Messerschmitt Bf.109 Performance Chronology

[CORSNING]

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109 TIMELINE (Quick Reference updated 20 May 2021)

Bf 109 V1 WerkNr.758, D-IABI: 1st flight 28 May 1935 piloted by Hans-Dietrich Knoetzsch.
Engine: Rolls-Royce Kestrel IIS 583ps/3,000rpm/3,850m., 532ps/2,300rpm/continuous.
Take-off weight: 1,800 kg. Not operational.

Bf 109 V2 WerkNr.759, D-IILU : 1st flight 12 December 1935 piloted by Joachim von Koppen.
Engine: Jumo 210A 680ps. Not operational.

Bf 109 V3 WerkNr.760, D-IOQYZ (Bf 109A prototype): 1st fight 8 April 1936. Equipped with
a new Telefunken FuG VII short-wave radio. Shipped to VJ/88 Spain October 1936.
Engine: Jumo 210C ~700 hp./T.O., Armament: 2 x 7.92mm MG 17/500rpg.

Bf 109 V4 WerkNr.878, D-IALY (Bf 109B prototype): 1st flight 23 September 1936 piloted by
Dr. Hermann Wurster. Engine: Jumo 210B. Went to Spain 30 November 1936.

Bf 109V6 WerkNr.880: 1st flight 11 November 1936. Engine: Jumo 210D. Operational in Spain
(Legion Condor) starting December 1936.

Bf 109A: 19 delivered Jan.-Mar.1937, WNr.808, 809, 810, 883, 884, 994, 995, 996, 997, 1000, 1001,
1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009. Engine: Jumo A or D @ 2,700 rpm.(5min.):
680ps/T.O.&S.L., 640ps/2.7km., 500ps/4.5km., 406ps/6km. Armament: 2 x 7.9 mm.
15 Bf 109A went to Spain in the spring of 1937.

Bf 109B-1: 1st production May 1937. Operational: July 6, 1937, 2./J 88, Engine: Jumo 210D .
Armament: 2 x MG 17, 7.92mm/500rpg synchronized + 1 x 7.92mm/600rds thru prop.
hub. This gun had a tendency to jam and was often removed.

Bf 109 V8 WerkNr.882: 1st flight 29 December 1936 with a Jumo 210D & 2-blade VDM variable-
pitch prop. "It is possible that at Rechlin in 1937 the V8 was fitted with the only DB 600
used by a Bf 109. D-IMQE. Not operational.

Bf 109C-1: 58 built, Operational July 1938 Legion Condor 3./J 88. Jumo 210Ga: 700 PS/T.O. 730 PS/3,280 ft. 675 PS/12,500 ft. Armament 2 x MG 17/7.92mm cowl + 2 x MG 17 in wings.

Bf 109D-1: Operational Aug. 1938 Legion Condor I./JG 130. Engine: Jumo 210D. Armament: 4 x MG
17, same as C-1.

Bf 109 V15 WerkNr.1773 (Bf 109E prototype): 1st flight 18 December 1937 piloted by Dr. Hermann
Wurster. Engine DB 601A Nr.148 fuel-injected, single-stage supercharger, 1,100ps/T.O. & up to
2,700 m.

Bf 109E-0: Ten pre-production aircraft went through acceptance trials in the second half of 1938.
WerkNr. 1781 thru 1790. Armament: 4 x MG 17 7.92mm. Engine: DB 601A

Bf 109 E-1 WerkNr.1791, D-IQCP: 1st flight 16 November 1938 piloted by Helmut Kaden.
Engine: DB 601A. Armament 2 x MG 17 + 2 x MG 17, same as C-1

Bf 109E-1: Operational Feb. 1939, J 88. Engine: DB 601A: 1,100 PS/T.O., 1,150 PS/1,250 m. @ 1.40 ata/2,400 rpm/1 minute. 1,050 PS/1,600 m., 1,020 PS/4,500 m. @ 1.3 ata/2,400 rpm for 5 minutes. 960 PS/5,000 m./1.23 ata/2,400 rpm. 890 PS/5,700 m. Armament: 4 x MG 17 7.9mm.

11/14/40: 2,600 rpm over 5,500 m. was permitted and Bf 109E now had automatic airscrew pitch changing.

7/25/41: 2,800 rpm possible with automatic rpm control.

Bf 109E-1/B: Operational July 1940, 110 fighter-bomber examples built. Erprobungsgruppe 210, 3. Staffel...DB 601A-1

Bf 109E-2: Did not enter production.

Bf 109E-3: Operational Dec. 1939, III./JG 77. Engine: DB 601A. Armament: 2 x MG 17 cowl/500 or
1000 rpg.+ 2 x MG FF/20 mm/60 rpg.

W.G. page 542: The general consensus among RAF pilots who had an opportunity to evaluate the
Bf 109E-3 in flight was that it provided a formidable opponent to be treated with respect. Its
excellent handling and response at low and medium speeds, good climb angle, gentle stall, lack
of any tendency to spin, short take-off run and draught-free canopy opening were commended.

