally
identical to the later Bf 109D-1 except for its length of 28 ft 0.67 in
(8.55 m)
Bf 109C-1 Deeper radiator bath under the forward
fuselage to accomodate the powerplant of 1 × Junkers Jumo 210Ga inverted-Vee,
Armament was changed to 2 × 7,92 mm fixed forward-firing in the upper
part of the forward fuselage, 500 rounds each, plus 2 × 7,92 mm fixed
forward-firing in the wing leading edges, 420 rounds each.
Dimensionally identical to the Bf 109B-2
Bf 109C-2 Engine mounted gun (of 7,92 mm calibre)
reinstated, creating a forward firing battery of 5 guns. Only a few aircraft
were built, and most were used for development purposes.
Bf 109D-0 Pre-production series'Dora' powered by
1 × Daimler-Benz DB 600Aa inverted-Vee
Bf 109D-1 Based on the Bf 109C series, but powered
with 1 × Daimler-Benz DB600Aa inverted-Vee strengthened wings, stronger
main landing gear unit attachments, and an armament of 1 × 20 mm
MG FF/M canon in a moteur-canon installation with 160 rounds, 2 ×
7.92 mm MG 17 in the upper part of the forward fuselage with 500 rounds
each. Because of the fact that the 20 mm MG FF/M was not very effective,
the canon weas often removed and the ammunition capacity of the remaining
guns was increased to 1.000 each.
Bf 109E-0 Pre-production version, powered by 1 ×
Daimler-Benz DB 601A-1 inverted-Vee, and armed with 4 × 0.312 inch
(7,92 mm) NG 17 fixed forward-firing guns. (10 built)
Bf 109E-1 Same powerplant as the Bf 109E-0, but
was armed with 2 × 7.92 mm fixed forward-firing guns in the nose,
1.000 rounds each, and 2 × 20 mm MG FF fixed forward-firing canon
in the wing leading edges, 160 rounds each.
Bf 109E-1/B Jabo (Fighter-bomber) conversion, could
carry one 551 lb (250 kg) bomb. Because of range reasons, the Jabo usually
carried 1 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bomb
Bf 109E-3 Based on the Bf 109E-1, powered by 1 ×
Daimler-Benz DB 601Aa inverted-Vee, provisions for 1 × 20 mm MG FF
canon in a moteur canon installation in case the machine guns ammunitions
capacity was reduced, revised canopy, and was the first version with
armor protection for the pilot.
Bf 109E-4 Based on the Bf 109E-3, and had the 20
mm MG FF/M provisions in the engine block removed. The MG FF canons in
the wings were changed to versions with a higher firing rate.
Bf 109E-4/B Fighter/Bomber conversion, could carry
up to 551 lb (250 kg) of bombs, and was generally equipped with 1 ×
551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb, or 4 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs.
Bf 109E-4N This subversion was powered by 1 × Daimler-Benz
DB 601N inverted-Vee, rated at 1,200 hp (895 kW).
Bf 109E-4/Trop Tropicalised version of the Bf 109E-4. It was
fitted with sand/dust filters over the supercharger air inlet, and fitted
with a desert survival kit.
Bf 109E-5 Reconnaissance version of the Bf 109E.
It had the two wingmounted canons removed, and had one Rb 30/50 camera
installed in the fuselage, right behind the cockpit
Bf 109E-5/Trop Tropicalised version of the Bf 109E-5, with same
sand/dust filters as the other Trop versions.
Bf 109E-6 Identical to the Bf 109E-5, but powered
with 1 × Daimler-Benz DB 601N inverted-Vee
Bf 109E-7 Based on the Bf 109E-4/N. It had an under
fuselage hardpoint that could not only carry bombs up to 551 lb (250 kg;
1 × 551 lb/250 kg or 4 × 110 lb/50 kg), but alternatively a
drop tank. This drop tank had a fuel capacity of 66 Imp gal (79 US gal,
300 liter).
