Germany's Messerschmitt Bf. 109 F Fighter^1,2

Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:

Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:

Improved Design

Was intended to take advantage of the extra power of the Daimler-Benz DB 601N and 601E engines with the added benefit of aerodynamic improvements.² These included smoother engine cowl with an enlarged spinner, rounded wing tips, reduced rudder, and a tailwheel that retracted.² The ailerons and flaps were also improved.²

In July 1940 a modified Bf 109 E with the improvements flew for the first time.² Later in 1940 ten evaluation planes designed Bf 109 F-0s flew.²

Variants

• F-5 and F-6 had cameras and were tactical reconnaissance fighters.² The F-6 had no armament.²
• F-2/Trop and F-4/Trop were versions that were modified to fight in a tropical environment.²
• F-2/Z and F-4/Z had GM1 nitrous oxide boosts.²
• F-4/R1 was a field modification that had two 20 mm cannons in gondolas under the wings.²

Usage

The first Bf 109 F entered service in January 1941.² The F-2 followed, and then the F-3 entered service in 1942.²

Around 2/3s of the fighter strength that was used in the invasion of Russia was Bf 109 Fs.² These were also used in North Africa.²

Used in Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Spain.²

Sources:

1. The Illustrated Directory of Fighting Aircraft of World War II, Bill Gunston, 1998
2. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998