Optional for Bf.109E: .....Date?......DB 601Aa: 1,175 PS ( 1,159 hp.)/T.O./2,500 rpm./1 minute, 1,100 PS/3,700 m./2,400 rpm/5 minutes., 1,050 PS/4,100 m./2,400 rpm/30 minutes., 880 PS/4,500 m./2,400 rpm.

In 1939 the Daimler-Benz DB 601N entered production: @ 1.35 ata/2,600 rpm for 5 minutes &
using C3 fuel: 1,175 ps/T.O., 1,255 ps/2,100 m., 1,175 ps/4,900 m.

Bf 109E-4: Operational in the Summer 1940 with strengthened canopy framing and armored
head rest. Engine: DB 601A. Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 2 x MG FF.

Bf 109E-4/B: E-4 fighter-bomber with ETC 500 / 250 kg bomb. Engine: DB 601Aa.

Bf 109E-4/trop: E-4 with tropical gear & sand filter.

Bf 109E-4/N: E-4 with DB 601N engine.

Bf 109E-4/BN: E-4 fighter-bomber with DB 601N engine.

August 1940: The remaining Bf 109E-1s in service were converted to E-4 or E-7 standards with
the DB 601N and heavier armament.

Bf 109E-5: Operational April 20, 1941, I./JG 27. Engine: DB 601A. Tactical reconnaissance aircraft.
The radio was replaced with a Rb 21/18 camera. Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 2 x MG FF.

Bf 109E-6/N: Tactical reconnaissance aircraft with two Hk 12.5/7 motorized cameras.
Engine: DB 601N. Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 2 x MG FF.

Bf 109E-7/Z: Operational late August 1940. Engine: DB 601A. First nitrous oxide (GM-1) boosted.
Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 2 x MG FF.

Bf 109E-7/N: E-7 with DB 601N engine.

Bf 109E-7/NZ: Engine DB 601N with GM-1 which could boost hp by 250-280 hp over 6,500 m.

Bf 109E-7/B: Extended range fighter/fighter-bomber with 300 liter drop tank or ETC 500 bomb rack.

Bf 109E-7/U2: E-7 ground attack aircraft with added armor.

Bf 109E-8: Operational Autumn 1940. Engine: DB 601A or Aa. Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 2 x MG FF.

Bf 109E-9: Operational Autumn 1940. Reconnaissance version with a Rb 50/30 high altitude
camera. Engine: DB 601A or Aa. Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 2 x MG FF.

Bf 109E/Tropical: 50 Bf 109Es were modified with sand filtersand sent to I/JG 27. Standard tropical
equipment included a Kar98K carbine attached to the left interior wall of the aft fuselage
and a sun umbrella to prevent cockpit overheating when the A/C is in the take-off position.
Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 2 x MG FF.

Bf 109T-2: Entered service in June 1941 with I./JG 77. Engine: DB 601N. Armament: 2 x MG 17/
1000 rpg + 2 x MG FF/ 60 rpg.

Bf 109F-0: Entered service October 1940 DB 601N: 1,175 PS/T.O. Armament 2 x MG 17 +
2 x MG FF/M 20 mm. 360 degree turn at 1,000 m. completed in 18 seconds. 10 built.
WerkNr. 5605-5620.

The DB 601N in the Bf 109F-1/-2 had a new supercharger that allowed 1.42 ata for 3 minutes: 1,250 PS/4,900 m.

Bf 109F-1: Operational October 1940 with Stab/JG 51. Engine: DB 601N. 208 produced.
Larger supercharger air intake. Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 1 x MG FF/M

Bf 109F-2: Operational March 1941 with JG 2. Engine: DB 601N. Armament: 2 x MG 17
+ 1 x MG 151/15 mm. ~1,380 produced.

Bf 109F-2/B: Fighter-bomber version with ETC 250 bomb rack. Armament: 2 x MG 17 +
1 x MG 151/15 mm.

Bf 109F-2/Z: 18 September 1941 specifications, none built.

Bf 109F-2/Tropical: Operational June 1941. Bf 109F-2 retrofitted with tropical equiment &
filter.

Bf 109F-2/U1: Test machines and one modified for Obstlt. Galland, Stab/JG 26, autumn 1941.
Engine: DB 601N. Armament: 2 x MG 131/13mm + 1 MG 151/15mm.

Bf 109F-3: Operational June 1941. Engine; DB 601E. Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 1 x MG FF/M 20mm.

Bf 109F-4: Operational June 1941. Engine: DB 601E @ 1.3 ata: 1,200 PS/T.O., 1,280 PS/2,100-
3,400 m., 1,050 PS/6,000 m./B4 87 octane fuel. Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 1 x MG 151 20mm.

January 1942: The DB 601E in the Bf 109F-3/-4 was cleared for 1.42 ata: 1,350 PS/T.O.,
1,440 PS/2,100 m., 1,325 PS/4,800 m., 1.30 ata: 1,050 PS/6,000 m./B4 87 octane fuel.