Bf 109E-7/U2 Fitted with undersurface armor protection for the
oil coolers, radiators and fuel pump. This improved survivability in the
ground-attack role.
Bf 109E-7/Trop Tropicalised version of the Bf 109E-7, with same
sand/dust filters as the Bf 109E-4/Trop versions.
Bf 109E-7/Z A couple of aircraft were fitted with the Nitrous
Oxide power-boost system GM 1
Bf 109E-8 Based on the Bf 109E-7, but powered with
1 × Daimler-Benz DB 601E inverted-Vee
Bf 109E-9 Reconnaissance brother of the Bf 109E-8.
It had no wing cannon, and had a camera installation that could comprise
1 × Rb 50/30 or 2 × Rb 32/7 cameras.
Bf 109T-2 Based on the Bf 109E-1 series. 'T' stands
for 'Träger', or carrier. The type was meant to be suited for Germany's
aircraft carrier(s). Basically a Bf 109E-1 with the wings increased in
span and area, extendible spoilers added on the upper surfaces of the wing
at about one-third chord to steepen the approach angle for carrier landings,
break points added in the wings outboard of the gun bays to allow the manual
upward folding of the outer panels to reduce width to 13 ft 4 in (4,06
m), the leading-edge slots increased in span, the trailing-edge flaps given
greater travel, the ailerons interconnected with the flaps, catapult attachment
points added under the fuselage, and an arrester hook installed under the
rear fuselage. Armament was 2 × 0.312 in (7,92 mm) MG 17 fuselage-mounted
machine guns and either two more MG 17 machine guns or two 20 mm MG FF
cannon in the wing leading edges. (60 built)
Bf 109F-0 Armament was reduced. powered by 1 ×
Daimler-Benz DB 601E , coolant radiators revised (situated more in the
wing) with a rather complicated air inlet and venting duct, wingspan was
slightly reduced, as were the leading-edge slots and trailing-edge ailerons.
The tail was also changed: the rudder was altered to require less rudder
when climbing, and the horizontal surfaces became cantilevered, and therefor
strusless. They were also placed a little lower and farther forward than
with the Emil. The tailwheel was made semi-retractable, and the main landing
gear was slightly changed too.
Armament was concerned, it was meant to retain the nose guns (2 ×
0.312 inch/7,92 mm MG 17 guns), but drop the wing mounted 20 mm cannons.
In stead, the 15 mm MG 151 cannon would be installed in a moteur-canon
installation. The MG 151 was a more reliable weapon, offering a higher
firing rate, and potentially a bigger ammunition capacity because it was
belt-fed in stead of drum fed.
Production of the Bf 109F-0 then started, but because the Daimler-Benz
DB 601E as well as the 15 mm MG 151 cannons were not available, these aircraft
were fitted with 1 × Daimler-Benz DB 601N rated at 1,200 hp (895
kW), and a 20 mm MG FF in stead of the 15 mm MG 151. (10 built)
Bf 109F-1 Based on the Bf 109F-0, but had a round
supercharger air inlet, rather then square, external stiffener plates on
the tail
Bf 109F-2 20 mm MG FF of the Bf 109F-1 version was
replaced by the 15 mm MG 151 cannon, 150 rounds.
Bf 109F-2/Trop Tropicalised version of the Bf 109F-2,
with a sand/dust filter over the supercharger air inlet, and a desert survival
kit.
Bf 109F-2/Z Some aircraft were fitted with the Nitrous Oxide
power-boost system GM 1
Bf 109F-3 Bf 109F-2 powered by 1 × Daimler-Benz
DB 601E-1
Bf 109F-4 Armed with a 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in
stead of the 15 mm one. Ammo capacity was reduced from 200 to 150, included
better self-sealing fuel tanks, better pilot protection in the form of
toughened windscreen glass and armor plate, a Revi C/120 reflector gunsight,
and a gun selector switch allowing to use the guns or cannon independantly.
