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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search Bf 109
Restored Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6
Roll Fighter
ManufactureBayerische FlugzeugwerkMesserschmitt
Designer
Willy Messerschmitt, Robert Lusser
First flight
29 May 1935
Introduction 1937
Retired 1945, Luftwaffe
1965, Spanish Air Force
Primary users
Luftwaffe
Hungarian Air Force
Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana
For?ele Aeriene Regale ale României
Number built
33,984[1]
Unit cost 42,900 RM
(G-6, Erla-Werke, 1943)
Variants
Avia S-99/S-199
Hispano Aviacion Ha 1112
The Messerschmitt Bf 109, often called Me 109, was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser during the early to mid 1930s.[2] It was one of the first truly modern fighters of the era, including such features as all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, a retractable landing gear, and was powered by a liquid-cooled, inverted-V12 aero engine.[2]
The Bf 109 first saw operational service during the Spanish Civil War and was still in service at the dawn of the jet age at the end of World War II, during which time it was the backbone of the Luftwaffe's fighter force.[3] From the end of 1941 the Bf 109 was supplemented by the Focke-Wulf Fw 190.
Originally conceived as an interceptor, later models were developed to fulfill multiple tasks, serving as bomber escort, fighter-bomber, day-, night-, all-weather fighter, ground-attack aircraft, and as reconnaissance aircraft. It was supplied to and operated by several states during World War II, and served with several countries for many years after the war. The Bf 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with a total of 33,984 units produced from 1936 up to April 1945.[1][3]