Bf 109F-4/B: Fighter-bomber with one ETC 250 & 250 kg. bomb or four ER 4 adaptor
with four 50 kg. bombs.

Bf 109F-4/Z: Operational October 1941 with GM-1 (Nitrous Oxide) was added to the DB 601E.

Bf 109F-4/trop: Operationl April 1942 with II./JG 3. Standard F-4 armament.

Bf 109F-4/R1: Operational May 1942 with I./JG 52. Two under wing gondolas containing a MG 151 20mm/120 rpg. Engine: DB 601E Total armament 2 x MG 17/7.9mm/500 rpg, 1 x MG 151/
20mm/150 rds. & 2 x MG 151/20mm/120 rpg.

Bf 109F-4/R2: F-4 photo-reconnaissance aircraft with Rb 20/30 camera, no radio.

Bf 109F-4/R3: Photo-reconnaissance aircraft with Rb 50/30 camera and standard armament.
Engine: DB 601E. Armament 2 x MG 17 + 1 x MG 151.

Bf 109F-4/R6: ETC 250 for 295 liter drop tank or SC 250 bomb or ER 4 adaptor for four SC 50 bombs.
Standard armament.

Bf 109F-5: A single F-5 was built by Wiener Neustadter Flugzagwerke.

Bf 109F-6: Reconnaissance version of converted Bf 109F-4. Prototype only.

Bf 109G-0: The first three were completed in October 1941 at the Messerschmitt Regensburg
plant, WerkNr.14001, 14002 & 14003. Engine: DB 601E. Twelve built.

Bf 109G-1: Light fighter operational June1942 with 11./JG 2 & I/JG 2. EngineL DB 605A/B4:
2,800 rpm/1.42 ata: 1,475 PS/T.O. 1,355 PS/5,700 m., GM-1: 1,270 PS/27,890 ft. 167 G-1s built, WerkNr.10299-10318 & 14004-140150. The G-1 was equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
Armament: 2 x MG 17 + 1 x MG 151/20 (standard Bf 109F-4).

NOTE: Emergency power of 1.42 ata / 2,800 rpm on the DB 605A was banned in June 1942, July 1942, October 1942 then again in June 1943, October 1943 and at least once again in February 1944.
DB 605A @ 1.3 ata and 2,600 rpm: 1,310 PS/S.L., 1,250 PS/5,800 m.

Bf 109G-1/R2: The last 80 G-1s were lightened high altitude fighters. Eliminated were the pilot's back
armor and all the equipment associated with the long range fuel tank. Engine: DB 601A with GM-1.
Standard armament plus ETC 50 VII d.

Bf 109G-1/U2: Same as G-1/R2 but with GM-1. Normal take-off weight: 2,600 kg.

Bf 109G-2: Light fighter operational June 1942 with I./JG 2. Engine DB 605A-1. No pressurization
of the cockpit. Armament: 2 x MG 17/7.9mm/500 rpg. + 2 x MG 151/20mm/60 rpg
(standard armament). 1,587 aircraft built.

Bf 109G-2/trop: G-2 with tropical gear & sand filter.

Bf 109G-2/R-1: Extended range fighter-bomber with 2 x 300 liter wing drop tanks, a center-line
ETC for one 500 kg. bomb and an under fuselage auxiliary under carriage member.

Bf 109G-2/R2: Reconnaissance aircraft with Rb 50/30 camera and standard armament & GM-1.

Bf 109G-2/R3: Long-range fighter. ( 2 x 300 liter under wing drop tanks).

Bf 109G-2/R6: Standard engine and armament plus 2 x MG 151/20 underwing gondolas.

Bf 109G-3: Light fighter operational March 1943 as a high altitude fighter with 11./JG 26,
11./JG 2 & I./JG 1. Engine: DB 605A-1. Armament: 1 x MG 151/20 + 2 x MG 17. Fifty G-3s built, WerkNr.16251-16300.

Bf.109G-4: Operational November 1942 with III./JG 53. G-3 standard engine & armament.
1,242 aircraft built.

Bf 109G-4/trop: G-4 with tropical gear & sand filter.

Bf 109G-4/R2: Reconnaissance fighter with Rb 50/30 camera, standard engine & armament

Bf 109G-4/R3: Reconnaissance aircraft with Rb 50/30, Engine DB 601A. Armament: 1 x MG 151/20.
2 X 300 liter drop tanks & additional 15-1 oil tank.

Bf 109G-4/R4: Reconnaisance aircraft with Rb 75/30 camera.

Bf 109G-4/R8: Reconnaissance aircraft with Rb 50/30 or 75/30 camera.

Bf 109G-4/U1: Light fighter with P6 braking propeller, steerable tailwheel, DB 601A.
Armament: 2 x MG 17 + MG 151/20.

Bf 109G-4/U3: Tactical reconnaissance aircraft with 2 x Rb 12.5/7x9 cameras & no armament.
Engine: DB 601A.

