Germany's Messerschmitt Bf. 109 F Fighter1,2,3

Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:
Germany's Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter
Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:
Germany's Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter
Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:
Germany's Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter
Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:
Germany's Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter
Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4 fighter in North Africa, possibly Marseilles':
Germany's Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4 fighter in North Africa, possibly Marseilles'
     

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

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

  Messerschmitt Bf 109 F Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-23
Type Fighter1, Fighter-bomber2 Fighter3
Crew 11 13
Engine (Type) Daimler-Benz DB 601E1
F-1, F-2: Daimler-Benz DB 601N2
F-3, F-4: Daimler-Benz DB 601E-12
Daimler Benz Db 601 N3
Cylinders Inverted V-121,2 V 123
Cooling Liquid1 Liquid3
Net HP 1,3001
F-1: 1,2702
F-3, F-4: 1,3502
1,2003, 1,2702
Propeller 3 blade2  
Dimensions    
Span 32' 6.5"1,2
9.92 m1,2
32' 6"3
Length 29' 0.5"1, 29' 2.5"2
8.9 m2
29'3
Height 8' 6"1, 8' 6.5"2
2.59 m1 , 2.81 m2
8' 6"3
Weight    
Empty ~4,330 lb1
F-4: 5,269 lb2
F-4: 2,390 kg2
5,188 lb2
2,353 kg2
Loaded 3: 6,054 lb1
F-4: 6,393 lb2
F-4: 2,900 kg2
6,173 lb2,3
2,800 kg2
Performance    
Speed F-3: 390 mph1  
Speed @ sea level F-4: 334 mph2
F-4: 537 kph2
 
Speed @ 21,300'   373 mph3
Speed @ 21,325' / 6,500 m F-4: 388 mph2
F-4: 624 kph2
 
Climb F-4: 4,290'/min2
F-4: 1,308 m/min2
 
Service ceiling ~38,000'1
~11,600 m1
F-4: 39,370'2
F-4: 12,000 m2
36,000'3
Range 365-460 miles1
F-4 with drop tanks: 528 miles2
F-4 with drop tanks: 850 km2
440 miles3
Armament F-1: 2: Rheinmetall-Borsig MG 171  
Above engine F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4: 2: 7.9 mm MG2
2: 7.9 mm MGs2
2: 7.9 mm MG2
2: MGs3
1: 15 mm3
Rounds    
Wings    
Rounds    
Propeller hub F-1, F-3: 15 mm2
F-4: 20 mm2
15 mm2
15 mm3
Rounds    
Bombs F-4B: 551 lb2
F-4B: 250 kg2
 
Quantity 12  
Production 2,2002  

Sources:

  1. The Illustrated Directory of Fighting Aircraft of World War II, Bill Gunston, 1998
  2. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
  3. World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
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