Bf 109F-4/B Jabo version of the Bf 109F-4. It could
carry up to 551 lb (250 kg) of bombs, and was generally equipped with 1
× 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb, or 4 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50
bombs.
Bf 109F-4/Trop Tropicalised version of the Bf 109F-4,
with a sand/dust filter over the supercharger air inlet, and a desert survival
kit.
Bf 109F-4/Z Some aircraft were fitted with the Nitrous
Oxide power-boost system GM 1. This reduced the engine's life, however.
Bf 109F-4/R1 This version had 2 × 20 mm MG
151/50 cannon, 120 rounds each in underwing gondolas. This improved the
firepower drastically, but reduced performance and agility
Bf 109F-4/R6 This subversion had the undefuselage
hardpoint replaced by an ETC 250 rack, capable of carrying 1 × 551
lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb, 1 × 66 Imp gal (79 US gal, 300 liter) drop
tank, or 4 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs with help of the ER 4 adapter
Bf 109F-5 Reconnaissance version of the Bf 109F.
It had the enginemounted cannon removed, and had one vertical camera installed
in the fuselage, right behind the cockpit. Additionally it could carry
a drop tank.
Bf 109F-6 All armament removed, and had a special
camera bay installed. This bay could accomodate an Rb 20/30, Rb 50/30,
or Rb 75/30 camera.
Bf 109G-0 Pre-production aircraft powered by 1 ×
Daimler-Benz DB 601E
Bf 109G-1 Powered by 1 × Daimler-Benz DB 605A-1
inverted-Vee, fitted with the GM1 nitrous-oxide power-boost system, Armament
was restricted to 1 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in a moteur-canon installation,
and 2 × 0.312 inch (7,92 mm) MG 17 fixed forward-firing guns in the
upper part of the nose.
Bf 109G-1/Trop This was the tropicalised version
of the Bf 109G-1. It was fitted with a dust filter over the supercharger
air-inlet, and had a desert survival kit. Also the 2 guns in the nose were
replaced by 2 × 0.51 inch (13 mm) MG 131 guns, 300 rounds each.
Bf 109G-2 Lack of presurisation of the cockpit.
This version could also be used as a reconnaissance aircraft. For this
the 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon would be removed, and a single vertical camera
be installed in the rear fuselage.
Other (experimental) developments of the Bf 109G-2 included the WT
17 kit that could be added below the rear fuselage and containing two 0.312
inch (7,92 mm) MG 17 fixed rearward-firing guns, and the R1 Rüstsatz
(field conversion set) designed to produce a fighter-bomber able to deliver
one 1,102 lb (500 kg) SC-500 bomb over long range: the R1 kit comprised
a long auxiliary landing gear leg (jettisoned after take-off for descent
under a parachute) installed immediately to the rear of the fuel tank to
provide adequate clearance for the bomb, and attachments for 2 ×
66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal, 300 liter) drop tanks under the wings immediately
inboard of the leading-edge slots.
Bf 109G-3 Identical to the Bf 109G-2 version, except
the radio equipement.
Bf 109G-4 Lack of presurisation of the cockpit.
This version could also be used as a reconnaissance aircraft.
Bf 109G-5 Powered by 1 × Daimler-Benz BD 605AS
The new supercharger was wider and heigher than the old one, and this resulted
in a more or less un-elegant exterior inlet arrangement. Armed with 2 ×
0.51 inch (13 mm) MG 131 guns in stead of the 2 × 0.312 inch (7,92
mm) MG 17 guns. All subsequent models had the same standard guns, and the
same supercharger air inlet. Also, this version had a pressurized cockpit.