Bf 109G-4 y: G-4 with GuG 16zy unit leader control radio.

Bf 109G-5: Operational September 1943 with pressurized cockpit. Converted from the G-6.
Engine: DB 605A. Armament: 2 x MG 131/13mm/300 rpg. + MG 151/20mm/150 rds. 475 built.

Bf 109G-5 Y: A few standard G-5s were fitted with GuG 16zy radio equipment.

Bf 109G-5/U2: DB 605A with GM-1 field modification. Armament: 2 x MG 131 + MG 151 (Std.).

Bf 109G-5/U2/R2: G-5/U2 with GM-1 boost.

Bf 109G-5/AS: Earla's Antwerp plant retrofitted 76 G-5s with DB 605AS engines. Armament: Std.

Bf 109G-5/R2/AS:. Antwerp retrofitted DB 605AS/2,800 rpm/1.42 ata/B4: 1,435 PS/T.O./5 minutes., 1,200 PS/8,000 m. 100 G-5 converted. Armament: Std.

Bf 109G-6: Operational February 1943 with JG 53 & JG 77DB 605A: 1,475 PS/T.O. 1,355 PS/18,700 ft. GM-1: 1,250 PS/28,900 ft. Armament: 2 x MG 131/13 mm/300 rds. + MG 151/20mm/150 rds.12,000+ G-6s built.

Bf 109G-6/trop: Standard equipment plus tropical equipment and sand filter added.

Bf 109G-6 Y: Operational May 1943. DB 605A. Armament 2 x MG 131 + MG 151/20. Some G-6s received
GuG 16zy radio equipment intended to allow the unit leader control of a unit by radio.

Bf 109G-6 ZE: Bf 109G-6 Y equipped with a FuG 16EZ radio insted of the GuG 16zy.

Bf 109G-6/R1: Fighter-bomber with ETC 500 IXb bomb rack. Engine: DB 605A. Armament: 2 x MG 131 +
MG 151/20 + one SC or SD 250 kg. bomb.

Bf 109G-6/R2: Radinger & Otto plus Prien & Rodeike list as reconnaisance aircraft, Rb 50/30 & no guns.
Most older reference listing: Bomber-destroyer armed with two 210 mm Wfr.Gr. 21 Dodel Rockets underwing (mortars). DB 605A. 2 x MG 131 + MG 151/20.

Bf 109G-6/R3: Reconnaisance aircraft with 300 liter drop tank & Rb 75/30 camera. DB 605A & standard armament.

Bf 109G-6/R4: Heavy fighter: DB 605A. Armament: 2 x MG 131 + MG 151/20 + 2 x MG 151/30 (gondolas).

Bf 109G-6/R6: Heavy fighter: DB 605A. Armament: 2 x MG 131 + MG 151/20 + 2 x MG 151/20 (gondolas).

Bf 109G-6/R7: Production started August 1943. A Peilrufanlage radio navigation aid with directional loop
was installed at the factory. DB 605A. Armament: 2 x MG 131 + MG 151/20.

Bf 109G-6/U1: Light fighter with P6 braking propeller & steerable tailweel. DB 605A. Armament:
2 x MG 131 + MG 151/20.

Note: September 1943 the pilots head armor was replaced with bullet proof glass (Galland-Panzer).

Note: December 1943 a new canopy was introduced improving vision (Erla-Haube).
(Misnomer: Galland Hood).

Bf 109G-6/U2: Operational Spring 1944. Engine: DB 605A / GM-1: 1,475 PS/T.O. (1,600 PS/19,685 ft. ?). Later changing from GM-1 to MW-50 using compressed air bottles to supercharger.

Bf 109G-6/U3: Tactical reconnaissance aircraft without pressurized cockpit. Engine: DB 605A retrofitted
with MW 50. Armament: 2 x MG 131 + 1 x MG 151/20. 2 x Rb 12.5/7x9 cameras.

Bf 109G-6/U4: Operational in the summer 1943. DB 605A with GM-1. Armament: 2 x MG
131/13mm/300 rpg. + MK 108/30mm/60 rds.

Bf 109G-6/U4N: After 16 March 1944 employed for a brief period by one of two Gruppen of NJG 11.
Night-fighter with exhaust flame dampeners & anti-glare shields. Fitted with FuG 350 Naxos radar. Armament: 2 x MG 131 + MK 108 motor cannon + 2 x MG 151/20 under wings.

Bf 109G-6/N: Night fighter with two MG 151/20 underwing gondolas.

Bf 109G-6/U5: Bf 109G-6/U4 converted back to using a MG 151/20 motor cannon & 2 wing mounted
MK 108 in gondolas.

Bf 109G-6/U6: DB 605A. Armament: 3 x MK 108 cannon. Only test aircraft, no production aircraft
known of.

Bf 109G-6 y: G-6 with GuG 16zy unit leader radio.

Bf 109G-6/AS y: High altitude G-6 with GuG 16zy and DB 605AS engine.

Bf 109G-6/AS: Operational May 1944 with II./JG 1, I./JG 5 & II./JG 27. Engine: High altitude DB 605AS:
1,425 PS/T.O. Propeller: VDM 9-12159 broad blades. Larger fin and rudder. Erla-Haube canopy.
686 aircraft built: 237 G-6/AS, 153 G-6/U4/AS, 273 G-6/U2/AS & 23 G-6/U2/R2/AS.

Bf 109G-8: Short-range reconnaissance aircraft. Operational November 1943. Engine: DB 605A.
Armament: None. Camera: Rb 50/30. Radio: FuG 17. 167 G-8 aircraft built.

Bf 109G-8/U2: G-8 with GM-1 boost.

Bf 109G-8/U3: G-8 with MW 50 boost.

Bf 109G-8/R5: Same as G-8 except Radio: FuG 16 ZS. 739 G-8/R5 built.

Bf 109G-8/R6: G-8 with two MG 151/20 cannon in underwing gondolas.

Bf 109G-10: Operational September 1944. DB 605DM, DB 605DC or DB 605DB/DC
About 2,600 G-10 aircraft built.

Bf 109G-10/AS: G-10 with DB 605AS engine.

Bf 109G-10/R1: G-10 with an ETC 500 IXb bomb rack.

Bf 109G-10/R2: G-10 photo-reconnaissance aircraft (Rb 50/30 camera).

Bf 109G-10/R3: G-10 with a 300 liter centerline tank.

Bf 109G-10/R5: G-10 with two MG 151/20 underwing gondolas.

Bf 109G-10/R6: G-10 with PKS-12 semi-auto pilot, providing automatic control for the rudder
only. Ailerons & elevators remained manually controlled.

Bf 109G-10/R7: G-10 with two underwing 210 mm rocket tubes.

Bf 109G-10/U4: G-10 with MK 108 motor cannon.

Bf 109G-12: Operational March 1944. Two seat training aircraft. Internal fuel capacity reduced
from 400 to 240 liters. 300 liter drop tank often fitted. Most had one or both fuselage MG 131s.
170 were converted from G-2, G-3, G-4 & G-6s by June 1944. 500 were planned to be built.

Bf 109G-14:. Operational summer 1944. Engine: DB 605A + MW 50= DB 605AM. Armament:
2 x 131 + MG 151/20. The Erla-Haube canopy was standard. About 5,500-6,500 G-14s built.

Bf 109G-14/AS: DB 605AS with an upgraded Fo 987 oiler cooler.

Bf 109G-14/R3: G-14 with 300 liter center line fuel tank.

Bf 109G-14/R6: G-14 with two MG 151/20 underwing gondolas.

Bf 109G-14/U4: G-14 with MK 108/30mm motor cannon replacing the MG 151/20.

Note: Bf 109G 14s with FuG 16ZY radio equipment were designated G-14 y or G-14/AS y.

Bf 109G-16: No production documents known. However, 2./NJG 11 reported the loss of a
Bf 109G-16 WerkNr.87735 on 24 October 1944 and 6./Flug 1 reported the loss of a Bf 109G-16
WerkNr.785889 on 31 January 1945.

Bf 109K-4: Operational October 1944 with II./JG 27. Engine: DB 605D 1,800ps. Armament:
2 x MG 131/13mm/300 rpg. + MK 108/30mm/65 rds.

Bf 109K-4/AS: Some early series K-4s retained the DB 605AS engine.

Bf 109K-4/R1: K-4 with a centerline ETC 500 IXb or Schloss 503

Bf 109K-4/R2: K-4 fitted with a Rb 50/30 camera behind the cockpit.

Bf 109K-4/R3: K-4 fitted to carry a 300 liter drop tank.

Bf 109K-4/R4: K-4 with two MG 151/20 underwing gondolas.

Bf 109K-4/R5: K-4 with provisions for two Rb 12.5/7x9 or two Rb 32/7x9 cameras.

Bf 109K-4/R6: K-4 with a BSK 16 gun camera in the port wing.

Bf 109K-6: Not known if reached production. At least one test aircraft and probably more.
Engine DB 605D. Armament: 2 x MG 131/13/300 rpg. + MK 108/30/65 motor cannon +
2 wing installed MK 108/30.

Bf 109K-14: Operational late 1945 with II./JG 52, Two aircraft under Major Wilhelm Blatz
Engine: DB 605L using C3 fuel and MW 50: 1,700 ps/T.O., 1,725 ps (1,701 hp)/1,495 m.,
1,350 ps (1,332 hp)/9,570 m.

 

[tomo pauk]

Looking forward to see your work, Jeff

The deliveries of the Bf 109F-4 to service units begun in June 1941 (1st loss on July 1st 1941), the F-3 was delivered a tad earlier. The 1st G-6 with Db-605AS engine (=Bf-109G-6/AS) was delivered to the units in 'late spring of 1944). The 1st 'plain vanilla' G-6s were delivered as early as February 1943 in MTO, 1st loss on March 4th 1943, engine DB-605A. The 1st DB-605D engines became available in late 1944?