Bf 109G-5/U2 Subvariant fitted with a wooden tail
unit
Bf 109G-5/R2 Bomber destroyer version, fitted with
2 × 8.27 inch (210 mm) WGr.21 rockets, developed for the Bf 109G-6
Bf 109G-6 Lacked the pressurised cockpit (as all
later variants), and introduced a 30 mm MK 108 cannon in a moteur-canon
installation with 60 rounds. It was powered by (amongst others) 1 ×
Daimler-Benz DB 603AM inverted-Vee, rated at 1,475 hp (1.100 kW) without
power-boost, or 1,800 hp (1.342 kW) with MW 50 power-boost. A couple of
the Bf 109G-6's were powered by 1 × Daimler-Benz DB603ASCM inverted-Vee,
rated at 2,000 hp (1.491 kW) at take-off and 1,800 hp (1.342 kW) at 16,405
ft (5.000 m)
Bf 109G-6/U2 Subvariant fitted with a wooden tail
unit
Bf 109G-6/U4 Subvariant with a semi-retractable
tailwheel
Bf 109G-6/N Nightfighter subvariant, fitted like
the Bf 109G-6/R6, and with the FuG 350 Naxos Z system designed to home
on the emissions of British bombers fitted with H2S nav/attack radar. Additionally,
it was fitted with anti-glare shields, exhaust flame-dampers, and additional
radio equipment.
Bf 109G-6/R1 Fighter-bomber (JaBo)version, fitted
with the capability to carry 1 × 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb under
the fuselage.
Bf 109G-6/R2 Bomber destroyer version, fitted with
2 × 8.27 inch (210 mm) WGr.21 rockets.
Bf 109G-6/R4 Heavy fighter subvariant, fitted with
2 × 30 mm MK 108 cannons fixed forward-firing in underwing gondolas.
Bf 109G-6/R6 Medium fighter subvariant, fitted with
2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons fixed forward-firing in underwing gondolas.
This version was often used as a nightfighter as well.
Bf 109G-8 Specialised reconnaissance version. Armament
was mostly restricted to either 1 × 30 mm MK 108 cannon in a moteur-canon
installation or 1 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in stead. It carried an
Rb 12.7/7 or 32/7 camera in the rear fuselage. Power was delivered by either
1 × Daimler-Benz DB 603A-1 inverted-Vee, or 1 × Daimler-Benz
DB 603AS inverted-Vee
Bf 109G-10 Basically it was a Bf 109G-6, but powered
with 1 × Daimler-Benz DB 605D inverted-Vee with the MW 50 methanol/water
power-boost system, had a fixed forward-firing armament of one engine-mounted
cannon in the form of 1 × 30 mm MK 108, 60 rounds or 1 × 20
mm MG 151/20, 150 rounds. 2 × 0.51 inch (13 mm) MG 131 guns, with
300 rounds each, complemented the cannon. These weapons were aimed with
help of a Revi 16B reflector sight. The Bf 109G-10 also had provision for
a 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal, 300 liter) ventral drop tank.
Bf 109G-10/U4 Subvariant fitted with a wooden vertical
tail unit.
Bf 109G-10/U2 Subvariant fitted with a wooden horizontal
tail unit.
Bf 109G-10/R1 Fighter-bomber (JaBo)version, fitted
with a ventral rack able to carry 1 × 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb,
or 4 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs under the fuselage.
Bf 109G-10/R2 Reconnaissance version, powered by
the Daimler-Benz DB605DB engine, without the two 0.51 inch (13 mm) fuselage
guns, and with either one Rb 50/30 or Rb 75/30 camera in the rear fuselage.
It had provisions for one drop tank that increased the range to 525 miles
(845 km).
Bf 109G-10/R4 Heavy fighter subvariant powered by
the Daimler-Benz DB605D engine, and fitted with an additional 2 ×
30 mm MK 108 cannons fixed forward-firing in underwing gondolas.
Bf 109G-10/R6 Medium fighter subvariant, fitted
with an additional 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons fixed forward-firing
in underwing gondolas.