 

[CORSNING]

Tomo,
Great to here from you. Your post reminded me to put references in my first post. What is (are) your references for the information in your post? Does your reference(s) list the service units that became operational first with each of those models?

I know that I listed delivery dates of some of the versions, but I am ultimately trying to list the date that they first became fully operational and ready for combat. I would also like to be able to list the engine and boost/horse power used along with any dates that the boost was changed.



Thank you for the information, Jeff

 

[tomo pauk]

I've browsed through the book about the Bf-109 F, G and K variants, by Prien and Rodeike - sorry for not stating it in the above post. The book also lists the units that used the sub-types, but often those dates are not stated.

 

[Shortround6]

I have read that the first fighter bomber was the E-7 with earlier aircraft (E-4) being retro fitted.

Some Jumo 210 engines fitted to the pre "E" versions were fitted with fuel injection.

 

[Koopernic]

I applaud you for doing something sadly overly neglected in "history" which is to introduce dates. Without dates most facts are factoids. I blame literary and social critics who have found it convenient to ignore such matters in schooling and diluted a sense of this.

I will try and help latter but might I add the following advice and criticism.

Several critical sub types have been missed.

1 The Me 109E4/N and Me 109E7/N which had the DB601N engine. They were only build in small numbers as a stop gap while the Me 109F-0 was debugged into the Me 109F-1 but came at the end of the BoB and had little impact.
2 The introduction of the types should try and note which engines were fitted. In some cases a type may have had several engines and if possible the key dates the engine was released for certain boost levels.
3 Types before the Bf 109E had the Jumo 210 engine.
4 A few E1/B could carry a bomb.

Key sub types missing are as follows:
Me 109G5AS and Me 109G6AS which had the DB601AS engine with a larger supercharger that increased the full throttle height. (the G5 had cabin pressurization)

Me 109G6AM which had the DB601AM engine with water methanol injection (MW30 or MW50). This increase power from 1420 to 1700+

Me 109G6AM which had the DB601ASM engine with water methanol injection (MW30 or MW50). This increase power from 1420 to 1800.

Rodeike and Prien's book on the Me 109F/G/K is invaluable as a resource due to its listing of all subtypes, variants and serial numbers.
All the above were flying their first missions in March/April 1944. The authors usually note first combat losses, a sure sign the aircraft is in full use.

The above were standardized as the Me 109G14A and Me 109G14AS (always with MW50) from June 1944, the normal evidence being an enlarged oil cooler.

Me 109G10's always had the DB605DM, DCM DB/DC engine which is essentially similar to the ASM versions but purpose built rather than modified.

ME 109K4 had the same engines, they can be told apart by their extended retractable tail, which was re-introduced. The K4 actually entered service a month before the G10 in October rather than November 1945.

The Me 109K14 had the DB605L engine which had a two stage supercharger and a much higher critical altitude. The two that were delivered may or may not have had the 4 bladed props. One would also note an enlarged ovoid air intake to allow for the higher flows of air at high altitude.

G10 usually had the extended tail yoke that ameliorated the ground looping problem but this was often fitted to G14 and G6 as well.

Mention should also be made of the introduction ERLA hood which improved visibility as well as the Galland hood which in conjunction with the ERLA hood replaced the pilots head armour with a wall of bullet proof glass to improve the Me 109's poor rearward visibility.

The enlarged, taller tail tail was also fitted with a balance tab rather than a horn balance which greatly increased dive mach.

 

[Aozora]

According to Michulec and Prien Rodeike the first 109Fs entered service in October 1940 with I./JG 51; Major Werner Mölders was one of the first recipients, flying an F-1 Stammkennzeichen SG + GW; the first F-1 that went MIA was WNr. 5635 (Oblt George Claus) 11 November 1940.

According to Prien Rodeike no K-2s or K-14s entered service and it is likely there was only ever one K-6 tested at Rechlin: according to the JaPo book on the 109K, it was alleged that two 109K-14s were used in II./JG 52 by Major Wilhelm Blatz, yet Blatz himself did not remember Ks with four bladed propellers in his unit.

 

[Milosh]

Since corrections are being posted shouldn't that be Galland armor, not Galland hood.

 

[CORSNING]

Shortround6, Koopernic and Aozora,

Thank you all for your input. I greatly appreciate the help.

I would once again like to let everyone know that I am attempting to put together a time line of when each varient of Bf.109 became operational. I will be listing: 1. each version and sub-type to the best of my ability. 2. when each version became fully operational (not necessarily first combat). 3. combat unit of the first operational aircraft if possible. 4. the engine/engine maximum output/boost level used.

And probably the most important part, the reference used. The wrong references would make this list a joke. For instance, I did look over Wikipedia. I just couldn't use a source that listed the Bf.109A-0 as being one of the first to enter combat in Spain.