Bf 109G-12 Two-seat tandem variant, used for training
and conversion to the Bf 109 Most of these aircraft were conversions of
Bf 109G-1, Bf 109G-5 and Bf 109G-6 single seaters. The cockpit was lengthened
to the rear of the fuel tank with canopy sections that bulged outward in
an attempt to give the instructor at least some field of vision
Bf 109G-14 Before production of the Bf 109K could
start the Bf 109G-14 entered production to fill the gap. Based on the Bf
109G-10 with the Daimler-Benz DB 605AM engine, the 'Galland hood', armed
by 1 × 20 mm NG 151/20 cannon fixed forward-firing in a moteur-canon
installation and 2 × 0.51 inch (13 mm) MG 131 guns fixed forward-firing
in the upper nose, and a fixed tailwheel,
Bf 109G-14/U4 Subvariant fitted with a wooden vertical
tail unit.
Bf 109G-14/R1 Fighter-bomber (JaBo)version, fitted
with a ventral rack able to carry 1 × 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb,
or 4 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs under the fuselage.
Bf 109G-14/R6 Medium fighter subvariant, fitted
with an additional 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons fixed forward-firing
in underwing gondolas.
Bf 109G-16 The final Bf 109G variant. This version
was based on the Bf 109G-14, with the Daimler-Benz DB605D engine. It had
armor for the oil cooler and coolant radiators, and the fixtures for the
R1 and R6 Rüstsätze were permanent.
Bf 109G-16/R1 Fighter-bomber (JaBo)version, fitted
with a ventral rack able to carry 1 × 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb,
or 4 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs under the fuselage.
Bf 109G-16/R6 Medium fighter subvariant, fitted
with an additional 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons fixed forward-firing
in underwing gondolas.
Bf 109K-0 'K' variant was meant to be the standardised
type that could be built faster than the great number of subvariants of
the Bf 109G. It was based on the airframe of the Bf 109G-10 with the 'Galland
hood'. A number of small aerodynamic changes were incorporated as well,
improving overall performance even more.
It had a raised cowling line, a larger spinner, a larger inset rudder
tab supplemented by a large trailing tab, the revised armament switching
from 0.51 inch (13 mm) MG 131 guns to 15 mm MG 151/15 cannons, and the
Daimler-Benz DB 605DB with GM 1 nitrous oxide power-boost..
Bf 109K-2 Pre-production aircraft, identical to
the Bf 109K-0, except for the powerplant. The Bf 109K-2 was powered either
by 1 × Daimler-Benz DB 605ASMC inverted-Vee, or by 1 × Daimler-Benz
DB 605DCM inverted-Vee with the GM 1 power-boost system.
Bf 109K-4 Originally this version differed from
the Bf 109K-2 only in having a pressurised cockpit, but later examples
had the 30 mm MK 108 cannon replaced by a MK 103 cannon. Both weapons were
installed in a moteur-canon installation.
Bf 109K-6 This was the heavy fighter version based
on the Bf 109K-4. It was armed with 1 × 30 mm MK 103 in a moteur-canon
installation, 2 × 0.51 inch (13 mm) guns in the upper nose, and 2
× 30 mm MK 103 in underwing gondolas.
Bf 109K-14 This version was delivered in small numbers
during the last two weeks of the War in Germany, and was the final version.
It was powered by 1 × Daimler-Benz DB 605L inverted-Vee with a 2-stage
superchrager and with the MW 50 water-methonal power-boost system, rated
at 1,700 hp (1.268 kW) at take-off and 1,350 hp (1.007 kW) at 31,400 ft
(9.570 m). With this engine the Bf 109K-14 could reach the same max level
speed as the Bf 109K-4, but at an altitude of 37,730 ft (11.500 m) rather
than 19,685 ft (6.000 m). Armament was slightly reduced however to 1 ×
30 mm MK 108 or MK 103 cannon in a moteur-canon installation, and 2 ×
0.51 inch (13 mm) guns in the upper nose.
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