I am presently looking over all your input plus my present sources and trying to put engines to each version.

Thanks again, Jeff.

 

[Shortround6]

Radinger Schick's "Messerschmitt Bf 109 A-E" may be of help to you. I am not a 109 expert but the book seems well researched (or at least will sometimes give different numbers for the same "item" and say that the different numbers are from different sources.)

Some of the early records seem to be incomplete or contradictory, did 22 "A" models go to Spain or only 20? The V3 did wind up in Spain as did work #809

The book claims there were no "official" B-2 models or anything other than C-1 models (only 58 C's built), the C-3 being a paper exercise with no mention of the C-2?

Things get confused because (apparently) as the planes "aged" the Jumo powered planes were modified in the field. Planes built with fixed pitch props were fitted with variable pitch props and planes fitted with 3 guns from the factory lost the engine mount (prop) gun in service due to it's unreliability. A few other parts may have been swapped.

Not all "D"s have exactly the same appearance with perhaps 3 different exhaust set ups among other differences but no change in designation. The book does have some good power and performance numbers for the early models though.

 

[CORSNING]

Thank you Shortround. I am not even close to a Bf.109 expert either and I am not going to try to be. I have been researching all morning and have the list (on paper) revised up to the F-0 model. (This is taking a lot of work). I am begining to see that this could get expensive. I will update/cleanup my post #1 as soon as I am able.

Thanks guys, Jeff

 

[Denniss]

Make the Bf 109B-1 the Bf 109A and the B-2s just Bs to be correct. Never heard of Bf 109B produced with Jumo 210G but the early 109s are not really well documented.
The Jumo 210B had 640 PS, not 600hp. All your other hp ratings should be PS. Jumo 210Da/Ga should be just D/G.
Bf 109D reverted to non-fuel-injected Jumo 210D (G had fuel injection).
Designation F-4/B did not exist, every 109 from the E-7 was able to carry bombs. /B only used for converted E-1/-3/-4 JaBos.
G-6 spring 43 with standard DB 605A engine, both G-10 and K-4 had small deliveries in September 44
No K-2 built, G-16 sounds strange as well.

 

[CORSNING]

OK, the first preliminary update is done. As Denniss pointed out, PS and hp. ratings still have to be determined. I may have made some mistakes. It was a bit tedious doing an entire edit.

Thank you for your input Denniss. I'll check on your information as time permits. What was the reference(s) you used for the basis of your information in post #12?

Goodnight all, Jeff.

 

[Koopernic]

Carefull with power ratings, apart from the issue of the use of metric horsepower in European engines the power output of an engine can be given in many ways. An engine whose peak power is say 1000hp at sea level may produce 1100hp at 2000ft (due to reduced exhaust back pressure). Then there is the problem of the different ratings
takeoff power
continuous power or climb power or military power
WEP (war emergency power), in German parlance this was called Noteleistung (Emergency Power) but often there were improved versions such as Sonder Noteleisung (Special Emergency Power) eg if MW50 was used.

 

[Shortround6]

The book I referred to in post #10 gives the power of the Jumo 210 D as follows;


Height...............short term.................raised contin.................continuous ouput
..........................2700rpm....................2600rpm..........................2510rpm

KM.........................HP...........................HP..................................HP

0..........................680...........................610..............................545
2.7.......................640...........................575..............................510
4.5.......................500...........................450..............................400
6.0.......................406...........................465..............................325

Book says HP and not PS but I don't know.

109Ds used Jumo 210 engines.

Main difference on early models seems to be A's had Jumo 210D and two MG 17 machine guns, B's had Jumo 210D and three MG 17 machine guns (one through prop) and while some early Bs had the third gun retro fitted after completion, many B's had the third gun taken out. The C model (58 built) used the fuel injected Jumo 210G and the D model reverted back to the Jumo 210D, both had two MG 17s in the cowl (with much more ammo) and a single MG 17 in each wing.

 

[Denniss]

Many english language books transformed PS into hp without actually converting the values.
680PS is correct for Jumo 210D with take-off power at sea level, max power is ~690PS at ~800m according to engine power graph.
My first post was wrong regarding the Jumo 210B, it indeed had 600PS for take-off and this raised to the often claimed/stated 640PS at ~2.7 km.

There was no DB 601E in any Bf 109E except the machines used for F-series development, this is a common myth that has never been proven. The E-9 was probably intended to become an E-7/N based recon but was not built (maybe as conversion). The E-8 was an E-7 with 4-MG as armament. Recent authors claim this was intend as JaBo for strafing attacks. 60 built
The Bf 109 E-series either had the DB 601A, AA or N engine, N-variants were denoted with a /N designation. Take-off power for 601A was 1100PS, 601Aa had 1175PS. But to my knowledge this special high-power mode was not available in the Bf 109 as it was just intended for high-load take-off of bombers. Thus power available was 990/1050 PS. The 601Aa was in limited use in the 109, most likely they went to /B JaBos where the additional power was put to good use.

No Bf 109G-6 ever had a DB 605D engine, GM-1 birds were G-6/U2 with standard DB 605A.
G-6 with DB 605AS were G-6/AS, take-off power was 1435 PS - more PS required to drive the larger supercharger.
G-6 with MW-50 were usually converted /U2, early production may have been under G-6/MW designation (later renamed G-14)
Again Bf 109D with DB 600 is a common myth driven by propaganda images.
AFAIR the E-3 also had a JaBo /B version just like the E-4 as /B and /BN
the DB 601N had 1175PS take-off power but this was never available in the 109E, just the 109F with a modified 601N had this rating in 1941 (although some claim it was never unblocked)
The G-10 was delivered to units in October 44 for sure, some may have got soem a/c in 9/44.
The K-4 was delivered to units in 9/44 although in limited quantities.
DB 605DCM is a wrong designation for the DB 605DC - the M was not used for engines that were designed around MW-50, standard for G-10 was DM for a short time and changed to DB as soon as it became available, same with K4 and DM -> DC
The 605DB had 1850PS for take-off, later reduced to 1800PS, it required standard B4 fuel and not the 100 Oktan C3-fuel.
F-2/Z was cancelled or just converted from F-2, the F-4 proved to be better suited for this job and saw high production as F-4/Z. The F-4/R1 was an interesting variant as it was the first version able to take underwing armament (MG 151 gondolas), an option to become standard in the 109G.
The K-6 did not have underwing gondolas, the MK 108s were to be mounted inside the wing. One prototype known.

EDIT: the V5 has never been in Spain. V4 was marked 6-1 in Spain, V3 as 6-2. The V4 was sent back to Germany and V3 inherited the 6-1. V6 changed from 6-3 to 6-2, A-series 109 were marked 6-3 to 6-18 in spain, at least one fell into republican hands after landing behind the frontlines due to exhausted fuel.
Bf 109 C-2 did not exist, was planned with MG FF engine cannon but this did not work (just like D-2/E-2)
Bf 109 E-6/N is missing, recon based on E-4/N

 

[CORSNING]

Denniss,
I completely agree with your statement about PS being published by many as hp. As time permits I plan to change/calculate all the PS figures to hp once I have been able to determine which are which. My original reason for this post was to get a listing of the dates each version of Bf.109 became operational. Second reason to determine the unit, if possible, each version entered combat with. Third reason to determine what engine was powering that version. I am not writing a book but I would like to put together a quick date reference that is accurate as possible.

The following reference says the Bf.109A was in fact a version that entered the conflict in Spain:
The Bf 109 in Spain

Thank you for the correction on the Bf.109K-6 guns (No gondolas).
Messerschmitt Bf 109 K-6 by Mark Shanks (Hasegawa 1/32)

As far as the Bf.109B-1 and B-2 just being Bf.109Bs, all the (limited) information I can come up with so far as distinguished the two. Apparently the Russians thought so also:
Íîâàÿ ñòðàíèöà 1

What is your sources for information so I can add it to the references?

Thanks, Jeff

PS: I made some of the corrections but ran out of time. Will fix as time permits.

 

[CORSNING]

I have updated all changes applicable to Post #1. I have added all the references used that I am aware of.

Concerning the Bf.109K-4, what engines were actually used? I have been able to locate performance charts/graphs on the K-4 with DB 605DB /ASB, DB 650D w/MW 50, DB 605DC/ASC and DB 605DB/ASB w/MW 50.

If anyone has any corrections or more information to add, please do so.

I thank everyone for there valuable input, Jeff.

 

[kettbo]

Greetings CORSNING!
I really appreciate all you efforts to date! I am not a SERIOUS RESEARCHER but a very interested student on the GUSTAV.

some minor "fill-in" info
Prien pg 108 lists Bf109G-6/U3 as MW-equipped. Easy to convert between /U3 MW and /U2 with GM-1, Spring '44 is correct.
Interesting that in JG26 '43-'45 Diary by Jerry Caldwell that I do not show any losses with /U2 or /U3 suffix for the III./JG26. By 09/44 the reported losses of Bf109G-6 and Bf109G-6/U4 (mk 108 motor cannon) taper off and Bf109G-14s appear as losses starting Oct '44. I would think III./JG26 would have had 'upgraded' planes, more research required.

Prien lists production of the Bf109G-5 from May '43-Aug'44, pg 134. He shows them entering service Reich Defense Autumn '43. First loss 21 Sept '43.


Later canopy is ERLA Haube end of 1943 (Caldwell, pg 105) and clear pilot rear armor is Galland armor late summer '43. Tall tail is early 1944.

 

[CORSNING]

Thank you kettbo for the information and the appreciation.

I am counting heavily on you students and scholars of the Bf 109 to fill in the gaps and make the list something of value for all.

You all have been great and every bit of information is valuable.

Thank you, Jeff.